TTC Silent Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, a linear switch. The Silent Brown is best known for offering a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Its muted sound profile is also highly appreciated. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. Users also love its crisp, responsive feel and neutral sound profile. Both switches have their own strengths, offering different typing experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This material choice enhances the sound profile of the switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, the Silent Brown and WS Onion will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
Contrastingly, the Silent Brown and WS Onion differ in their choice of bottom housing material, with the Silent Brown using nylon while the WS Onion also utilizes polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the WS Onion's polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a different sound experience. As the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, the choice of housing material can greatly influence the overall typing experience.
Considering the combination of different top and bottom housing materials, it is important to note that each material contributes unique qualities to the switch. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, with the Silent Brown's nylon bottom and polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a switch that provides a deep and full sound when typing, while the release of keys will have a sharper and crisper tone. Conversely, the WS Onion's polycarbonate top and bottom housing may result in a switch with a consistently sharp and higher-pitched sound throughout both key press and release.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is worth considering their actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the WS Onion's actuation force is unavailable, but it shares the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also categorizing it as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Brown might be the better choice with its lower actuation force. This allows for longer periods of typing without strain, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience, both switches provide a similar result. They both have the same bottom out force, ensuring that the keys are pressed all the way down.
Considering the weight of the switches is important for personalized preferences. It is crucial to recognize that a lighter switch, such as the Silent Brown, can offer advantages in terms of endurance and comfort for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, a heavier switch can cater to those who prefer a more forceful keystroke, providing a satisfying and substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch will depend on individual preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have different travel distances. The Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Onion has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the WS Onion falls within the standard 4.0 mm range, while the Silent Brown is slightly shorter. This makes the Silent Brown more suitable for those who prefer a shorter travel distance, as it provides faster response times, which is preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the WS Onion offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which some individuals may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
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 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.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The sound is minimized to reduce the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate level of sound, suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use the switch at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, both switches provide pleasant and unobtrusive sound profiles.
In terms of feel, both the TTC Silent Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer a buttery smooth keystroke experience. This means that they provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The keystrokes feel smooth and fluid, allowing for comfortable and enjoyable typing sessions. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This leads to reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The feel of these switches is approachable to most users, as they possess qualities that fall within the safe middle-ground zone. The typing experience on both switches is highly satisfying and comfortable.
Taking into consideration all the available information, both the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offer excellent subjective qualities. The Silent Brown provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. It also offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the WS Onion presents a buttery smooth keystroke feel, coupled with a crisp and responsive response. It has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various usage scenarios. Both switches share similarities in terms of feel, as they offer buttery and polished switches. So, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, either switch is a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preferences, such as desired resistance and sound level.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches are the way to go. These switches offer a muted sound profile and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches are an excellent choice. These switches also have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for feel and sound.
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