TTC Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile. The Silent Red, a linear switch, is ideal for those seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience, making it perfect for office settings or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile, a tactile switch, offers a satisfying tactile bump while still maintaining a smooth feel and a neutral sound profile. The Silent Red is known for its polished and muted characteristics, while the WS Light Tactile is characterized by its easy-to-press and stepped feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile feature a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that resonates sound more clearly. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, the difference in their respective bottom housings will impact the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Silent Red and the WS Light Tactile utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. This means that when typing on these switches, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will play a significant role in the overall typing experience, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while both the Silent Red and the WS Light Tactile share similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, the difference in their bottom housing materials will lead to variations in the sound and feel of typing on each switch. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of these housing materials on the overall typing experience can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that they both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Red has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Silent Red switch better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the WS Light Tactile switch is ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch is 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Red being on the shorter end and the WS Light Tactile being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Silent Red for its faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may prefer the WS Light Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 Red linear switch offers a muted profile, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a more discreet typing experience, especially in shared environments like offices or living spaces. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch provides a neutral sound signature, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile. While both switches offer different sound profiles, it's important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build quality and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as offering a buttery keystroke experience, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation from top to bottom. The switch also has a mild feel, making it approachable to most users, and a polished finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is characterized by a stepped feel, providing a more gradual tactile feedback compared to switches with a more pronounced bump. Additionally, it offers an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required to activate the keys, enhancing typing comfort and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red is best suited for those seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the WS Light Tactile caters to users who prefer a tactile response with a more gentle actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If a user enjoys a quieter and smoother typing experience, they may find satisfaction with the Silent Red switch, while those who prefer a more tactile response may opt for the WS Light Tactile switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Silent Red linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience suitable for shared spaces and want a smooth and consistent feel, the Silent Red switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a snappy bump and easy-to-press actuation, the WS Light Tactile switch could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer unique features and advantages, so weigh your priorities carefully before making your decision. Ultimately, the perfect switch for you will depend on your individual typing style and environment.
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