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KTT Semi Mute vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

An in-depth look at the KTT Semi Mute and the Wuque Studio WS Red 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 Semi Mute and the Wuque Studio WS Red. The KTT Semi Mute is best known for its completely silent operation, making it ideal for those who value a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions. With a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Red stands out with its 22mm double-stage spring, offering a bouncy and responsive typing experience. While it retains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend, it does come with a heavier actuation force, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke and delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

43g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

58g

Bottom-out force

67g

Pre-travel

1.60 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 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

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

15mm spring

Spring

22mm double-stage spring

Housing materials

The KTT Semi Mute and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Semi Mute featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing while the WS Red utilizes nylon for both. The polycarbonate housing of the Semi Mute produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This results in a clear and resonant sound when typing on the switches, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a more defined sound. On the other hand, the WS Red's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. This can provide a different typing experience, appealing to individuals seeking a more mellow sound.

While the top housing materials differ between the two switches, both the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi Mute and the nylon top housing of the WS Red offer transparency. This transparency is particularly advantageous for users planning to use RGB lighting as it allows for a better display of the lighting effects. Despite the difference in sound profile, the use of transparent housing materials ensures a similar aesthetic experience, with the lights shining through to create an eye-catching display.

When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials of the top and bottom also play a role. The bottom housing of a switch contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the tactile response when the key is fully pressed. In this case, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute and the nylon bottom housing of the WS Red offer contrasting characteristics. The stiffer polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper bottom-out sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a softer and rounder feel. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released, affecting the sound profile of the switch when the key bounces back after being pressed.

In conclusion, the housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in terms of the type of plastic used and the resulting sound profiles. While the polycarbonate housing of the Semi Mute leads to a sharper and clearer sound, the nylon housing of the WS Red produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches offer transparency in their housings for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Additionally, the bottom and top housing materials influence the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound profile when the key is released, providing a varied typing experience for users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are some notable differences to consider. The Semi Mute switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the WS Red switch does not have a specified actuation force. Both switches, however, have a medium bottom out force, with the Semi Mute requiring 58 grams and the WS Red requiring 67 grams.

Weight is an important factor to consider when selecting a switch. Some users prefer a lighter switch as it allows for longer typing sessions, which proves beneficial for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may lean towards switches with heavier forces.

Comparing the two switches, the Semi Mute switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, although it is uncertain how it compares to the WS Red switch in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the WS Red switch is heavier. While the bottom out force for the Semi Mute switch is 58 grams, the WS Red switch requires a slightly heftier 67 grams.

Both switches fall within the medium range for bottom out force, providing a good balance between a lighter touch and a more solid keystroke. However, due to the unavailability of information regarding the actuation force for the WS Red switch, it is challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Nonetheless, by opting for either switch, users can expect a similar result in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, although with potential variations depending on the specific values.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is evident that they have slight differences. The Semi Mute has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Despite this disparity, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances. The 4.0 mm distance is considered the most conventional, while the 3.8 mm distance is slightly shallower. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, opting for the WS Red with its shorter travel distance would be the way to go. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and for them, the KTT Semi Mute with its longer travel distance would provide a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired tactile experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.

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

The KTT Semi Mute linear switch is best known for its completely silent operation, making it perfect for those who prioritize a noise-free environment during typing sessions, especially at night. Despite its name, the Semi Mute switch still offers a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. It features a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, providing a comfortable and gratifying feel while typing. The sound produced by the Semi Mute switch is muted, creating a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches. This minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, ensuring an undisturbed typing experience. The feel of the Semi Mute switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The overall qualities of the KTT Semi Mute switch make it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether used at home or in a professional setting.

On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is best known for incorporating a 22mm double-stage spring, resulting in a bouncy and responsive typing experience. It retains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. The WS Red switch has a heavier actuation force, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke. This heavier feel contributes to a satisfying and substantial typing sensation. Although the sound profile of the WS Red switch is not described, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In conclusion, the KTT Semi Mute and Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Semi Mute switch provides a muted and quieter typing sound, perfect for those who value a noise-free environment. Its buttery feel ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switch offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience, although its sound profile is not specified. Despite their differences, both switches deliver a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Regardless of the switch chosen, the overall typing experience will be enjoyable and tailored to individual preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a noise-free typing environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, you may want to choose the KTT Semi Mute linear switch. With its completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology, this switch provides a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. Its medium bottom out force of 58 grams offers a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for most intents and purposes. Furthermore, the Semi Mute switch is described as producing a muted sound and offering a buttery and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless feel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a touch of weight to each keystroke, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch may be more suitable for you. This switch features a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, adding a satisfying and substantial feel to your typing. While there is limited information available on the sound and feel of the WS Red switch, it offers a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Semi Mute and Wuque Studio WS Red switches depends on your specific preferences for noise level, typing experience, and actuation force. Consider your typing environment, desired sound profile, and preferred typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.

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