KTT Strawberry vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Strawberry 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 KTT Strawberry and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Strawberry switch is known for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With its attractive pink and clear housings, it offers a low-pitched, frictionless, and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch from Wuque Studio is a remarkable addition to their esteemed WS series. It provides a profound and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying resistance with each keystroke. The tactile force of 70g ensures an engaging and immersive typing journey. Additionally, these switches produce a captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' take on nylon housings that contribute to a "thocky" resonance. They are characterized by an accented, bouncy, clacky feel that is high-pitched and invigorating. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Strawberry and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile adopts nylon for both its top and bottom housings, producing a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Strawberry and the WS Heavy Tactile offer distinct qualities. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry contributes to its overall sound profile, with a stiffer plastic delivering a clear and resonant sound. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Heavy Tactile produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition and increased sound absorption. These qualities affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches when pressed.
On the other hand, the top housings of the two switches play a significant role in the sound when a key is released. The polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound upon key release. Its translucency also enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is incorporated. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile generates a duller and rounder sound when keys are released, thanks to the sound absorption properties of the softer plastic.
In summary, the KTT Strawberry and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile possess contrasting housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. While both switches utilize polycarbonate and nylon for their top and bottom housings, respectively, the differences in stiffness and sound absorption result in distinct sound characteristics. The Strawberry's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon housing produces a fuller and deeper sound. However, if the top and bottom housings are the same for a switch, the sound qualities will be more evenly distributed throughout the keystroke experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Strawberry is 43 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile does not provide information on its actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Strawberry requires 62 grams, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile requires a lighter 45 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile would be the better option, as it requires less force to bottom out. This can be advantageous for individuals who type for prolonged periods, such as those using a work keyboard or engaging in long gaming sessions. It allows for a smoother and potentially more comfortable typing experience.
On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a slightly greater actuation force and a higher bottom out force. This means that users can expect a more substantial push feel when typing. Some individuals may prefer this tactile feedback, as it provides a sense of reassurance and offers a more pronounced typing experience.
In summary, while the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is not specified, it is evident that it requires less force to bottom out compared to the Strawberry switch. This makes the WS Heavy Tactile switch lighter in terms of force requirements. The Strawberry, on the other hand, offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be desirable for those seeking a more tactile and pronounced feel while typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the Strawberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Strawberry falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing users with a deeper and more pronounced key press experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a shallower travel distance, which is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. Both options cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile would be the suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Strawberry switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the travel distance plays a significant role in the user's typing experience, and choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50.
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 switch is best described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switch produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone when pressed, providing a soothing auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, giving it a crisp and bright auditory feedback. The WS Heavy Tactile switch also offers a resonant sound profile, which adds to the immersive typing experience with its clean and sharp sound. It is important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Therefore, while the Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound and the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, the final sound experience will also depend on other factors.
In terms of feel, the KTT Strawberry switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience. These switches are designed to minimize resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing sensation. The Strawberry switch is also described as buttery, indicating a seamless and uniform typing feel. Additionally, the switch is characterized as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, further enhancing the overall typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an accented tactile feel. This means that the switch provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. The WS Heavy Tactile switch is also described as bouncy, giving it a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. Additionally, the switch is considered invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The sharp tactile bump of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is prominent and distinct with every keypress, making it known for its high feedback intensity. Furthermore, the switch is also described as snappy, indicating its super responsiveness, which can be attributed to longer or dual-staged springs.
In conclusion, the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have distinct qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound and a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, along with an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel. Choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer their own unique qualities, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for their respective users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it all depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth actuation and comfortable typing experience, the Strawberry switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force of 62 grams and descriptors such as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, this switch offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation, perfect for those seeking a fluid and refined keystroke experience.
On the other hand, if you crave a more engaging and immersive typing journey with a pronounced tactile feedback, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is the better choice for you. With a lighter 45-gram bottom out force and descriptors such as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, this switch provides a notable tactile bump that enhances your typing experience, giving you a responsive and reactive feel with each keystroke.
Consider the sound profile that appeals to you as well. The Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound that is crisp, bright, and immersive.
Ultimately, it is important to try out different switches and determine which one suits your preferences and typing needs best. Both the KTT Strawberry and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have their own unique features and advantages, so don't be afraid to explore and find the perfect fit for your ultimate typing experience.
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