KTT Ash Gray vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Onion 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 Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch known for its blend of substantial yet unobtrusive tactile feedback. With an easy-to-press and mild actuation, this switch provides a delightful tactile response without feeling overwhelming. On the other hand, the WS Onion is a linear switch featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a buttery smooth keystroke feel. Its crisp and responsive nature, combined with a neutral sound profile, offers a deeply satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches feature a clear housing, making them suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts. Overall, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches will deliver similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Ash Gray and the WS Onion utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that brings a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. This characteristic is present in both switches, resulting in a similar typing experience with regards to the bottom-out sound and feel.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two parts of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material will have more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Ash Gray and the WS Onion may have some differences in their housing materials, the overall typing experience and resulting sound will be quite similar.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are differences in both their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams, while the WS Onion's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a medium-light actuation force, which means they require a relatively gentle push to trigger a keystroke. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ash Gray has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the WS Onion has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the WS Onion slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ash Gray for a longer typing or gaming experience, as it requires less effort to trigger keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the WS Onion, which offers a heavier push feel due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, the choice between these switches would depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the WS Onion has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ash Gray. The Ash Gray falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers who seek faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Onion provides a bit more depth, which may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 Ash Gray switch is best known for offering a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive. It delivers a light touch with a crisp actuation, resulting in a delightful blend of tactile feedback on your fingertips. The sound profile of the Ash Gray switch is described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
On the other hand, the WS Onion switch excels in providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel. It features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a seamless and effortless typing experience. The feel of the WS Onion switch is described as both buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Ash Gray and WS Onion switches offer unique subjective qualities. The Ash Gray excels in providing a tactile response that is both substantial and unobtrusive, while the WS Onion offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it should be noted that the overall experience of sound and feel can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Ash Gray and WS Onion switches offer different subjective qualities, it is possible to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on the individual's setup and preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a light touch and a crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray would be an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that's not too overwhelming. The Ash Gray switch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, it has a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Wuque Studio WS Onion would be a great option. These switches offer a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. They provide a crisp and responsive feel, paired with a neutral sound profile. The WS Onion switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and the Wuque Studio WS Onion depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a light and tactile typing experience, go for the Ash Gray. If a smooth and polished linear switch is more to your liking, the WS Onion is the way to go. Both switches offer wonderful qualities and will enhance your typing experience.
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