KTT Purple Star vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Purple Star and the Wuque Studio WS Onion mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a buttery smooth typing experience but cater to different preferences. The Purple Star's all-POM construction and light 45g bottom-out make it an excellent choice for light typists who prefer a mild, low-pitched, and easy-to-press switch. On the other hand, the WS Onion, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, provides a similarly smooth keystroke feel with a crisp and responsive touch, offering a more neutral, buttery, and polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles due to the different materials used in their constructions. The Purple Star's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to its functionality. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing and the WS Onion's nylon bottom housing provide contrasting sound profiles as well, with POM creating a deeper sound and nylon resulting in a fuller sound.
Although the Purple Star and WS Onion switches offer distinct sound profiles based on the materials used in their housings, they both demonstrate the impact housing materials can have on switch performance. The use of POM in the Purple Star creates a unique sound experience that is more muted, while the polycarbonate in the WS Onion adds a crisper and more resonant sound quality. Similarly, the contrast between the nylon bottom housing of the WS Onion and the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star showcases the different sound profiles that can be achieved through varying housing materials. Despite their differences, both switches illustrate the importance of housing materials in achieving desired sound profiles in mechanical keyboards.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the qualities of each material can be felt differently when typing on a switch. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the nylon or POM bottom housing of the WS Onion and Purple Star, respectively, will have a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing, whether POM or polycarbonate, will affect the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the combination of different housing materials in a switch can create a balanced sound profile that caters to both typing and auditory preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, we see a distinct difference in weight. The Purple Star has a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Onion has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, with an unknown actuation force. The Purple Star offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended periods of use or gaming sessions, while the WS Onion provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will find a switch that suits their typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Star may provide a slightly quicker response, ideal for gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the WS Onion's longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying key press with a bit more depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched tone that provides a bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. The difference in sound between the two switches can play a role in the overall typing experience, but keep in mind that the sound can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience. These switches are gentle on the fingers and require minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch provides a buttery and polished keystroke feel. With a smooth and refined finish, these switches offer a seamless and uniform typing sensation, providing a sleek typing experience. The differences in feel between the two switches can greatly impact the typing experience based on individual preferences.
In conclusion, the KTT Purple Star and Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Purple Star switch has a low-pitched sound and an easy-to-press feel, the WS Onion switch has a neutral sound profile and a buttery, polished keystroke feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, you can choose between the two switches to achieve similar results in terms of smoothness and comfort. It's essential to consider all aspects of the switches, including sound, feel, and any other personal preferences, to determine which switch will best suit your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile and easy-to-press keys, the Purple Star may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing feel with a neutral sound profile and a buttery smooth keystroke, the WS Onion could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and requirements.
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