Durock Blue Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Blue Lotus switches are renowned for their tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide a snappy typing experience. Additionally, the detachable light column allows for vibrant RGB illumination, adding a visually captivating element to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque prioritize a quiet and seamless typing experience. By ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, these linear switches effectively reduce switch noise without relying on silicone dampeners. This unique approach allows for unparalleled responsiveness while ensuring a tranquil typing experience. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, but let's dive deeper into the specifics to help you decide which switch is the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear have different housing materials that contribute to their unique characteristics. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, while the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon top housing. The modified PC and UPE Blend housing of the Blue Lotus gives it a distinct premium feel, whereas the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear creates a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Both materials offer their own advantages, with the Blue Lotus providing a luxurious experience while the WS Silent Linear emphasizes a more enhanced auditory experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue Lotus incorporates a nylon material, similar to the WS Silent Linear. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This quality is shared by both switches and contributes to their respective sound profiles. However, it should be noted that the Blue Lotus's nylon bottom housing works harmoniously with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, creating a balanced tactile and auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing plays a role in the switch's overall sound but may have a slightly different impact compared to the Blue Lotus due to the use of different top housing materials.
It is important to consider that the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in its overall performance. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Blue Lotus and WS Silent Linear, the different combinations of housing materials contribute to their individualistic characteristics. This means that although they both incorporate nylon in their bottom housing, the overall experience and sound produced may vary due to the influence of the respective top housing materials. Despite these differences, users can expect similar results in terms of a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that utilize either the Blue Lotus or WS Silent Linear.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. While the actuation force for the WS Silent Linear is unavailable, it is safe to assume that it is likely to be similar to the Blue Lotus due to both switches being in the same category.
Considering weight in selecting a switch is important, as it can have an impact on typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter feel may find it advantageous for longer typing or gaming sessions, making it suitable for a keyboard used at work or during extended gameplay. For individuals seeking a more robust typing experience with a stronger push feel, a switch with a heavier force may be preferred. In this case, both the Blue Lotus and WS Silent Linear switches fall into the medium-heavy range, providing a suitable amount of resistance for those seeking a substantial typing experience.
In conclusion, while the actuation force for the WS Silent Linear switch is not provided, it is likely to offer similar results to the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces due to their shared medium-heavy classification. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Blue Lotus offering specific force measurements and the WS Silent Linear providing a comparable experience within the medium-heavy range.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a highly responsive typing experience, opting for the WS Silent Linear switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Blue Lotus switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing requirements.
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 Silent Linear 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 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 Silent Linear switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound level without any particular emphasis on bass or treble. Additionally, the WS Silent Linear switches are described as muted and subdued, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are described as accented, snappy, and stepped. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Snappy switches are known for being super responsive, enhancing the typing experience by making it feel more alive. Stepped switches have two stages of tactility, providing a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they have a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The WS Silent Linear switches aim for a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feel, making them approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Lotus switches provide a bassy sound profile with a marked tactile feel, making them suitable for those who enjoy a deeper and richer sound and a prominent amount of tactility. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches offer a neutral sound profile with a mild typing experience, providing a softer and quieter sound and a gentle feel. If you are looking for a deeper and richer sound with a marked tactile feel, the Blue Lotus switches would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a quieter sound with a mild typing experience, the WS Silent Linear switches would be a great option. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and it is important to consider factors such as keycap and keyboard board choice to achieve desired results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches deliver a satisfying and snappy typing experience. The Blue Lotus switches offer a unique blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more prominent tactile sensation. However, it is important to note that these switches have a bassy sound profile, producing a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer unparalleled responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. The WS Silent Linear switches are designed with innovative stem railings to reduce switch noise without the use of silicone dampeners. This results in a typing experience that is both tranquil and precise. These switches have a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound level that is suitable for most environments. Additionally, the WS Silent Linear switches have a mild feel, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches depends on your specific preferences. If you prioritize a tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus switches would be a great fit. However, if you value a quieter typing experience without compromising responsiveness, the WS Silent Linear switches would be a suitable option. Consider your desired sound profile, typing feel, and overall aesthetic preferences to make an informed decision.
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