TTC Gold Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile are two popular options to consider. The Gold Brown is known for its balanced characteristics, offering a slight but satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. The sound profile of these switches is rounded and softer compared to most switches, making it a great choice for those who want a tactile feel without the noise. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are specifically designed for office and work environments. They strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, providing a medium level of tactility while maintaining an impressively silent profile. These switches are crafted with precision, featuring innovative stem railings with small cutouts to minimize switch sound. What sets them apart from conventional silent switches is the absence of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that feels crisp and satisfying. Both switches offer unique qualities that make them appealing choices, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches differ in terms of their housing materials. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is especially beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic composition. While the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a more clear and resonant sound, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Both switches have a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile. The relatively softer plastic material of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, giving both the Gold Brown and the WS Silent Tactile a similar acoustic characteristic. When pressing down on either switch, you will feel the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, as it has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in sound production. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the key, while the top housing influences the sound when you release the key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown and the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile each bring their unique characteristics to the sound profile of these switches, offering different tonal qualities when typing.
In summary, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches vary in terms of their top and bottom housings. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. The impact of the housing materials also differs depending on whether you are pressing down or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the unavailable grams of the WS Silent Tactile. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 63 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown may be the preferable option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods, such as those using the keyboard for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial push feel to enhance the typing experience. This may be preferred by users who enjoy a stronger and more pronounced feedback while typing.
Considering the weight aspect, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. Depending on personal preferences, one may find either option suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and WS Silent Tactile switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch have distinct travel distances that can affect the overall typing or gaming experience. The Gold Brown offers a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional option. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm.
In terms of preference, gamers tend to lean towards shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times, making it ideal for quick and precise keystrokes. If you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming, opting for the WS Silent Tactile, with its shorter travel distance, might be the better choice for you.
However, it's important to note that some individuals might find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the Gold Brown, with its longer travel distance, might be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke.
In essence, the decision between the TTC Gold Brown and the WS Silent Tactile boils down to personal preference. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the WS Silent Tactile is a suitable option. Conversely, if you prefer a longer travel distance for a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Gold Brown would be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences, catering to different user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
The Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Gold Brown and the WS Silent Tactile switches fall under the category of neutral switches. This means that they have a moderate sound profile, suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using them at home or in the office. However, the WS Silent Tactile switches are distinguished by their muted sound profile, which produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It is important to note that the sound produced by these switches is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switches offer a mild typing experience. They have a gentle tactile bump that provides a safe middle-ground level of tactility, neither too overwhelming nor subtle. They are also described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches provide an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. They also fall under the category of accented switches, which means they offer a prominent amount of tactility without being too scratchy.
Taking into account all the available information, both the TTC Gold Brown and the WS Silent Tactile switches provide a balanced experience. They offer a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most users and purposes. While the Gold Brown switches have a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches minimize switch sound effectively without compromising on tactility. Both switches provide a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. The Gold Brown switches offer a mild and approachable typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile switches provide an invigorating feel. If you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, either switch would be a good choice depending on your preference for a softer sound or a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a moderate weightiness and a slight, satisfying bump, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a great choice. These switches offer a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches without being completely silent. They have a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and can be used at home or in a work environment.
On the other hand, if you prioritize noise reduction without compromising on tactility, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is the way to go. These switches strike a delicate balance between offering a medium level of tactility and maintaining an impressively silent profile. Crafted with precision and featuring ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, these switches minimize switch sound while still delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches that use silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Tactile switches provide a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel, creating a unique blend of tranquility and tactility.
Both switches have a medium actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or in a work environment. They also offer a gentle typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a balanced switch with a slight bump and a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown is a great option. If noise reduction and maintaining a silent profile are important to you without sacrificing tactility, the WS Silent Tactile switch is the perfect choice.
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