KTT Pine vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Red. The KTT Pine is a linear switch that is best known for its medium-heavy feel and buttery smooth key travel. With a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction and provide an effortless typing experience. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched', the KTT Pine offers a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red is also a linear switch that stands out for its bouncy and responsive typing experience. Featuring a 22mm double-stage spring and a classic material blend, these switches deliver a familiar sound signature with a touch of weight to each keystroke. While actuation force is heavier with the WS Red, it offers a satisfying and substantial typing feel. It is important to consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing between these switches. However, let's delve deeper into their characteristics to help you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The Pine utilizes a polycarbonate material for both its top and bottom housings. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those looking for a precise typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red features a nylon material for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon creates a duller and rounder sound with less emphasis on crispness. Therefore, those who prefer a more muffled and immersive typing experience may find the WS Red's nylon housing appealing.
Despite their differences, both the Pine and the WS Red share the benefit of using translucent housing materials. This allows for the integration of RGB lighting, making them visually striking choices for users who prioritize aesthetic features. Additionally, the housing materials of both switches contribute to their overall sound profiles, albeit in different ways. While the Pine's polycarbonate housing emphasizes sharpness and clarity, the WS Red's nylon housing focuses on deepness and fullness. The top housing of each switch plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the sound and feel during key presses. Therefore, whether the choice is the Pine or the WS Red, users can expect distinct auditory experiences tailored to their desired sound profile.
In summary, the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Pine's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, appealing to those who prioritize precision. Meanwhile, the WS Red's nylon housing absorbs sound, offering a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches, however, provide the advantage of using translucent housing for RGB lighting effects. Furthermore, the impact of each housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing affecting the sound and feel during key presses.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Pine switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, both of which are considered medium. On the other hand, the WS Red switch does not have the exact measurement for its actuation force available, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. In terms of weight, the Pine switch is lighter than the WS Red switch.
The actuation force of a switch determines the force required to trigger a keystroke. With the Pine switch, one can expect a relatively light and responsive typing experience. Although we do not have the exact actuation force measurement for the WS Red switch, it can be assumed that it falls within a similar range as the Pine switch, resulting in a comparable typing experience.
The bottom out force, which measures the force required to fully press a key, is heavier in the WS Red switch compared to the Pine switch. This means that individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the WS Red switch more suitable for their needs.
Weight is an important factor to consider, as it can affect the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch might opt for the Pine switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier WS Red switch.
Overall, while the Pine and WS Red switches have some differences in their actuation force, bottom out force, and weight, individuals can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the Pine has a travel distance of 4 mm while the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Pine, with its 4 mm travel distance, falls into the category of a more traditional distance, while the WS Red offers a slightly shallower experience. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as they can lead to faster response times. If quick responsiveness is your priority, opting for the WS Red with its 3.8 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Pine. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired feel while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
The Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile during key presses. This means that the switches produce a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch are unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. They are designed to feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as each keystroke effortlessly melts into the next. Conversely, there is no available information about the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch.
Overall, based on the information provided, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a buttery smooth feel and a bassy, low-pitched sound profile. It is designed to provide an effortless typing experience with minimal friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch lacks information about its sound and feel characteristics. Therefore, if you are looking for a similar smooth and bassy typing experience, the KTT Pine switch might be a suitable choice. However, keep in mind that the overall typing experience is influenced by factors like keyboard layout, keycap materials, and individual preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prioritize a medium-bottom out force, a smooth and effortless typing experience, and a bassier and low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Pine switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, a bouncy and responsive typing experience, and a satisfying and substantial typing feel, you should opt for the Wuque Studio WS Red switch. Both switches offer their unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. Make sure to consider these factors when making your decision to ensure the best mechanical keyboard experience for you.