KTT Strawberry vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the KTT Strawberry and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The KTT Strawberry, with its appealing pink and clear housings, offers a low-pitched, frictionless experience characterized by a silky and buttery feel that many typists and gamers find irresistible. Its smooth actuation and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches provide a unique experience with their hall effect technology and refined sound signature. These switches are not only bright and clacky but also ensure a silky smooth keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback alongside effortless key presses. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing a smooth and soft touch and the other combining tactility with distinct sound—each has its own merits that can enhance your typing experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, it becomes evident that both employ polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared material results in a finely-tuned acoustic experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, making it ideal for producing clear audio feedback when a key is pressed. Aesthetically, the translucence of polycarbonate optimizes RGB lighting integration, offering vibrant illumination that appeals to enthusiasts who prioritize visual aesthetics alongside performance. Thus, both switches will yield similar results in terms of sound clarity and visual presentation due to their identical top housing material.
However, a notable contrast arises in the materials used for the bottom housing. The KTT Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the clear and resonant sound profile established by its top component. In contrast, the WS Dash employs nylon for its bottom housing, which alters the auditory experience significantly. Nylon, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper, fuller sound profile while also absorbing more sound, thus resulting in a noticeably different typing feel. The complementing qualities of the top and bottom housings in each switch create distinct sound dynamics; the Strawberry's sound remains consistently sharp across both housing components, whereas the WS Dash delivers a richer sound, particularly during the bottom-out phase.
Overall, the differences in bottom housing materials lead to contrasting tactile and auditory experiences in the KTT Strawberry and the WS Dash. While both switches achieve crisp sound profiles when keys are released, the overall impact during key presses diverges significantly. The Strawberry's use of polycarbonate throughout ensures a cohesive, bright sound, while the WS Dash's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound to create a more rounded and muted auditory landscape. Enthusiasts seeking a specific type of feedback may find their preference leaning towards either switch based on the desired interplay between the sharper top sound and the deeper bottom output.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Strawberry linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Strawberry switch requires a higher actuation force of 43 grams, while the WS Dash is lighter at 30 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Strawberry again has the heavier rating at 62 grams compared to the WS Dash's 55 grams, which emphasizes a more substantial feel when bottoming out. This difference in weight indicates that the Strawberry switch offers a firmer typing experience, favored by users who appreciate a stronger push feel, whereas the WS Dash is ideal for those looking for ease and comfort during prolonged use. Overall, if you're aiming for a lighter switch with less strain, the WS Dash would be the better choice, whereas the Strawberry provides a sturdier option for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Strawberry linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Strawberry switch provides a deeper actuation, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the WS Dash, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker keypresses for immediate responsiveness, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Accordingly, if you prioritize rapid response times, the WS Dash is the better option. However, if you appreciate a more pronounced feedback from your keystrokes, the longer travel distance of the KTT Strawberry is likely to provide a more satisfying experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
The KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 KTT Strawberry linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched tone, offering a bass-heavy and mellow auditory profile that contributes to a more subdued typing experience. This can make it suitable for quiet environments, as it doesn't produce the sharp, high-pitched clicks that some users may find distracting. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch boasts a bright and clacky sound signature, likely providing a more pronounced acoustic feedback during use. This contrast means that while the Strawberry offers a more relaxed auditory experience, the WS Dash appeals to those who prefer a clear and lively sound while typing.
In terms of feel, the KTT Strawberry excels in delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. Users can expect a fluid travel with minimal resistance, resulting in an effortless keystroke experience that enhances the overall comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the characteristics of the feel for WS Dash switches are not specified. However, given their usage in refined applications like the Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, they may also provide a commendable tactile experience, though it remains unknown how they compare to the Strawberries in terms of smoothness and overall typing sensation.
In summary, the KTT Strawberry linear switch offers a low-pitched sound and an incredibly smooth and comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer quieter and more serene keypresses. Meanwhile, the WS Dash presents a brighter auditory profile, possibly appealing to users who enjoy a more dynamic sound when typing. As such, while both switches serve distinct preferences, they can still cater to users looking for different auditory experiences and tactile sensations, depending on individual taste and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a typing experience that is characterized by smoothness, comfort, and a low-pitched sound, then the KTT Strawberry is an excellent choice. Its frictionless and silky feel makes it suitable for long typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and are drawn to the unique clacky sound signature that hall effect switches provide, you might find yourself leaning toward the WS Dash. Its refinement and smooth keystroke offer a distinct experience that can be particularly enjoyable for gaming or rapid typing tasks. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how each switch aligns with what you find most satisfying in your keyboard experience—be it the smooth, polished touch of the Strawberry or the bright and engaging response of the WS Dash.
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