KTT Cream Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Red, two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Cream Yellow switch stands out for its clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring adds to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Red switch offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a 22mm double-stage spring, while still maintaining a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. Expect a heavier actuation force that adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Both switches offer their own advantages, such as the Cream Yellow's distinct sound and the WS Red's responsiveness, however, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in terms of their housing materials. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that typing on the Cream Yellow with its polycarbonate top housing will provide a clearer and more resonant sound, while the WS Red with its nylon top housing will produce a duller and rounder sound.
Both the Cream Yellow and the WS Red utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, whether it's the Cream Yellow or the WS Red, the nylon bottom housing will provide similar sound qualities. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
Although the housing materials of the Cream Yellow and WS Red differ, the impact each material has on the overall sound profile is similar. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound when keys are released, while the WS Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similarly dull and round sound during key presses. Whether you prefer the clearer resonant sound of the Cream Yellow or the deeper sound of the WS Red, both switches offer distinct acoustic profiles influenced by their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. The Cream Yellow has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the actuation force of the WS Red is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams of force, whereas the WS Red is slightly heavier with 67 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Yellow may be the better option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions, as it allows for less strain on the fingers and hands. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the WS Red switch to be more suitable. With its heavier bottom out force, it provides a stronger push feel, giving a sense of durability and responsiveness.
Although the actuation force for the WS Red is unavailable, it is possible to achieve a similar result as the Cream Yellow by focusing solely on the bottom out force. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience. Overall, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Red will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Cream Yellow falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a bit more depth and might be better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches deviate from the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, with the Cream Yellow being on the shallower side and the WS Red falling somewhat in between. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50 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 Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. On the other hand, information about the sound of the WS Red switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, based on the information available, the Cream Yellow switch is likely to provide a more audible and distinctive sound compared to the WS Red switch.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience. This is achieved through its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys have a lively feel, giving users a rebound when pressed. Conversely, information about the feel of the WS Red switch is unknown. It is uncertain whether it provides a similar bouncy feel or a different typing experience altogether. However, based on the information provided, the Cream Yellow switch is the one that can be expected to deliver a more bouncy and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow switch stands out for its distinctively clacky sound and uniquely bouncy typing feel. It offers a resonant audio feedback due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, and a lively and elastic typing experience thanks to its lengthened spring. While information about the sound and feel of the WS Red switch is unknown, it is important to consider personal preferences and the other factors at play, such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, when selecting a switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are a few factors to consider.
If you prioritize sound, the Cream Yellow switch is the better choice. It is designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound, giving your keyboard a crisp, bright, and percussive audio feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound signature of the WS Red switch is not explicitly mentioned, so it may not provide the same level of clackiness if that is what you desire.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy typing experience. With its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring, it provides a uniquely elastic feedback sensation. This makes the keys feel lively and gives you a rebound when pressed. The feel of the WS Red switch is not described, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of bounce and elasticity.
Finally, if actuation force is a consideration, the WS Red switch has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. This adds a touch of weight to each keystroke and can provide a satisfying and substantial typing feel. In comparison, the Cream Yellow switch has a slightly lower bottom out force of 58 grams, which is medium.
Ultimately, your decision between the Cream Yellow and WS Red switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force. Consider what qualities are most important to you and choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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