Durock Blue Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinct experiences tailored to different types of users. The Durock Blue Lotus is celebrated for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, featuring a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm that enhances the snappy feel, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who crave feedback with every keystroke. Its unique design also includes a detachable light column, allowing for eye-catching RGB effects that elevate both performance and aesthetics. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches from Wuque Studio introduce a novel Hall Effect mechanism, noted for their bright and clacky sound profile combined with an exceptionally smooth keystroke. This makes them particularly appealing for those who prefer a quieter typing experience but still desire that engaging auditory feedback. While the Blue Lotus excels in tactile feedback and vibrant visuals, the WS Dash emphasizes a refined, silky touch and distinctive sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches both employ nylon for their bottom housing, providing a classic foundation that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared use of nylon means that users can expect a softer and rounded auditory feedback, as the material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, regardless of the differences in the top housings, the bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall feel and sound of each switch. This commonality in the bottom housing accentuates the importance of sound absorption, creating a satisfying typing experience characterized by richness and depth.
On the other hand, the top housings of the two switches diverge in material and function. The Durock Blue Lotus showcases a modified PC & UPE blend, which is designed to provide a premium tactile experience along with a resonant sound profile. In contrast, the WS Dash employs polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, crisper sound signature. This fundamental difference means that while the nylon bottom in both switches will foster a fuller sound, the auditory experience will differ based on the characteristics of the top housing when the key is released. The modified PC & UPE blend may produce a more nuanced sound, while the polycarbonate is likely to yield a clearer, more defined auditory response.
Despite these differences, both switch designs aim to enhance user experience through their respective materials. If you are looking to achieve similar results in terms of sound quality and typing feel, one could consider how the combination of each switch's materials influences their performance. While the Blue Lotus may lean towards a richer and more varied sound due to its top housing, the WS Dash will offer a sharper, more pronounced auditory experience, especially beneficial for users who prefer a more aggressive sound profile. In this way, both switches can deliver satisfying results, appealing to different preferences while maintaining the classic essence provided by their shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there is a notable distinction in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy, which provides a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the WS Dash has a much lighter actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and ideal for users who appreciate a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Blue Lotus is the heavier switch, likely appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile response, while the WS Dash targets users looking for ease and comfort with its lighter feel. Thus, for users seeking long-duration use, the WS Dash might be a better fit, whereas those desiring more resistance and feedback may prefer the Blue Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Blue Lotus measures at 3.7 mm, while the WS Dash has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This sets the Blue Lotus as the option with a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keypress experience. For users who enjoy a hearty depth in their switches, the Durock Blue Lotus may be the better choice, as it offers a more extended tactile feedback. Conversely, the WS Dash is more aligned with the preferences of gamers, who often favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. If you're looking for a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the WS Dash's 3.5 mm travel distance would suit your needs well. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences in feel and responsiveness, the Blue Lotus is ideal for those who appreciate a deeper experience, while the WS Dash caters to those seeking efficiency and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue Lotus for $4.57.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 Blue Lotus switches produce a deep and rich bassy tone upon keystrokes, which creates a satisfying auditory experience characterized by lower frequency sounds. This deeper sound profile provides a more immersive typing experience and is impacted by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches offer a bright and clacky sound signature, likely resulting in a higher-pitched, more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. The combination of these two switches showcases distinct acoustic qualities, with the Blue Lotus leaning towards a fuller, bass-oriented sound and the WS Dash presenting a sharper, more distinct clack.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches are known for their accented tactile response, striking a balance that is both prominent and comfortable without being overwhelming. Their snappiness comes from a design that enhances responsiveness, making each keypress feel lively and engaging. The stepped tactile nature offers a refined experience with its dual-stage feel, providing a sense of pre-travel and post-travel that can be very satisfying for users who enjoy distinct tactile feedback. The feel of the WS Dash switches, however, is not explicitly described, leaving an unknown quality regarding their tactile characteristics. The absence of detailed descriptors means it's difficult to provide a direct comparison of tactile experiences for the WS Dash.
In conclusion, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Blue Lotus excels with its bassy sound and well-rounded tactile experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more immersive and responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the WS Dash offers a contrasting bright and clacky sound, but its tactile qualities remain a mystery. Ultimately, typists interested in either switch should consider how these auditory and tactile signatures align with their personal preferences, bearing in mind that the overall experience will also be influenced by keyboard choice and keycap design.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a solid tactile feedback with a snappy response, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a slightly heavier actuation force at 65 grams. Its distinctive bassy sound profile can enhance your typing experience, providing a rich auditory depth, while the visual appeal of its detachable light column adds a dynamic flair to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter feel and a smoother keystroke, the WS Dash, with its 55-gram actuation force, is designed for effortless typing and a clacky sound signature that many enthusiasts adore. As a hall effect switch, it also offers a unique experience with its refined, smooth operation, making it ideal for extensive typing sessions or gaming where speed and precision are crucial. By considering your preferences for tactile feedback, sound, actuation force, and overall typing experience, you can confidently select the switch that best suits your style and enhances your mechanical keyboard adventure.
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