Durock Blue Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Blue Lotus switches from Durock are best known for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a marked tactile feel, perfect for those who prefer a satisfying keystroke experience. Additionally, the detachable light column adds a vibrant, glowy RGB illumination, combining performance with captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches from Wuque Studio offer a different experience. With a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a buttery smooth keystroke feel, resulting in a deeply satisfying typing experience. They also boast a crisp, responsive feel and a neutral sound profile. Both switches have their unique strengths and choosing the best one for you depends on your personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Onion Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$7.00

$5.53 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion differ in terms of their top housings. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which gives it a unique and premium feel. This blend creates a softer and more tactile typing experience, allowing for a smoother keypress. On the other hand, the WS Onion uses a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, contributing to a more clear and resonant sound. Both top housing materials are ideal for incorporating RGB lighting due to their translucency. While the Blue Lotus offers a softer typing experience, the WS Onion provides a brighter and more distinct sound profile.

In terms of their bottom housings, both the Blue Lotus and the WS Onion utilize nylon as a classic switch housing material. This material brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches offer a satisfying and immersive auditory experience during typing. However, it is worth noting that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key.

Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion offer distinct characteristics in their housing materials. The Blue Lotus provides a unique and premium feel with its modified PC and UPE blend top housing, resulting in a softer and smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it stand out in terms of auditory feedback. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon as the bottom housing material, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, while the Blue Lotus elicits a duller and rounder sound, the WS Onion produces a more vibrant auditory experience. Therefore, depending on individual preferences, users can choose between a softer and premium feel or a sharper and distinct sound profile based on their chosen switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, some similarities and differences become apparent. In terms of actuation force, the Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Unfortunately, the exact actuation force of the WS Onion is unavailable. However, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, implying a noticeable resistance before a keystroke is registered.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams of force to fully press the switch down. In contrast, the WS Onion has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Although the difference between the two may seem minimal, it indicates a slightly lighter pressing experience in favor of the WS Onion.

Considering the importance of weight in the decision-making process, individuals may have differing preferences. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the WS Onion, allowing them to type for extended periods without fatigue. This lighter weight is especially advantageous for individuals using their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals desiring a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Blue Lotus, as it offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force.

In summary, while the actuation force of the WS Onion remains unknown, the Durock Blue Lotus possesses both a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the WS Onion. Therefore, those selecting the Blue Lotus can expect a moderately heavier typing experience, while the WS Onion provides a slightly lighter and more effortless feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have contrasting travel distances. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is on the shorter side compared to the more traditional 4 mm travel distance of the WS Onion. The shorter travel distance of the Blue Lotus can be appealing to gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Onion offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying and deeper key press for those who prefer a heartier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one prioritizes a shorter, snappier travel distance or a longer, more substantial key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches offer a bassy sound profile during key presses. This means that the sound produced is deeper and richer, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound produced is moderate and suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, so these descriptions are a general indication.

In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped switches. Accented switches provide a medium tactile feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Snappy switches are highly responsive, giving a more lively typing experience. Stepped switches have a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches are described as buttery and polished. Butter switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. Polished switches have a refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide satisfying tactile qualities, but the Durock Blue Lotus switches have a more pronounced tactility while the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches prioritize smoothness.

Overall, the Durock Blue Lotus switches excel in delivering a marked tactile feel and snappiness, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more intense tactile experience. They also feature a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, adding to their visual appeal. The Wuque Studio WS Onion switches, on the other hand, offer a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, providing a satisfying and versatile typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a pronounced tactile feel and swift responsiveness or a smooth and seamless typing experience. However, it's important to consider personal preferences, as well as other factors such as board and keycap choices, to achieve the desired typing experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a marked tactile feel and swift responsiveness, the Durock Blue Lotus is your best choice. With its slightly reduced travel and detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, these switches offer both performance and captivating visual appeal. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion is the ideal option. These switches, with their polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, provide a deeply satisfying typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Onion will depend on your preference for tactile feel, responsiveness, visual appeal, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Onion Linear

$7.00

$5.53 per 10

Learn more