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Durock Black Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash

An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standouts in the market are the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, each offering a distinct typing experience. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and precision, with a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between sensitivity and resistance. Its design minimizes wobble, ensuring a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, while the unique light column allows for customizable in-switch lighting. Conversely, the WS Dash switches are characterized by their hall effect technology, delivering a bright and clacky sound signature complemented by a silky smooth keystroke. This refreshing take on mechanical switches offers a distinctive auditory and tactile feedback, enriching the user experience. While both switches offer compelling traits—whether you prefer the refined smoothness of the Black Lotus or the dynamic character of the WS Dash—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

55g

Actuation force

30g

Bottom-out force

63.5g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

N/A

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Modified PC & UPE Blend

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, we can observe distinct characteristics that influence both sound and feel during typing experiences. The Durock Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE blend for its top housing, which offers a very unique and premium tactile feel. In contrast, the WS Dash features a traditional polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate’s stiffer nature amplifies clarity and resonance in the typist's experience, and its translucency allows it to effectively showcase RGB lighting. While both switches aim to create an engaging auditory experience, the materials inherently lead to different sound profiles—one being more refined and crisp, while the other conveys a more robust tactile sensation.

Turning to the bottom housing, both the Durock Black Lotus and WS Dash are constructed with nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon’s softer composition aids in generating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound waves to create a rounder auditory experience. By utilizing nylon for the bottom portion, both switches ensure that the bottom-out sound remains satisfying and meaty, enhancing the overall feel when keys are pressed. This commonality between the two models fortifies their capability to provide a consistent, rich sound regardless of their differing top materials. Consequently, this shared bottom housing material ensures a standard of quality and performance in the tactile feedback felt while typing.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash reveals a thoughtful design approach, allowing each switch to bring its unique character to the typing experience. The distinctive top housing materials lead to divergent sound profiles—one leaning towards crispness, while the other retains a blend of clarity and depth. However, the grounding factor remains in the nylon bottom housings, which guarantees a deeper sound foundation. Users can expect a satisfying experience from either switch, but they may favor one design over the other depending on their individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Thus, while the switches exhibit different top housing materials, their nylon bottoms create pathways for achieving similarly positive overall typing experiences, characterized by comfort and sound satisfaction.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Dash exhibits a lighter touch, with an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. This distinction suggests that the WS Dash would be better suited for those who prefer a softer feel for extended typing sessions, while the Black Lotus may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier feedback. In summary, the Black Lotus is the heavier option, whereas the WS Dash is the lighter one, providing different experiences based on user preference.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch differ in their travel distances, with the Black Lotus featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash measures 3.5 mm. This makes the Black Lotus the longer option, providing that traditional feel often preferred by users who appreciate a more pronounced depth when pressing a key. In contrast, the WS Dash's shorter travel distance caters to those who favor a more responsive and quicker actuation, which is particularly appealing to gamers looking for enhanced performance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences: the Black Lotus favors a hearty depth and a more traditional tactile experience, while the WS Dash offers a faster, more abrupt response that some might find preferable for rapid key presses.

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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.

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 Durock Black Lotus switch is relatively quiet, allowing for a more subtle typing experience, which can be appealing for those who prefer less auditory distraction while typing or gaming. This makes it an excellent option for office environments or shared spaces where noise level is a concern. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound signature. This distinctive auditory feedback can add an enjoyable layer of engagement for typists and gamers alike who appreciate the tactile response that comes with a more pronounced sound profile. However, it's important to note that the overall sound experience will still be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps used, which can significantly alter how each switch's sound signature translates in practice.

When we consider the feel of the switches, the Black Lotus switch shines with its silky and buttery characteristics, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The minimal resistance during key presses enhances overall enjoyment, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Additionally, its mildly engaging pressure at a 55g actuation weight makes it accessible for users who may find heavier switches tiring. Conversely, the feel of the WS Dash has not been explicitly described, which leaves room for curiosity regarding its tactile properties. That said, given the reputation of the developing brand, one might expect that those familiar with the Magnetic Jade variant may find the WS Dash to also provide a satisfying experience, even if specifics are unknown.

In conclusion, while the Durock Black Lotus offers a discreet auditory profile and a luxurious, smooth typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Dash captivates with its vibrant sound and unresolved tactile feel. Both switches cater to different user preferences, with the Black Lotus leaning toward quiet efficiency and comfort, while the WS Dash embraces a more expressive auditory presence. Ultimately, both options promise a unique typing adventure, and the choice between them may come down to personal taste in sound and the desire for tactile feedback. Whether you opt for the silky experience of the Black Lotus or the lively engagement of the WS Dash, both are designed to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you favor a medium-heavy switch that offers a silky smooth and polished typing experience, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. Its precision, reduced wobble, and gentle actuation make it well-suited for both typing and gaming, particularly if you enjoy a more tactile feedback when bottoming out. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and are drawn to a captivating sound profile with added brightness, the WS Dash would be the better option. These switches deliver a clacky sound signature that complements fast-paced gaming or a lively typing experience, making them ideal for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize a satisfying touch and feel or an engaging sound experience.

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