TTC Silent Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red. The Silent Brown switch is known for its comfortable typing experience, offering a light-medium resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets it apart is its muted sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switch boasts a bouncy and responsive typing feel, thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring. While it retains a familiar sound signature, it does require a heavier actuation force, providing a substantial typing feel. Both switches have their unique qualities, making it a matter of personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetic qualities. The Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Red has a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon as the material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt in terms of the impact and bottom-out sound and feel.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the Silent Brown and the WS Red, both switches share similar characteristics in terms of the impact on sound when letting go of a key. The top housing material plays a significant role in this aspect. Therefore, regardless of the choice between polycarbonate or nylon for the top housing, the sound profile upon key release should be comparable for both switches.
Ultimately, the TTC Silent Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Red provide distinct sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound, while the WS Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches' nylon bottom housings contribute to a mellower sound. However, when it comes to the sound upon key release, the two switches should deliver comparable results as it depends more on the top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Silent Brown is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Red's actuation force remains unknown. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Silent Brown at 63.5 grams and the WS Red at 67 grams.
Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for prolonged periods might lean towards the Silent Brown switch. The lighter actuation force can be beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and pronounced keystroke may find the heavier forces of the Silent Brown's bottom out and the WS Red appealing. These switches can provide a satisfying push feel and a more tangible typing experience.
In terms of actuation force, the Silent Brown is known to require 45 grams, while the WS Red's exact actuation force remains unidentified. Nonetheless, since both switches are categorized as medium-heavy for bottom out force, it is likely that their actuation forces would yield similar results. Therefore, if someone desires a comparable experience in terms of actuation force, either of these switches could provide satisfying results.
Overall, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offer distinct characteristics in their force requirements. While the Silent Brown is lighter with specific force measurements, the exact actuation force for the WS Red remains unknown. Nevertheless, both switches share a medium-heavy bottom out force, allowing for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preferences for the weight and feel of keystrokes during typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance that can be felt when pressing down on a key. In the case of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Therefore, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels when pressed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
The Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch stands out for its muted sound profile. This means that the switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. By minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, the Silent Brown switch ensures a more peaceful typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is not specified, so we cannot provide information on its sound characteristics. It is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a range of qualities that contribute to a comfortable typing experience. Firstly, it is described as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This implies a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the switch is categorized as "mild," providing a gentle typing experience that most users can easily approach. The Silent Brown switch is also described as "polished," indicating a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch lacks specific descriptions regarding its feel, so we do not have information on its tactile characteristics.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch excels in terms of sound with its muted profile, ensuring a quieter typing experience. In terms of feel, it offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing sensation, resulting in a smooth and comfortable experience. Although we do not have specific information on the sound or feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is important to note that both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, it is recommended to try out both switches to determine which provides the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a light-medium level of resistance which, combined with their buttery, mild, and polished feel, provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force that adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is the way to go. With its double-stage spring and classic material blend, these switches deliver a satisfying and substantial typing feel while retaining a familiar sound signature. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize comfort and quietness with the Silent Brown or prefer a more responsive and substantial typing experience with the WS Red.
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