Durock Blue Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. Both switches offer a tactile experience, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. The Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their swift responsiveness and marked tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel of 3.7mm, these switches deliver a snappy typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy a tactile intensity. Additionally, the Blue Lotus switches come with a detachable light column for vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a profound and pronounced tactile bump. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke is imbued with a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. These switches also provide a familiar and captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' nylon housings that contribute to a "thocky" resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 long spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in terms of their housing materials. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Blue Lotus may offer a more distinct and luxurious feel due to its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Blue Lotus and the WS Heavy Tactile incorporate nylon material. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. As nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, it creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches are likely to produce a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Although the bottom housing mainly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, it is the combination of both top and bottom housings that ultimately contribute to the overall typing experience.
While the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile may differ in their specific housing materials, they share the common feature of utilizing nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of the sound and feel they produce. However, the distinction lies in the unique and premium feel of the Blue Lotus, attributed to its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing. Ultimately, personal preference and individual typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the preferred choice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a medium-heavy touch, while the WS Heavy Tactile does not specify its actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Blue Lotus is 65 grams, slightly higher than the WS Heavy Tactile's bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light.
For those who prefer a lighter touch, the WS Heavy Tactile would be a favorable choice, as it allows for longer typing periods and is suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, may lean towards the Blue Lotus, as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively higher.
It is worth noting that if both switches have the same actuation force and bottom out force, users can expect similar results regardless of which one is chosen. However, in this case, the Blue Lotus stands as the heavier option, providing a more robust feel, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a lighter touch for more extended periods of use.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch differ slightly. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Comparing them to the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, both switches fall on the shorter side. Gamers, who value faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile. This switch allows for quick keystrokes and a more responsive gaming experience. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming may opt for the Blue Lotus with its slightly longer travel distance. The 3.7 mm travel distance offers a more substantial depth and feedback, which some users find more comfortable. Overall, the comparison between these switches highlights the importance of personal preference and the trade-offs between speed and tactile experience.
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 Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 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 Blue Lotus switches deliver a bassy profile. This means that the sound they produce during key presses is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have a clacky sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound, described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switches have a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, with a clean and sharp auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Blue Lotus and WS Heavy Tactile switches are described as accented. This means that they provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making them a good choice for users seeking a medium tactile feel. Additionally, both switches are described as snappy, indicating their super responsive nature. The Blue Lotus switches have a slightly reduced travel distance, adding to their snappiness and making the typing experience feel more alive. Meanwhile, the WS Heavy Tactile switches offer an invigorating and sharp tactile sensation. They have a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a reactive feel, providing an immersive typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus switches excel in delivering a tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, accompanied by vibrant RGB illumination. They offer a bassy sound profile and an accented and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are known for their profound tactile bump and captivating sound profile. They provide a tactile force of 70g, giving each keystroke a satisfying resistance. In terms of sound, they have a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant profile. In terms of feel, they offer an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy experience. While they have some differences, both switches provide a marked tactile feel and an engaging typing journey. Depending on personal preference, users can achieve similar results with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Blue Lotus would be an excellent choice. These switches offer a marked tactile feel with their snappiness and slightly reduced travel distance. They are also known for their vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually appealing element to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches would be a great option. With a lower bottom out force, these switches provide a satisfying resistance and pronounced tactile bump, making typing a truly engaging journey. Additionally, their nylon housings contribute to a "thocky" sound profile, enhancing the auditory feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, tactile feel, and sound profile.