TTC Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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 Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Silent Red switch is perfect for those seeking a seamless typing experience without the noise. With its smooth and consistent feel, it provides maximum comfort with a padded bottom-out feel. This makes it an ideal choice for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch from Wuque Studio offers a profound and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying resistance of 70g with every keystroke. It not only offers an exceptional tactile experience but also provides a captivating sound profile with its nylon housing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in their housing materials, with the Silent Red featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a nylon top housing and nylon bottom housing as well. In terms of sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound. This makes the WS Heavy Tactile a better choice for those who enjoy a more muffled and toned-down typing sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red is transparent, making it perfect for users who wish to showcase their keyboard's RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant and visually appealing illumination of the switches. Conversely, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing does not provide the same transparency, which means that RGB lighting effects may not be as pronounced. However, this may not be an issue for users who prioritize the tactile feel and sound of the switches over visual aesthetics.
While the top housing materials differ between the Silent Red and the WS Heavy Tactile, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This means that they both offer a similar typing experience in terms of depth and fullness of sound. The relatively softer nylon material of the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muffled and rounded sound profile. Therefore, if the bottom housing is the main factor influencing the sound and feel of the switch, users can expect similar results from both the Silent Red and the WS Heavy Tactile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The TTC Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered relatively light, and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile has an actuation force that is currently unavailable, but its bottom out force is 45 grams, which is lighter than the Silent Red.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Red would be a suitable choice as it allows for typing over extended periods of time without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation force is also ideal for gamers who require quick and precise keystrokes. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel, the WS Heavy Tactile would be the preferred option. Despite the unknown actuation force, the 45-gram bottom out force provides a relatively lighter resistance while still delivering a satisfying tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Those in need of a lighter typing experience may find the TTC Silent Red more suitable, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel may opt for the WS Heavy Tactile. Each switch offers its own advantages, ensuring that users can find the right balance of actuation and bottom out forces to enhance their typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating that they are designed for quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows them to actuate keys more rapidly. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the TTC Silent Red would provide a slightly deeper press compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Heavy Tactile 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
The TTC Silent Red linear switch is best known for its muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more low-key and discreet typing experience, especially in office or shared living space environments. The switch also offers a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It has a padded bottom-out feel, adding to the maximum comfort during long typing sessions.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offers a profound and pronounced tactile bump, making each keystroke immersive and engaging. With a tactile force of 70g, typing on these switches provides a satisfying resistance without being overwhelming. The Wuque Heavy Tactile Switches also present a captivating sound profile described as "thocky" due to its nylon housing, contributing to a satisfying auditory feedback with each keypress. The sound produced by these switches can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, creating an overall immersive auditory experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both offer unique and desirable characteristics. The Silent Red provides a muted and smooth typing experience, perfect for those looking for a quieter and more comfortable switch. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a pronounced tactile feedback and a captivating sound profile, providing an engaging and immersive typing journey. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch can offer a rewarding and enjoyable typing experience.
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 switches are the perfect choice. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. They have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which provides a medium-heavy feel. The Silent Reds offer a consistent, buttery keystroke experience that is comfortable and effortless. On the other hand, if you want a more engaging and immersive typing journey, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio are a remarkable choice. These switches have a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a lighter touch. Known for their pronounced tactile bump, the WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a satisfying resistance with each keystroke. They also produce a clacky and resonant sound profile, adding to the immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between TTC Silent Red linear switches and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switches depends on your preference for sound, feel, and typing environment.
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