TTC Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the Silent Reds are the perfect choice. With a muted sound profile, these switches are perfect for office or shared living space use. The switch has a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, and there's a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfiness. In contrast, the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with its 22mm double-stage spring. While it retains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend, it also adds a touch of weight to each keystroke with a heavier actuation force, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. These switches cater to different preferences; the Silent Reds are ideal for those seeking a quiet and smooth experience, while the WS Reds are more suited for those who enjoy a slightly heavier and more tactile feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches differ in terms of their impact on sound profiles. The Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer properties of polycarbonate contribute to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their unique qualities, they offer distinct auditory experiences.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Silent Red and WS Red switches differ, yet contribute to the overall sound profile in a comparable manner. Both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, which elicits a deep and full sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite the variation in their top housing materials, the Silent Red and WS Red switches offer similar sound profiles due to the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
However, it is worth noting that the different housing materials of the Silent Red and WS Red switches also influence the sound when pressing and releasing a key. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it is polycarbonate or nylon, have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing, whether it is polycarbonate or nylon, plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, the choice of housing material affects not only the overall sound profile but also the tactile experience when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is clear that both switches fall under the medium-heavy category. The TTC Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the exact actuation force of the WS Red is not available, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams. In terms of weight, both switches provide a substantial typing experience. However, for those who prefer a lighter switch to type for extended periods, the TTC Silent Red may be more suitable with its slightly lighter actuation force. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a stronger push feel for those who desire a more substantial typing experience. While the specific actuation force for the WS Red is unknown, it can be inferred that both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out forces, making them comparable choices for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a medium-heavy switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it can still have an impact on the overall typing experience.
For those who prefer a shorter travel distance, the TTC Silent Red switch would be the better choice. With its travel distance of 3.7 mm, it offers a slightly quicker key press response time, making it ideal for gamers or individuals who prioritize fast and precise typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and satisfying key press, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch with its slightly longer 3.8 mm travel distance might be more suitable. The additional 0.1 mm can provide a deeper and more deliberate keystroke, which some typists find more comfortable and enjoyable.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Red switch depends on personal preference. Whether you prioritize speed or a more tactile typing experience, both switches will provide satisfactory results, albeit with slight variations in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches have different characteristics. The Silent Red switch is best known for its muted sound profile, which produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it ideal for environments like offices or shared living spaces where noise is a concern. On the other hand, there is no information provided about the sound profile of the WS Red switch, so it is difficult to directly compare the two. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Silent Red switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, being a mild switch, it offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The polished nature of the switch, whether due to materials used or factory lubing, results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, no information is provided about the feel of the WS Red switch, so a direct comparison cannot be made.
In conclusion, the Silent Red and WS Red switches have distinct characteristics. The Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile, making it suitable for quiet environments, and offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the sound and feel of the WS Red switch are unknown. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Silent Red, such as a quieter sound profile and smooth typing experience, it would be best to choose the Silent Red switch. Remember that the overall experience will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used in conjunction with the switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the Silent Red switches are the perfect choice. With a muted sound profile and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. They provide a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature, the WS Red switches are a great option. With a bottom out force of 67 grams and a 22mm double-stage spring, they offer a heavier actuation force that adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, resulting in a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your preference for noise level and typing experience.
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