KTT Wine Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the KTT Wine Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of different options, such as the KTT Wine Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Wine Red switches are celebrated for their pillowy light feel and a satisfyingly deep, rich sound profile that adds a warm ambiance to your typing experience. With their bassy, low-pitched tones, they offer a soothing yet responsive touch ideal for those who prefer a linear switch without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches present a striking contrast with their bright, clacky sound signature and silky smooth keystroke, thanks to their innovative Hall Effect technology. This makes them a fantastic choice for users who enjoy a heightened auditory feedback along with a refined tactile response. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether it’s the deep resonance of the Wine Red or the lively elegance of the WS Dash. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your unique typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
44g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Wine Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall performance. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which brings a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile characteristic of this stiffer material. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is used, but also aligns with sonic clarity. As a result, users can expect a comparable auditory experience during the key release phase of typing, where the unique properties of polycarbonate resonate effectively, making both switches suitable for users invested in rich lighting and clear sound.
In terms of their bottom housing, the KTT Wine Red opts for polycarbonate, maintaining the same sonic properties that characterizes its top housing. This consistency ensures a uniform sound across both the pressing and releasing actions. Conversely, the WS Dash employs nylon for its bottom housing, offering a distinctly different sound profile. Nylon is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than the stiffer polycarbonate. This divergence results in the KTT Wine Red delivering a more articulated and crisp sound experience overall, while the WS Dash tends to generate a softer, rounder auditory feedback, especially noticeable during key presses.
Consequently, the combination of materials in both switches leads to unique results, driven by the interplay between their top and bottom housings. While the KTT Wine Red achieves a harmonized sound signature through uniform use of polycarbonate, the WS Dash illustrates the typical switch design philosophy of utilizing different materials to create varied auditory experiences. The KTT Wine Red excels in creating a clear and resonant sound throughout the entire key actuation process, while the WS Dash introduces a fuller sound with a more rounded feel, especially at the bottom-out phase. Users can select between these two options based on their sound preference, with the Wine Red appealing to those seeking precision and clarity, and the WS Dash inviting those who favor warmth and depth in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Wine Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find some interesting distinctions in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are the same. The Wine Red switch has an actuation force of 44 grams, which is heavier than the WS Dash’s actuation force of 30 grams. This means that the WS Dash will likely provide a lighter feel during typing, making it more suitable for extended use without fatigue. Both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that regardless of the differences in their actuation forces, they will deliver a similar feeling when fully pressed down. Therefore, users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the WS Dash, while those who enjoy a slightly more substantial typing experience may prefer the KTT Wine Red.
Travel distance
The KTT Wine Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference highlights a key distinction between the two: the Wine Red provides a more traditional and hearty depth, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when activating a key. On the other hand, the WS Dash's 3.5 mm travel distance aligns with the growing trend towards shorter distances favored by gamers seeking quick responsiveness and faster reaction times. Consequently, if your priority is a swift key actuation, the WS Dash would be the preferred choice, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke experience may gravitate towards the KTT Wine Red.
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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 Wine Red linear switch boasts a deep and rich sound profile, characterized as bassy and low-pitched. This gives the switch a satisfying auditory quality that resonates with a mellow yet pronounced tone, making for an enjoyable typing experience that often feels reminiscent of plushness and warmth. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switch features a distinctly bright and clacky sound signature. This profile likely adds to a more energetic typing experience, providing audible feedback that can be invigorating for users who appreciate a more lively response. While these switches differ in overall sound character—one being warmer and the other more vibrant—they both contribute a significant auditory element to typing, influenced by the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Wine Red switch is known for its pillowy light type feel, which can provide a gentle, cushioned experience when pressing the keys. This smooth resistance can create a sense of comfort during long typing sessions. The WS Dash switch, on the other hand, is characterized by a silky smooth keystroke, suggesting a gliding sensation that might feel particularly fluid and effortless. Both switches aim for a comfortable typing experience, but while the Wine Red focuses more on a cushioned environment, the WS Dash may cater to those who appreciate a more seamless transition from keypress to bottoming out.
In summary, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a deeper, bassy sound and a pillowy feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a softer auditory and tactile experience. The Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switch, with its bright, clacky sound and silky smooth keystrokes, attracts those who seek a more dynamic and lively typing feel. Together, these switches illustrate the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard options, catering to varying preferences in sound and feel, although users can expect similarly satisfying experiences in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Wine Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you seek from your typing experience. If you're inclined towards a softer, more pillowy feel with a deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red switch is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams allows for effortless typing, making it suitable for long typing sessions or relaxed gaming where you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a touch of bass in the acoustics. Conversely, if you enjoy a keystroke that is not only silky smooth but also delivers a bright and clacky sound, the WS Dash switch might be more to your liking. With the same bottom-out force, the hall effect technology brings a unique refinement with its sound signature that emphasizes clarity, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback while typing or gaming. In the end, consider the overall sensory experience you desire: rich and mellow with the Wine Red or bright and engaging with the WS Dash, and you’ll find the switch that best matches your style.