KTT Purple Star vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Purple Star and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile 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 Silent Tactile are two popular choices with distinct features. The Purple Star is a linear switch known for its smooth typing experience and light 45g bottom-out, making it perfect for light typists looking for ease and comfort. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile stands out for its medium tactility and superior noise reduction, making it ideal for office environments seeking a quiet yet crisp typing experience. While the Purple Star is categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press', the WS Silent Tactile is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Muted'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeals to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific qualities will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
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
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Purple Star and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile both aim to create a deep and pleasing sound profile, but they achieve this through different materials. The Purple Star utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a relatively muted and deeper sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a fuller and deeper sound profile. While both materials create a unique sound, the POM housing of the Purple Star may provide a slightly more muted tone compared to the nylon housing of the WS Silent Tactile.
While the Purple Star and the WS Silent Tactile share similar goals in creating a deep and pleasing sound profile, their housing materials offer distinct properties that contribute to their overall user experience. The POM top housing of the Purple Star absorbs sound differently compared to the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile, resulting in a potentially softer and rounder sound for the Purple Star. On the bottom housing side, the POM material of the Purple Star may impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch differently than the nylon material of the WS Silent Tactile.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Purple Star and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile may come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and tactile feel. While both switches aim to create a deep and pleasing sound, the differences in housing materials can lead to subtle variations in sound and feel. Whether you prefer the potentially more muted and deeper sound of the POM housing in the Purple Star or the fuller and deeper sound of the nylon housing in the WS Silent Tactile, each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch are quite different. The Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the WS Silent Tactile, which has an unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Purple Star requires 50 grams to bottom out, while the WS Silent Tactile needs 63.5 grams, making it heavier. The lighter actuation force of the Purple Star may appeal to those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the WS Silent Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience a similar travel distance between the top and bottom positions. This similarity allows for consistent feedback and typing experience regardless of the switch chosen. Whether using the Purple Star linear switch or the WS Silent Tactile switch, users can expect a smooth and consistent key press with a 3.5 mm travel distance each time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20.
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 during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch provides a neutral and muted sound profile that minimizes noise, making it ideal for office environments where quiet operation is essential. While the Purple Star switch focuses on a smooth and light typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the WS Silent Tactile switch prioritizes silent yet crisp feedback with its innovative design that eliminates the need for silicone dampeners.
In terms of feel, the KTT Purple Star switch offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, making it suitable for light typists who prefer a gentle resistance during key presses. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch provides an accented and invigorating tactile feedback that delivers a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Both switches offer a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, ensuring that users can enjoy a comfortable and responsive typing experience without causing finger fatigue.
In conclusion, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have different sound and feel qualities, they both aim to provide users with a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a low-pitched sound and easy-to-press feel or a neutral and muted sound with an accented and invigorating feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs, but rest assured that you will have a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Purple Star linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, you should opt for the Purple Star if you prefer a light bottom-out force, low-pitched sound, and an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. This switch is well-suited for light typists looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a neutral and muted sound profile, and an invigorating and accented tactile typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be the better choice. This switch is ideal for those who value both tactile feedback and noise reduction, making it a great option for office environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom-out force to ensure that you choose the switch that best fits your needs.