Durock Black Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, also a linear switch. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel, precision, and reduced wobble thanks to its unique design. With a 55g actuation weight, the Black Lotus offers a substantial yet manageable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Jade stands out for its use of a metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile and an enchanting RGB display. The typing experience with WS Jade is described as uniquely creamy and smooth, with a rock-solid bottom-out feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal, 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade present contrasting characteristics that affect the overall typing experience. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel, while the WS Jade utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deep and relatively muted sound. The difference in materials influences the tactile feedback and sound profile of the switches, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
On the other hand, both switches share similarities in their bottom housings. The Black Lotus boasts a nylon bottom housing known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. Similarly, the WS Jade incorporates a POM bottom housing that offers a pleasing and unique sound, contributing to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the top and bottom housing materials vary between the two switches, the overall typing experience is likely to be consistent in terms of sound and feel, given the similarities in the bottom housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade comes down to personal preference in sound and tactile feedback. The Black Lotus excels in providing a premium feel with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, while the WS Jade offers a deeper and more muted sound profile with its POM top housing. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials, appealing to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a softer bottom-out sound or a more premium feel, both switches offer a unique experience worth exploring.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it is evident that the WS Jade is the lighter option. The WS Jade has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the WS Jade for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Black Lotus may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier push feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing feel and performance of a switch, catering to different preferences and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it is clear that the Black Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4mm compared to the 3.6mm travel distance of the WS Jade. The Black Lotus offers a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the WS Jade provides a shallower travel distance, which can result in faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Both switches offer different experiences based on the preferred travel distance, with the Black Lotus providing a longer journey and the WS Jade offering a shorter, snappier feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 Durock Black Lotus linear switch offers a quiet and smooth typing experience, with no specific descriptors provided. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is known for its clacky, marbly, and resonant sound profile, creating a sharp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. The metallic insert in the stem base of the WS Jade contributes to its unique sound signature, providing users with a distinctive auditory experience. When it comes to feel, both the Black Lotus and WS Jade switches are described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The WS Jade is also noted for its creamy feel, providing users with a buttery typing sensation that feels effortless and uniform.
Taking all available information into account, both the Durock Black Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with slight differences in sound and feel. While the Black Lotus excels in reducing wobble and providing in-switch lighting, the WS Jade stands out for its metallic insert and light diffuser, enhancing the overall aesthetic and sound profile of the switch. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and additional features such as lighting. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either the Black Lotus or WS Jade switches.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a metallic and resonant sound profile with a creamy and smooth typing experience, the WS Jade could be your ideal pick. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what matters most to you in your typing experience. Happy typing!
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