Durock Blue Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus stands out for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance and a detachable light column for RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches combine performance with visual appeal. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches are praised for their smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature, providing a comfortable typing experience. While each switch has its own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it is evident that both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. This characteristic results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches using harder plastics for their housing. As a result, typists can expect a more immersive auditory experience when using either of these switches, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall sound profile.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the Blue Lotus and the WS Light Tactile differ, with the former featuring a modified PC & UPE Blend and the latter utilizing polycarbonate. The modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the Blue Lotus offers a unique and premium feel, while the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Light Tactile creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness as a plastic material contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches intended for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite these differences, both top housing materials contribute significantly to the sound profile experienced when typing on these switches.
In terms of performance, the housing materials of the Blue Lotus and the WS Light Tactile play a vital role in determining the overall typing experience. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials influences the sound when pressing down and letting go of a key. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their material differences, both switches offer a unique tactile and auditory experience that caters to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch differ in weight, with the Blue Lotus being heavier and the WS Light Tactile being lighter. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter choice. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the WS Light Tactile for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Blue Lotus for its heavier forces. Both switches provide different levels of feedback and customization, catering to individual preferences for typing and gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Blue Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Light Tactile. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus key press depth.
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 Light 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus is known for its bassy profile, which offers a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches provide a neutral sound signature, making them suitable for various purposes without being too loud or distracting. While both switches have their own unique sound profiles, the actual sound experienced will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. This means they offer a medium level of tactility that is responsive and lively, with a two-stage feel that provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches are also described as stepped, with an easy-to-press feel that requires minimal force to activate. This makes typing with these switches effortless and comfortable, reducing typing fatigue during long sessions. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches each bring their own strengths to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus offers a bassy sound profile with a tactile typing experience that is accentuated, snappy, and stepped, while the WS Light Tactile switches provide a neutral sound signature with a stepped feel that is easy to press. Depending on the user's preferences for sound and typing feel, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and tactile feedback, ensuring that users will achieve similar results with either choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for tactile intensity and bottom out force. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile feel with a prominent amount of tactility and a snappy response, then the Blue Lotus switches may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smoother, neutral sound signature, along with a gentle and effortless typing experience, then the WS Light Tactile switches might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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