Durock Black Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth considering are the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Black Lotus is a linear switch that stands out for its silky smooth feel and unrivaled precision. With reduced housing and stem wobble, typing becomes an absolute pleasure. The 55g actuation weight provides a substantial yet manageable level of resistance. Additionally, the Black Lotus boasts a unique removable light column for in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that offers a seamless blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing even during extended sessions. Enthusiasts particularly appreciate the delightful auditory experience provided by the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision about which switch suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches differ in their housing materials, which impacts the overall typing experience. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer satisfying tactile feedback and a pleasant typing experience.
As for the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and the WS Brown switches use nylon. Nylon is favored for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, users will experience a deeper and fuller sound due to the impact of the nylon bottom housing. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience with regards to sound and feel.
While the materials used for the top and bottom housing may differ between the Black Lotus and the WS Brown, it is important to note that they both offer unique qualities to enhance the overall typing experience. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and premium typing experience that users would expect from high-quality mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it becomes evident that there are some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Black Lotus is 55 grams, providing a medium-heavy push feel, while the WS Brown's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them both fall into the medium-light category.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the WS Brown more suitable, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This lighter weight can be beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force, which some users may prefer. The 63.5 grams bottom out force of the Black Lotus further contributes to this substantial feel.
Overall, while the actuation force of the two switches may differ, the equal bottom out force ensures that both will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to fully depress the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience, with the Black Lotus offering a heavier and more substantial feel, and the WS Brown providing a lighter and potentially more comfortable option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the WS Brown's 3.8 mm. In terms of preference, the Black Lotus falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the WS Brown is slightly shallower. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize quick responsiveness, the WS Brown may be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a deeper keystroke. In this case, the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus switch is not specifically described, so it is unknown how it sounds. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch is described as offering a familiar and delightful auditory experience due to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus switch is described using various descriptors. It is mentioned to have a silky smooth feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This switch is also referred to as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it is described as having a mild characteristic, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. Lastly, the Black Lotus switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific description provided for the feel of the WS Brown switch.
In conclusion, the information provided suggests that the Black Lotus switch offers a smooth and polished typing experience with various desirable characteristics such as silkiness and butteriness. Although the sound of the Black Lotus switch is unknown, the WS Brown switch is described as providing a familiar and delightful auditory experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, and depending on one's preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it is always important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be a great choice. These switches are known for their unparalleled precision and reduced wobble, providing maximum typing pleasure. With a substantial 63.5g actuation weight, they strike a balance between resistance and ease of typing. Additionally, the unique light column feature adds in-switch lighting that can be fully removed if desired.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is worth considering. With a 55g actuation weight, these switches offer a responsive and comfortable typing experience, ensuring fatigue-free sessions even during long typing sessions. The nylon housing and POM stem combination provides a delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Brown depends on your preferred bottom out force, typing feel, and auditory experience. Consider your preferences and requirements to make an informed decision.
Mentioned in this article
