KTT Mallo vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Mallo and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, typists are presented with unique options catering to different preferences. The Mallo offers a subtle and balanced typing experience with gentle tactility and a medium-light feel, perfect for those seeking a versatile switch that doesn't overpower the typing environment. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a more pronounced tactile feedback with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a captivating "thocky" sound, making typing engaging and satisfying for those who prefer a more accentuated and lively typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both utilize nylon as their bottom housing material. This common choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches from both brands. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches ensures that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience with a focus on rich sound quality.
In contrast, the KTT Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Mallo's top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, providing a more clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, giving users a different auditory sensation when typing. This difference in top housing material highlights how housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Although the top and bottom housings of the KTT Mallo and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in material, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through sound quality. While the Mallo's top housing made of polycarbonate delivers a clear and resonant sound, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique blend of characteristics that cater to users seeking a customized typing experience. Overall, whether the housing material is polycarbonate or nylon, users can expect a high-quality sound profile and tactile feedback from both the Mallo and the WS Heavy Tactile.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has a light actuation force, requiring None grams to trigger a keystroke, and a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Mallo offers a lighter typing experience, suitable for longer typing sessions, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a more substantial push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, the Mallo has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a travel distance of 3.2mm. In this case, the Mallo has a longer travel distance than the WS Heavy Tactile. The 4 mm travel distance of the Mallo is more traditional, providing a deeper keypress feel, which can be preferable for some users. On the other hand, the 3.2 mm travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile is slightly shorter and may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of keypress depth, with the Mallo offering a longer travel distance for a more deliberate keypress, and the WS Heavy Tactile providing a slightly quicker response with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued typing experience, making it suitable for various settings without being too distracting. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch produces a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound that adds a vibrant and engaging auditory element to typing. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the environment in which the keyboard will be used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch provides a feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing experience, offering a comfortable and approachable feel for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback and responsive typing experience. Depending on whether one prefers a more subtle and gentle feel or a more pronounced and reactive typing sensation, the decision between the two switches would vary.
Overall, the KTT Mallo switch emphasizes subtlety and finesse with a balanced tactility and a neutral sound signature, making it a versatile choice suitable for a wide range of typing environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a profound tactile experience with a captivating "thocky" sound, providing a more engaging and immersive typing sensation. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so users can expect distinct typing experiences based on their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you value a feathery and subtle typing experience with a neutral and subdued sound profile, the Mallo may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback with a clacky and resonant sound profile, the WS Heavy Tactile switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing comfort and auditory experience.
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