Durock Blue Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, a linear switch, it's important to consider the unique characteristics of each. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are known for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, with a slightly reduced travel distance that adds to their snappiness. These switches are perfect for those who prefer a pronounced tactile feel, and the detachable light column offers vibrant RGB illumination for a visually captivating experience. On the other hand, the WS Jade switches stand out for their use of a metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile. The typing experience with the WS Jades is described as creamy and smooth, with a rock-solid bottom-out feel. Each switch has its own distinct qualities and benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade use different materials for their top housing. The Blue Lotus features a Modified PC and UPE Blend, which gives it a unique and premium feel, while the WS Jade utilizes POM for its top housing, creating an incredibly pleasing and deep sound profile. The Blue Lotus's top housing material offers a different tactile experience compared to the WS Jade, with a potentially sharper sound upon key release.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. This suggests that both the Blue Lotus and the WS Jade will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite their different top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing will contribute to a consistent sound profile between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Jade presents an interesting contrast in their sound profiles. While the Blue Lotus might offer a more unique and premium feel with its Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, the WS Jade's POM top housing creates a pleasantly deep and muted sound. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, we can see that the Blue Lotus is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the WS Jade is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the force required for each keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the WS Jade for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may choose the Blue Lotus for a more substantial typing experience. Despite the slight difference in force, users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and feel when using these switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to everyone, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper press, the Blue Lotus may provide a bit more satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, so users can expect similar results in terms of quick key presses and responsiveness.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 switch is known for its bassy profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch is described as clacky, marbly, and resonant, producing a sharp, bright, and crisp sound with a clean and sharp profile. Depending on personal preference, the Blue Lotus delivers a more bass-heavy typing experience while the WS Jade offers a brighter and more percussive sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Blue Lotus switch is characterized as accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium amount of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. It offers a snappy and responsive typing experience, making it feel more dynamic. On the other hand, the WS Jade switch is described as silky and creamy, offering an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing feel. The WS Jade switch enhances the smoothness of typing and minimizes resistance, giving a luxurious sensation while typing. The creamy feel of the WS Jade switch contrasts with the accented and snappy feel of the Blue Lotus, providing a different tactile experience.
Considering all available information, the Durock Blue Lotus switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, catering to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Blue Lotus excels in delivering a bassy sound and a snappy, responsive typing feel, while the WS Jade stands out for its bright and resonant sound and silky, luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes a deeper sound with tactile feedback or a brighter sound with a smooth typing feel. It's worth noting that both switches will provide high-quality performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a snappy and accented typing feel, as well as a bassy sound profile, then the Blue Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, a silky and creamy typing feel, as well as a clacky, marbly, and resonant sound profile, then the WS Jade might be more to your liking. Consider your preferences in terms of tactile feedback, noise level, and overall typing experience to decide which switch best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style.
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