Durock Black Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Red both offer their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Black Lotus is renowned for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, which is achieved through reduced housing and stem wobble. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substantial feedback and comfortable typing. Additionally, the Black Lotus features a unique light column that provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable. In contrast, the WS Red boasts a bouncy and responsive typing experience, thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring. While it offers a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend, the WS Red requires a heavier actuation force, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This choice of material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on these switches. The relatively softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Black Lotus and the WS Red switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced when bottoming out.

However, when it comes to the top housings, the Black Lotus switch stands out with its modified PC and UPE Blend material. This unique blend provides the Black Lotus with a distinct premium feel. In contrast, the WS Red switch uses nylon for its top housing, which is a more traditional choice. The nylon top housing of the WS Red switch maintains the characteristic deeper and fuller sound profile associated with this material, eliciting a satisfying typing experience.

It is worth noting that the qualities of each housing material will have a differing impact on the switch's overall performance. The bottom housing holds more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a difference in the precise tactile feedback and sound experience between the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to note. In terms of weight, the Black Lotus is the lighter option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the WS Red's actuation force is unavailable, so it is difficult to directly compare. However, it does have a bottom out force of 67 grams, also considered medium-heavy. Both switches provide a substantial typing experience due to their medium-heavy weight, and those who prefer a stronger push feel will find satisfaction in either option. While the exact actuation force of the WS Red is unknown, it is likely to be in a similar range to the Black Lotus, providing comparable results. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch may lean towards the Durock Black Lotus, while those desiring a slightly heavier option may opt for the Wuque Studio WS Red.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Black Lotus offers a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the WS Red.

A travel distance of 4 mm is considered to be more traditional, providing a satisfying depth that many individuals are accustomed to. On the other hand, the WS Red with its 3.8 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower experience, which can be preferred by individuals looking for faster response times, particularly gamers.

It is important to note that both switches fall within a similar range, offering comparable experiences with minimal differences. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference. If you prioritize a shorter travel distance for quicker responses, the WS Red would be the suitable option. Conversely, if you desire a more substantial key press feel, the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance would be the preferable choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Black Lotus is known for its unknown sound characteristics, meaning the specific sound profile of this switch is not indicated. On the other hand, the WS Red is described as having a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend. However, it does not provide any further details about the sound produced by this switch. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus is described as offering a silky and smooth typing experience. This implies that the switch provides an exceptionally smooth keystroke with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also referred to as buttery, which suggests a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Black Lotus is described as having a mild characteristic, representing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish for sleek typing. Unfortunately, no information is provided about the specific feel of the WS Red.

Taking all the available information into account, the Black Lotus switch stands out for its silky, buttery, and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with minimized resistance. Its mild characteristics make it approachable to most users. On the other hand, information about the WS Red switch's sound and feel is unavailable. Therefore, if you are seeking a similar typing experience to the Black Lotus, you may expect to achieve comparable results with the WS Red switch in terms of its unfamiliar sound profile and potentially a bouncy and responsive feel due to its double-stage spring. However, without further details, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of their subjective qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you value a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth feel, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. With its reduced wobble, 55g actuation weight, and unique light column, it offers a comfortable and precise typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bouncy and responsive typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying and substantial typing feel, the WS Red is worth considering. Its 22mm double-stage spring and classic material blend deliver a familiar sound signature and a slightly heavier actuation force. When it comes to sound, the Black Lotus doesn't have a specific description provided, while the WS Red is not mentioned either. In terms of feel, the Black Lotus is described as silky, buttery, mild, and polished, suggesting an exceptionally smooth, seamless, and refined typing experience. Unfortunately, no specific descriptors are given for the WS Red. Ultimately, it is essential to consider your personal typing preferences and test both switches if possible to determine which one suits you best.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more