KTT Pine vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, two options that stand out are the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch. The KTT Pine switch is widely recognized for its translucent, forest green design that adds a touch of elegance to any keyboard setup. This switch is lauded for its medium-heavy weight, providing a buttery smooth typing experience that feels effortless. Additionally, the factory-lubed finish of the Pine switch minimizes friction for a consistently smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switch from Wuque Studio offers a timeless fusion of classic materials and innovative engineering. Equipped with a 22mm double-stage spring at its core, these switches deliver a satisfying bounce that enhances the typing experience. With a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore, the WS Yellow switch strikes the perfect balance between creamy and mild. Crafted to be lightweight, this switch ensures every keystroke is effortless and fluid. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 KTT Pine and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow differ in terms of their housing materials. The Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the WS Yellow employs a nylon top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Pine's housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the WS Yellow's nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. While the Pine's polycarbonate housing provides a more clear and resonant sound, the WS Yellow's nylon housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, these two switch options offer distinct audio experiences.
When it comes to aesthetics, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing offers translucency, which is advantageous if you plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Yellow does not provide the same level of translucency due to its nylon top housing. Thus, if you prioritize the visual appeal of RGB lighting, the Pine may be the better choice. Conversely, if you prioritize a more muted and subdued lighting effect, the WS Yellow's nylon housing may suit your preferences.
Interestingly, the qualities of each housing material are split between the bottom and top housings in switches that have different materials for each. The bottom housing is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning it has a greater impact on the tactile feedback when you press down on the switch. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Pine and WS Yellow, respectively, will result in a different tactile and auditory experience when typing. It's important to consider your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel when choosing between these two options.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Pine linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Yellow does not have an available measurement for its actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Pine having 58 grams and the WS Yellow having 53 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Yellow could be a suitable option as it has a lighter bottom out force. This allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is beneficial for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the KTT Pine switch, as it has a slightly heavier bottom out force. This can provide a satisfying push that some typists find enhances their typing experience.
Although the actuation force of the WS Yellow is unknown, it's important to note that the actuation force primarily determines the force required to trigger a keystroke. As long as the actuation forces of both switches are similar, users can expect comparable results in terms of the force required to initiate typing. This means that even without specific information, users can still make informed decisions based on the known bottom out forces of the switches.
In conclusion, while the KTT Pine and Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches have some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, they offer options for both light and heavy typing preferences. The Pine provides a medium actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force, catering to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Meanwhile, the WS Yellow offers a lighter bottom out force, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance for keyboard switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the WS Yellow switch slightly shallower in terms of travel.
The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick and precise keystrokes, the WS Yellow switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you.
However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer a switch that offers more depth and a more tactile feel. In this case, the KTT Pine switch with its longer travel distance could be the more suitable choice.
It is important to note that while the travel distances of these two switches differ slightly, they both fall within the range of what is considered acceptable for comfortable typing experiences. So, regardless of which option you choose, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
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 Yellow 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
The KTT Pine linear switch is best known for its medium-heavy weight, buttery smoothness, and effortless typing experience. These switches have a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction and allows for extremely smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the Pine switch is described as bassy and low-pitched, offering a deep and rich sound profile resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch combines classic materials with cutting-edge engineering. These switches feature a 22mm double-stage spring that provides a delightful typing experience and a satisfying bounce. Due to its material blend, the WS Yellow switch offers a familiar sound signature that many enthusiasts adore. However, specific information about the sound qualities of the WS Yellow switch is unknown.
In terms of feel, the KTT Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. They offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. The WS Yellow switch is also described as creamy and polished. They offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, likely due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials. Additionally, the WS Yellow switch has a mild characteristic, providing a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. The polished finish of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the provided information, both the KTT Pine and the WS Yellow switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. While the specific sound qualities of the WS Yellow switch are unknown, it is likely to provide a pleasant and satisfying sound. Both switches aim to provide an effortless typing experience with smooth key travel. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are a few factors to consider.
In terms of bottom out force, both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, with the Pine at 58 grams and the WS Yellow at 53 grams. This means that both switches provide a comfortable typing experience without requiring excessive force.
The Pine switches are best known for their smoothness and effortless typing experience. With a factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction for smooth key travel. This, combined with their medium-heavy bottom out force, makes them ideal for those who prefer a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel.
On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches offer a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. They are crafted to be lightweight, providing effortless keystrokes and a smooth and fluid typing experience. With their creamy and polished feel, these switches offer a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease.
In terms of sound, the Pine switches are described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The WS Yellow switches, on the other hand, have no specific sound description provided, indicating that they offer a more neutral or versatile sound.
Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference. If you prefer a slightly heavier and more substantial feel with a deeper and richer sound profile, the KTT Pine linear switches would be a great option. If you prefer a lighter and smoother feel with a more neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches would be a perfect fit. Both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, ensuring a pleasurable and enjoyable typing session.
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