Durock Black Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique features and experiences are the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, reducing housing and stem wobble to provide maximum typing pleasure. With a moderate actuation weight of 55g, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, its unique light column allows for customizable in-switch lighting. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are tailored for office and work environments. They offer a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. Crafted with precision and featuring ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, these switches minimize switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches do not use silicone dampeners, providing a typing experience that is free from the usual padded feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
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
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile have different housing materials that contribute to their unique characteristics. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, while the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing. Both materials offer their own advantages and result in distinct typing experiences.
The modified PC and UPE blend top housing of the Black Lotus provides a unique and premium feel. The combination of these materials creates a switch that is durable and offers a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. While the Black Lotus focuses on a premium feel, the WS Silent Tactile prioritizes a more immersive sound experience.
Moving to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings also elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, both switches share this characteristic and offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
When comparing the overall sound profile, the choice of housing material plays a significant role. The Black Lotus, with its modified PC and UPE blend top housing, may provide a more solid and satisfying sound when releasing a key. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound upon key release. These differences in sound characteristics highlight how the choice of housing material can impact the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct typing experiences. The Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a similar bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and cater to different preferences and priorities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The Durock Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel when triggering keystrokes. Its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force matches that of the Black Lotus at 63.5 grams, indicating a similar level of resistance.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the Black Lotus may appeal to those who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods, as it allows for less finger fatigue over time. However, for individuals who desire a stronger tactile push and a more pronounced typing experience, opting for a heavier actuation force like that of the Black Lotus may be preferable. Overall, both switches provide a medium-heavy bottom out force, offering a comparable level of resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, we can see that they have different lengths. The Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Black Lotus falls into the more traditional category with its 4 mm travel distance, providing a hearty depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile offers a shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. So, if you value a more responsive typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile would be the preferable option. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial keypress, the Black Lotus, with its longer travel distance, would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch does not have a specific description mentioned. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is described as having a muted sound profile. These switches are designed to produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the WS Silent Tactile switch an excellent choice for those looking for a more peaceful and less disruptive typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is described using several descriptors. It is referred to as silky, buttery, mild, and polished. These descriptions indicate that the Black Lotus switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The WS Silent Tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as having different qualities. It is referred to as accented, invigorating, and mild. The accented descriptor suggests that the WS Silent Tactile switch provides a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a prominent amount of feedback without compromising on comfort. These switches also offer a gentle typing experience with qualities that stand in a safe, middle-ground zone.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that both the Durock Black Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have their own unique qualities. The Black Lotus switch excels in providing a silky smooth feel, unparalleled precision, and reduced housing and stem wobble. While the sound qualities of the Black Lotus switch are not specifically mentioned, it is likely to provide a satisfyingly quiet typing experience when paired with the right keyboard board and keycaps. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is designed to strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. It offers a medium level of tactility with quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for office and work environments. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, and choosing between them would depend on personal preferences in terms of feel and sound. However, if a similar typing experience is desired, the WS Silent Tactile switch can provide comparable results to the Black Lotus switch in terms of feel, while also offering a muted sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus is an excellent choice. These switches are known for their silky smooth feel, unparalleled precision, and reduced wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a substantial actuation weight of 55g and a unique light column for in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus offers a satisfying typing experience with added customization options.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with the same medium-heavy bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile is a great option. These switches strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, providing a medium level of tactility without compromising on silence. Their precision craftsmanship includes stem railings with small cutouts that minimize switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile forgoes silicone dampeners for a typing experience that is free of the usual padded feel found in other silent switches, offering a unique blend of tranquility and tactility.
In terms of sound, the Black Lotus has a neutral profile, while the WS Silent Tactile produces a softer and quieter sound, thanks to its muted characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus offers a silky and buttery typing experience, with a mild and polished finish. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile provides an accented and invigorating feel, along with a mild typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a linear switch with a smooth feel and customizable lighting options, the Black Lotus is the way to go. However, if you desire a tactile switch that strikes a balance between tactility and silence, the WS Silent Tactile is the perfect companion for your office or work environment.
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