KTT Purple Star vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Purple Star and the Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinctly different experiences tailored to various typing preferences. The KTT Purple Star, known for its all-POM construction, promises a buttery smooth typing experience accompanied by a gentle sound profile, making it an ideal option for light typists with its 45g bottom-out force. This linear switch is designed for those who appreciate a mild and low-pitched feel, emphasizing comfort and ease during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, introduces a captivating bright and clacky sound signature that brings a lively character to your keyboard, paired with an impressively smooth keystroke. While the WS Dash is tailored for users who enjoy a more energetic and refined tactile response in their typing, it stands out for its unique magnetic technology that provides durability and precision. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, one of the most striking contrasts lies in their top housing materials: POM for the Purple Star and polycarbonate for the WS Dash. POM (Polyoxymethylene) is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile, which can deliver a unique auditory experience that emphasizes warmth and richness. In contrast, polycarbonate is a stiffer material that creates a sharper, high-pitched sound, enhancing clarity and resonance. The transparent nature of polycarbonate also benefits RGB lighting setups, making it a visually appealing choice. Therefore, while the Purple Star may provide a warmer sound signature that appeals to users looking for a more subdued auditory response, the WS Dash caters to those who prefer a crisper sound that enhances the gaming or typing experience through vivid lighting effects.
The bottom housings of the two switches further highlight their differences, with the Purple Star featuring POM and the WS Dash utilizing nylon. The POM bottom housing of the Purple Star is consistent with its top housing, producing a similarly deep and muted sound profile, which contributes to a cohesive auditory experience. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Dash delivers a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. This can lead users to experience a rounder bottom-out sound that may feel more satisfying. Consequently, the Purple Star creates a more uniform sound profile from top to bottom, while the WS Dash offers a mix that balances the deeper sound signature of nylon in the bottom with the clearer tones from its polycarbonate top.
Despite the varying materials used, both switches can ultimately achieve similar performance outcomes depending on user preference. The partnership of a softer bottom housing with a sharper top housing in the WS Dash can create a unique interplay of sound characteristics, offering a distinct typing experience. Meanwhile, the dual POM housing of the Purple Star facilitates a more consistent and deeper sound profile. Therefore, while the auditory responses differ markedly between the two designs, both switches can provide satisfying and engaging experiences depending on the sound profile the user desires, if they prefer warmth and depth or clarity and resonance.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Purple Star linear switch with the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Star has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams, compared to the WS Dash’s lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making the Purple Star more suitable for those who prefer a firmer feel when typing. However, the bottom out force for the Purple Star is 50 grams, while the WS Dash has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that while the Purple Star feels lighter when initially pressing down, the WS Dash provides a bit more resistance when fully depressed. This means that for users who favor a lighter switch for prolonged use or gaming, the WS Dash may be the better option due to its lower actuation force, while the Purple Star, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to those appreciating a more substantial typing experience overall.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users can expect the same key feel and actuation distance when pressing down on each switch, leading to very similar results in performance and tactile feedback. Since both switches have the same travel distance, this alignment allows for a consistent typing experience across either option, making them equally appealing for those who prioritize a linear switch design.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
The KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 Purple Star linear switch exhibits a low-pitched sound signature that lends itself to a mellow and bass-heavy auditory experience, providing a neutral backdrop for typing. This quality makes the Purple Star an appealing option for those who prefer a quieter environment while typing, as the sound produced is unlikely to be intrusive. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch showcases a bright and clacky sound signature, which can introduce a more energetic and lively auditory feedback that some users might find more engaging. It's worth noting that the overall sound characteristics of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the inherent qualities of each switch will lead to distinctly different auditory experiences.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Star stands out for its mild and easy-to-press characteristics. This switch offers a gentle typing experience, making it suitable for light typists or anyone seeking a low-impact typing feel. The minimal force required to activate the keys reduces finger fatigue during extended usage, resulting in a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the WS Dash switches remain unspecified, so their unique tactile feedback and overall typing sensations are unknown. However, users can expect a silky smooth keystroke, which suggests that they may have a refined typing experience, albeit with potentially different resistance levels or tactile feedback compared to the Purple Star.
In summary, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound and mild, easy-to-press feel, making it a great option for those seeking a smooth and unobtrusive typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Dash hall effect switch brings a bright and lively auditory quality to the table, alongside a silky keystroke that hints at a level of refinement. While the Purple Star offers a more consistent typing experience, the WS Dash may provide an unknown yet potentially stimulating feel. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize sound, tactile feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Purple Star and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you’re after. If you’re a light typist who values comfort and an effortless typing experience, the KTT Purple Star is likely the better fit. With its very light 45g bottom-out force and buttery smooth feel, it provides a mild, low-pitched acoustic profile that is perfect for those long typing sessions when you wish to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit more auditory feedback and a refined typing experience, the WS Dash could be your switch of choice. With a slightly heavier actuation force at 55 grams and a bright, clacky sound signature, these Hall Effect switches deliver a captivating experience that adds character to your keystrokes. Ultimately, consider how you interact with your keyboard—if you want a gentler touch and a quieter environment, go for the Purple Star, but if you’re drawn to a lively, spirited feel with more auditory feedback, the WS Dash would be the way to go.
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