TTC Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that prioritizes a quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Red and Wuque Studio WS Brown are both excellent options to consider. The Silent Red switches are renowned for their smooth and seamless typing experience, free from the disruptive noise that often accompanies mechanical keyboards. Perfect for office or shared living spaces, these switches provide a muted sound profile that won't disturb those around you. Additionally, the Silent Reds offer a consistent and comfortable feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out for maximum comfort. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches offer a different set of advantages. With a medium-light actuation force, they strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them ideal for fatigue-free typing during long sessions. These switches also provide a delightful auditory experience, beloved by enthusiasts, thanks to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches differ significantly. The Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Brown has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, the Silent Red with its polycarbonate top housing will provide a more vibrant and precise sound compared to the WS Brown with its nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Silent Red and the WS Brown switches feature nylon housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deep and full sound profile. Its softness allows for the absorption of more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, in terms of sound production, the bottom housing of both switches will offer similar qualities. The bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing in both cases.
While the top and bottom housings of the Silent Red and the WS Brown switches have different materials, the overall impact on sound production is similar. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red creates a sharper and crisper sound when keys are released, while the nylon top housing of the WS Brown results in a deeper and fuller sound. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile upon pressing down. Therefore, despite the variation in materials, both switches will provide satisfying sound experiences, with the Silent Red offering a sharper tone on key release and the WS Brown delivering a fuller tone throughout the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, requiring a medium-heavy push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Brown is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Red is 63.5 grams, while the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light.
Considering weight, the Silent Red is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. This added weight can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Brown offers a slightly lighter touch, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions.
Although the exact actuation force of the WS Brown is unknown, it is safe to assume that the lighter bottom out force of 55 grams suggests a generally lighter actuation force as well. This implies that individuals looking for a lighter typing experience may find similarities between the two switches, as the WS Brown provides a lighter bottom out force compared to the Silent Red. Ultimately, the preferences and needs of the user will determine which switch is more suitable for their typing or gaming requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have contrasting travel distances. The Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Therefore, the WS Brown is the longer of the two switches. While these distances may seem relatively close, even a small difference can impact the overall feel of the switch.
In terms of comparison, both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance. This is a trend seen in modern switches, particularly favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. The Silent Red, with its slightly shorter travel distance, may be preferred by those seeking maximum responsiveness. On the other hand, the WS Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more depth to their keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Red and the WS Brown will depend on individual preferences. If a shorter travel distance is desired for quicker input, the Silent Red is a suitable option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial and satisfying keystroke, the WS Brown's slightly longer travel distance would be a more suitable choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Red is a clear winner. It is described as producing a muted sound profile, making it perfect for office or shared living space use. This switch minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound of the WS Brown switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience. Described as buttery, this switch provides a smooth and fluid keystroke, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It also offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable for most users, with qualities that stand in a safe and middle-ground zone. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, no specific information is available about the feel of the WS Brown switch, but based on the description of the TTC Silent Red, we can expect a similar level of smoothness and comfort for typing sessions.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the TTC Silent Red and the WS Brown switches have different subjective qualities. The Silent Red excels in providing a muted sound profile, making it suitable for quiet environments, while also offering a buttery, mild, and polished feel for a smooth and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, there is limited information available about the sound and feel of the WS Brown switch. However, based on the similar descriptors used for the Silent Red, it is reasonable to assume that the WS Brown switch would also provide a familiar and delightful auditory experience with a nylon housing and POM stem combination, as well as a comfortable typing experience with a medium-light actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preferences in terms of sound and feel, as well as other factors such as keycap and keyboard board choices.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the Silent Red linear switch would be the perfect choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a buttery and polished feel, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It also has a muted sound profile, making it an ideal option for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams and value a familiar and delightful auditory experience, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is the way to go. It strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Overall, both switches have their strengths and can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Red and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches depends on the desired level of noise, typing experience, and personal preference.
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