KTT Cream Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options that are worth considering are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch that is best known for its distinctively clacky sound and uniquely bouncy typing feel. Its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring all contribute to its resonant audio feedback. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear is also a linear switch but is categorized as neutral, mild, muted, and subdued. It elevates your office and work experience by masterfully reducing switch noise while delivering unparalleled responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear foregoes silicone dampeners, offering a distinct typing experience that is devoid of the usual cushioned sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, it is clear that they differ in terms of their top housing. The Cream Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Cream Yellow and the WS Silent Linear make use of nylon. This common material choice leads to similar qualities in terms of sound profile. Both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the sound produced by both switches is of a duller and rounder nature.
While both switches differ in their top housing materials, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, despite the differences in the top housing materials, both the Cream Yellow and the WS Silent Linear are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of the overall sound profile. However, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key, which might lead to subtle variations in the sound characteristics between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Silent Linear's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium category actuation force. Moving on to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams of force, while the WS Silent Linear requires 63.5 grams. This means that the WS Silent Linear has a slightly heavier bottom out force, falling into the medium-heavy category.
Considering the weight aspect, the WS Silent Linear may be a better choice for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, as it offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, those who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Cream Yellow, as its actuation and bottom out forces are slightly lighter. Overall, while the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, it can be assumed that both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation, as they both fall under the medium category.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Thus, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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
The Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. When pressed, this switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch aims to reduce switch noise while delivering unparalleled responsiveness. It offers a more muted and subdued sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The WS Silent Linear switch is designed with ingeniously designed stem railings and discreet cutouts to minimize noise. While it does not provide complete silence, it offers a softer and quieter sound signature. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a uniquely bouncy typing experience. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This switch provides a lively feel and gives rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It provides a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The WS Silent Linear switch stands in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its feel, making it approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and WS Silent Linear switches offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Cream Yellow switch provides a clacky sound with a distinctively bouncy feel, while the WS Silent Linear switch offers a muted sound with a mild typing experience. These switches cater to different preferences and purposes. If a user is looking for a sharp and snappy sound with a bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if a user values reduced switch noise and a more gentle typing experience, the WS Silent Linear switch would be a better option. Whether the choice is to go for clacky or muted, bouncy or mild, it is important to consider personal preferences and the specific use case.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize sound and a distinctive typing experience, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be your ideal choice. With its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, the Cream Yellow provides a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. The lengthened spring also adds to a bouncy typing feel, giving you a uniquely lively experience. On the other hand, if you value a quieter and more subtle typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is the way to go. These switches are specifically designed to reduce noise with ingeniously designed stem railings and discreet cutouts, eliminating the need for silicone dampeners. The WS Silent Linear offers a muted and subdued sound, ensuring tranquility while maintaining precision. Additionally, its mild feel provides a gentle and approachable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Cream Yellow and WS Silent Linear switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, with the Cream Yellow offering a clacky and bouncy experience, and the WS Silent Linear providing a muted and mild typing sensation.
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