Durock Blue Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Red. Both switches offer unique features and benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The Blue Lotus switch, known for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, is ideal for those who enjoy a marked tactile feel. Its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm adds to its snappiness, and the detachable light column allows for vibrant and captivating RGB illumination. On the other hand, the WS Red switch offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a classic sound signature, thanks to its 22mm double-stage spring. While it comes with a heavier actuation force, this switch delivers a satisfying and substantial typing feel. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Blue Lotus featuring a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend housing on the Blue Lotus offers a unique and premium feel, providing a distinct tactile experience for the user. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Red elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer distinct characteristics, they share similarities in their ability to enhance typing experience through their housing designs.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Blue Lotus and the WS Red employ nylon as their choice of material. This classic switch housing material imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Although the bottom housing may not have a direct impact on the overall feel of pressing down the switch, it significantly contributes to the sound produced during bottom-out.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the Blue Lotus or the WS Red, one will primarily feel the impact and characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound emitted when releasing a key. Thus, the choice of housing material influences different aspects of the typing experience, with the Blue Lotus and the WS Red offering distinct nuances depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing being considered.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Blue Lotus is the lighter option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. The WS Red, on the other hand, does not provide specific information about its actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 67 grams, also within the medium-heavy range. While the actual actuation force for the WS Red is unknown, it is likely to be similar to the Blue Lotus or in the same general range, as both switches are described as medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Lotus may be the better choice, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the WS Red with its slightly higher bottom out force may offer a more satisfying experience. Overall, both switches provide a medium-heavy tactile or linear option, but the Blue Lotus is the lighter of the two while the WS Red offers a potentially stronger keystroke feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we find that the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Red has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times. In this case, the Blue Lotus would be the shorter option, providing a slightly faster and more responsive keystroke. However, for those who prefer a deeper feel, the WS Red with its 3.8 mm travel distance may be a better choice. It is important to note that both switches offer a relatively small difference in travel distance, so regardless of the choice, the results will be similar and cater to different preferences.
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 Red 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 offer a deep and rich sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Red switches are unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and choice of keycaps. Therefore, while the Blue Lotus switches provide a bassy sound profile, the sound produced by the WS Red switches is uncertain. However, by choosing the right combination of board and keycaps, it is possible to achieve a similar sound experience with both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switches are described as having an accented tactility, providing a noticeable level of tactile feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. These switches also have a snappy feel, thanks to the longer or dual-staged springs which enhance the responsiveness of each keystroke. Additionally, Blue Lotus switches are classified as stepped switches, meaning they have a mild tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. However, the feel characteristics of the WS Red switches are unknown.
In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are known for their tactile intensity, swift responsiveness, accented tactility, and snappy feel. They also offer a memorable visual appeal with their detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the specific qualities of the Wuque Studio WS Red switches, including sound and feel, remain undisclosed. Despite this, with the right combination of board and keycaps, it is possible to achieve a comparable sound and feel experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and have a slightly reduced travel of 3.7mm, resulting in snappy and responsive keystrokes. The Blue Lotus switches are accented, snappy, and stepped, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, they have a bassy sound profile, adding depth and richness to each key press.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch may be more suitable for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams and feature a 22mm double-stage spring. While there is no specific information provided about their sound profile or feel, the WS Red switches are described as delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, typing experience, and sound profile. Both switches offer their own unique features and benefits, so make sure to consider your personal preferences before making a decision.
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