Durock Black Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth considering are the Durock Black Lotus, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, also a linear switch. The Black Lotus is well-known for its silky smooth feel and unmatched precision, ensuring minimal housing and stem wobble for an optimum typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, this switch strikes a perfect balance between heaviness and ease of use. Additionally, the removable light column adds a unique touch to in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its blend of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in an incredibly smooth keystroke that satisfies even the most discerning typists. The Onion offers a crisp and responsive feel, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, the main difference lies in their top housing materials. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This material is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear, making it a great choice for those seeking a long-lasting switch. On the other hand, the WS Onion utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its transparency and the ability to enhance RGB lighting effects. Additionally, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile when typing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Black Lotus and WS Onion use nylon. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material due to its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of sound profile, both switches would offer similar results due to their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
However, it is important to note that the impact of the housing materials varies depending on which part of the switch is being pressed. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and the specific sound produced by each switch.
In summary, the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion differ primarily in their top housing materials. The Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend provides a unique and premium feel, while the WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing enhances its sound profile and RGB lighting effects. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the specific impact of the housing materials can be felt differently depending on which part of the switch is being pressed.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are a few similarities and differences to consider. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a medium-heavy touch, while the actuation force of the WS Onion is unknown. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which gives them a similar typing experience in terms of key travel.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches like the Black Lotus, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This makes it particularly suitable for those who need a keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, others prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the typing experience, favoring switches with heavier forces. Although the actuation force of the WS Onion is unknown, it can be assumed to provide a comparable typing experience to the Black Lotus due to their shared bottom out force. Therefore, if a heavier touch is desired, both switches can deliver similar results. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a consistent experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Whether it's the Black Lotus or the WS Onion, the 4 mm travel distance ensures a comfortable and responsive typing experience for users.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 known for providing a neutral sound profile, although the specific sound descriptor is unknown. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that both switches offer a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various uses, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch offers a range of descriptors including silky, buttery, mild, and polished. A silky switch refers to an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while a mild switch provides a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Lastly, a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the WS Onion switch is also described as having a buttery and polished feel. This means that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Although the specific feel characteristics are not as extensive as the Black Lotus, it can be inferred that the WS Onion switch provides a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches offer subjective qualities that enhance the overall typing experience. While the Black Lotus has a range of feel descriptors including silky, buttery, mild, and polished, the WS Onion focuses on being buttery and polished. Both switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with reduced friction and a neutral sound profile. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of feel and sound, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider the following factors. Both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel, unparalleled precision, and reduction of housing and stem wobble. It also features a unique light column for in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the WS Onion offers a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive feel. It has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. In terms of sound, the Black Lotus is not described, while the WS Onion is described as having a neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Black Lotus has descriptors such as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. The WS Onion is described as buttery and polished. Consider your preferences for typing experience and sound when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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