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Durock Black Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

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

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that offer distinct experiences are the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and unrivaled precision, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between substantial and manageable, these linear switches are ideal for those who prefer a touch of weight in their keystrokes. Additionally, the unique light column provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable, adding a customizable touch. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio offer a profound and pronounced tactile bump, guaranteeing an engaging and immersive typing journey. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke is met with a satisfying resistance, which is further enhanced by Wuque Studios' nylon housings that contribute to a "thocky" resonance, resulting in a delightful auditory feedback. Both switches offer their own advantages and characteristics, providing options for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

55g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

63.5g

Bottom-out force

70g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.20 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 single-stage spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer both similarities and differences in performance. Both switches utilize nylon as their housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both switches deliver a premium typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback.

However, the key distinction lies in the top housing material. The Durock Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. This blend creates a switch with a distinct tactile response and enhanced durability. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile employs a pure nylon top housing, showcasing the classic choice for switch housing. While it may not offer the same unique feel as the Black Lotus, the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile still provides a satisfying typing experience.

Additionally, it is important to note that the differentiation between the top and bottom housings of these switches will impact the overall sound and feel of each switch. The bottom housing, consisting of nylon in both switches, primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the disparity in top housing materials, both switches will yield similar results in terms of the bottom-out sound and the general tactile experience.

In conclusion, while the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches share the use of nylon as their housing material, the inclusion of a modified PC and UPE blend top housing in the Black Lotus provides a unique tactile experience. Nevertheless, both switches deliver a premium typing experience with their nylon housing, resulting in a dampened and resonant sound profile. Whether one prefers the distinct feel of the Black Lotus or the classic choice of the WS Heavy Tactile, both switches offer high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Durock Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, indicating a medium-heavy force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force for the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is unavailable, so it is difficult to directly compare. However, from the available information, we can observe that the Black Lotus is potentially heavier in terms of actuation force.

Moving on to bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus requires 63.5 grams of force to fully press down, suggesting a medium-heavy tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter and potentially more effortless keystroke.

Considering the weight aspect, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch due to its lower bottom out force. This allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it suitable for work or prolonged gaming sessions. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial and pronounced push feel, the Durock Black Lotus with its heavier actuation force and bottom out force may be the preferred choice.

In conclusion, while the actuation force for the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is unknown, it appears to offer a lighter typing experience compared to the medium-heavy actuation force of the Durock Black Lotus. The bottom out force further reinforces this contrast, with the Black Lotus being heavier and the WS Heavy Tactile being relatively lighter. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on an individual's personal preference for typing feedback and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches offer a different experience when it comes to travel distance. The Black Lotus, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional feel. This longer travel distance allows for a deeper keypress, which some users prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This shorter distance is favored by gamers who seek faster response times. It provides a more responsive and snappy feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these 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 Heavy Tactile 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 explicitly described. However, based on the information provided, it is likely to produce a clean and sharp sound due to its unique light column and reduced stem wobble. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as "clacky," "high-pitched," and "resonant." This indicates that it will have a sharp, crisp, and immersive sound profile. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Black Lotus likely providing a cleaner sound and the WS Heavy Tactile offering a more lively and engaging auditory experience.

When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch is described as "silky," "buttery," "mild," and "polished." This suggests that it offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and refined key travel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as "accented," "bouncy," "invigorating," "sharp," and "snappy." These descriptors imply that it provides a prominent tactile bump, a spring-like feedback sensation, a snappy and reactive feel, and strong and crisp tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Black Lotus providing a smoother and more polished feel, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a more pronounced and dynamic tactile experience.

In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus provides a likely clean and sharp sound with a silky and polished feel, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile with an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel. Both switches excel in their respective qualities, and the choice between them will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel. It's important to note that the sound profile and typing feel can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky-smooth feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be a great choice. It offers unparalleled precision and reduces housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. The unique light column also provides in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are seeking a tactile experience with a pronounced bump, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke is imbued with a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. Additionally, the Wuque Heavy Tactile Switches offer a captivating sound profile with a "thocky" resonance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific attributes that appeal to you, whether it be smoothness or tactile feedback.

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