TTC Silent Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences and typing styles play a crucial role in the decision-making process. The TTC Silent Brown switches offer a wonderfully tactile experience with a light to medium resistance, ideal for those seeking comfort and a satisfying tactile bump without distracting noise, making them a popular choice for quiet environments or long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches introduce a unique hall effect mechanism that combines a bright, clacky sound signature with an incredibly smooth keystroke, catering to users who appreciate an engaging auditory feedback while typing. While the Silent Brown excels in muted elegance and a refined touch, the WS Dash stands out with its lively personality and smooth response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches, it is notable that both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity in materials ensures that users can expect a consistent sound profile across both switches, characterized by its sharpness and clarity. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to the overall crispness of the sound, making each keypress feel more precise and resonant. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, particularly when RGB lighting is employed, but also plays a crucial role in illuminating the keycap legends effectively.
In contrast to the polycarbonate top, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Silent Brown and WS Dash significantly influences the acoustic properties of the switches. The nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. This material choice enhances the tactile experience when typing, as it tends to soften the impact and contribute to a rounded auditory feedback. While the top housing delivers clarity upon releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing provides a rich backdrop, creating a well-rounded auditory experience that balances both high and low frequencies effectively.
In summary, while there are essential similarities in the housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and Wuque Studio WS Dash, the interplay between the polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in each switch offers a uniquely balanced sound profile. Users can achieve similar acoustic results due to the shared materials, with the polycarbonate allowing for high-pitched clarity and the nylon providing a fuller sound. This synergy between the stiffer polycarbonate and softer nylon ultimately shapes the overall typing experience, underscoring the importance of housing materials in the quality of keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Dash features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. Consequently, typists who prefer a lighter switch for extended writing or gaming sessions may find the WS Dash more appealing, as it requires less effort to actuate. On the other hand, users who favor a stronger tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience will likely gravitate towards the Silent Brown due to its heavier forces. Overall, the key takeaway is that the TTC Silent Brown is the heavier option, while the WS Dash is lighter, providing distinct experiences suited to different preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch reveals a notable difference: the Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Dash measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Silent Brown the longer option, offering a deeper press that some users might find more satisfying, especially those who appreciate the tactile feedback associated with a more pronounced travel. In contrast, the WS Dash, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and others who value rapid response times, as it enables quicker key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time; choosing the Silent Brown will yield a more traditional typing experience, while the WS Dash promotes faster interactions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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.
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 TTC Silent Brown tactile switches deliver a notably muted sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. They minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical switches, which can be particularly beneficial in shared workspaces or environments where noise is a concern. In contrast, the WS Dash hall effect switches are characterized by a bright and clacky sound signature. This means they produce a more pronounced auditory feedback during use, likely appealing to users who appreciate a more lively acoustic experience while typing. It's important to remember that sound perception can vary based on individual setups, including the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, which can further influence the final sound profile of each switch.
In terms of feel, the Silent Brown switches excel with their buttery, mild, and polished characteristics. Users can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke, making for a comfortable typing experience that balances tactile responsiveness with a gentle actuation force. The tactile bump is both noticeable yet not overwhelming, appealing to a broad spectrum of users from typists to gamers. On the other hand, the specifics about the feel of the WS Dash switches remain unknown, which leaves a gap in understanding how their tactile experience compares. Hall effect switches typically offer a unique sensation due to their non-contact actuation, but without detailed descriptors, this comparison remains speculative.
In summary, the TTC Silent Brown switches are ideal for those seeking a quieter and friendly typing experience with a smooth tactile feedback, while the WS Dash switches cater to individuals who prefer a more vibrant and clacky sound. The feel of the Silent Brown is well-defined and polished, ensuring a consistent experience, while the tactile qualities of the WS Dash remain unexamined but may offer a distinct touch given their hall effect design. Together, these switches represent two different philosophies in mechanical keyboard design—one focusing on subtlety and smoothness, and the other on brightness and tactile contrast—allowing users to choose based on their specific preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between TTC Silent Brown tactile switches and Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you value a quieter and more muted typing experience, perhaps for an office setting or shared space, the Silent Brown could be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, combined with its comfortable tactile feedback and buttery feel, makes it suitable for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more lively sound profile and a lighter keystroke, you might find the WS Dash more appealing. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams delivers a bright and clacky auditory experience along with a silky smooth feel that can enhance both gaming and typing enjoyment. In summary, choose the Silent Brown for a quieter, tactile experience that promotes focus and productivity, while the WS Dash caters to those who desire a more energetic and engaging keyboard performance.
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