TTC Silent Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a quiet and smooth typing experience, the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are both excellent options. The Silent Red switch is known for its buttery and polished feel, providing a consistent and comfortable typing experience. It is perfect for office or shared living spaces where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch by Wuque strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. It offers a medium level of tactility without compromising on a silent profile. Unlike most silent switches, it forgoes the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a more satisfying and crisp bottom-out feel. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Silent Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile has a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. So, while the Silent Red produces a more defined and sharp sound, the WS Silent Tactile offers a richer and fuller sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Silent Red and the WS Silent Tactile will provide a similar sound experience when it comes to bottom-out sounds and feels. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent depth and fullness in sound, regardless of the switch.
It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings are split between the Silent Red and the WS Silent Tactile. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced. While the housing materials may differ, both the Silent Red and the WS Silent Tactile aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavier feel when pressing the keys all the way down.
Considering weight can be important for various reasons. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the lighter actuation force of the TTC Silent Red may be more suitable, allowing for extended periods of typing without causing much strain. This is particularly beneficial for individuals using the keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users may prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the tactile feedback and provide a more substantial typing experience. In this case, selecting a switch with a heavier actuation force would be more fitting.
In summary, the TTC Silent Red offers a lighter actuation force, while the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unknown. However, both switches share the same bottom out force, providing a medium-heavier feel when fully pressing the keys. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose the switch that aligns with their desired typing experience, whether it be a lighter touch or a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.5 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. These distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. If responsiveness is your priority, the WS Silent Tactile would be the preferred option. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a greater sense of depth when pressing keys, the Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance would be a more suitable choice. Overall, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a quicker response or a more substantial key press experience.
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 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The WS Silent Tactile switch, on the other hand, has a neutral sound profile. It offers a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. Both switches are described as muted, which means they minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a smooth and consistent typing experience from top to bottom. It is often described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it is also referred to as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch has a padded bottom-out feel, adding to the overall comfort. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as accented, meaning it provides a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. It offers a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Similar to the Silent Red, the WS Silent Tactile switch is also described as mild, ensuring a typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and WS Silent Tactile switches offer different but comparable qualities. The Silent Red excels in providing a smooth and seamless typing experience with a muted sound profile, making it perfect for office or shared living space use. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. It delivers a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return while maintaining an impressively silent profile. Both switches provide a pleasant and comfortable typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a quieter and smoother typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With a muted sound profile and a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. The padded bottom-out feel also adds maximum comfort to your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that strikes a balance between tactility and noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is your go-to option. These switches offer a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. The ingenious stem railings with small cutouts effectively minimize switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Moreover, these switches offer a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches, creating an unrivaled blend of tranquility and tactility.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience, go for the Silent Reds. If you desire a tactile switch with a balanced level of tactility and noise reduction, the WS Silent Tactile switches are the way to go. Both switches excel in their respective areas, providing high-quality options for your mechanical keyboard.
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