Durock Dolphin vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and Wuque Studio WS Dash present two distinct experiences that appeal to different typing preferences and environments. The Durock Dolphin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office settings or any workspace where noise reduction is crucial. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a satisfying press that balances precision and resistance, catering to those who appreciate a little heft in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash, known for its Hall Effect technology, offers a striking auditory experience—characterized by a bright, clacky sound signature and exceptionally smooth keystrokes. This switch appeals to users seeking a more dynamic and engaging typing experience, perfect for both gaming and creative endeavors. While both switches have their unique strengths—silence and subtle resistance versus brightness and fluidity—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
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Dash both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to notable similarities in sound profile and aesthetic qualities. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity and translucence, which results in a crisper, higher-pitched sound when the keys are pressed. This consistency in material choice means that both switches are likely to deliver a clear and resonant sound, especially important for users who prioritize audio feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effects, providing an appealing visual element for users who enjoy customizable lighting on their keyboards.
In contrast, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound waves, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience. With both the Durock Dolphin and the WS Dash employing nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a similar impact on the bottom-out sound when pressing the keys. The combination of the stiffer polycarbonate top and softer nylon bottom in both models creates a balance in sound textures, ensuring that users benefit from both sharper sound when pressing down and a fuller sound while releasing the keys.
When considering the overall performance of each switch, the differing characteristics of the top and bottom housings contribute to a complex auditory experience. Since the top housing influences the sound upon key release and the bottom housing impacts the feel of bottoming out, the Durock Dolphin and the WS Dash will produce comparable yet distinct sound profiles. Users can anticipate a synergistic interaction between the materials, resulting in satisfying acoustics and tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a pleasurable typing experience, making it a matter of personal preference regarding aesthetics and brand loyalty rather than inherent superiority in material performance.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to varying preferences among users. The Dolphin does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to achieve a keystroke. The bottom out force for the WS Dash is 55 grams, which is medium-light and still provides a satisfying feel without being overly taxing on the fingers. Consequently, the Dolphin is the heavier switch compared to the WS Dash, making it potentially less ideal for longer typing sessions or prolonged gaming, whereas the lighter actuation force of the WS Dash can provide a more comfortable experience during extended use. Users who prefer a firmer typing experience might lean towards the Dolphin, while those seeking a gentler touch would likely favor the WS Dash.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Dolphin offers a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which positions it as the longer option, while the WS Dash has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The difference of 0.3 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly affect the typing experience. Gamers might lean toward the shorter WS Dash for its more responsive feel, allowing for quicker key presses, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their key travel may prefer the Dolphin for its deeper engagement. Thus, the Durock Dolphin suits users seeking more tactile feedback, while the WS Dash caters to those favoring speed and immediacy in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, giving it a softer, more bass-heavy tone that is particularly suited for quieter environments. This makes it an ideal option for office settings and shared workspaces where noise can be a distraction. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch offers a bright and clacky sound signature that is lively and engaging. The difference in sound profile between these two switches caters to different preferences; while the Dolphin aims for discretion, the WS Dash embraces a more pronounced acoustic experience.
When considering feel, the Durock Dolphin shines with its polished finish, which ensures a smooth typing experience marked by reduced friction and seamless key travel. This quality makes it a pleasure for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the feel of the WS Dash is not specifically described, leaving its tactile attributes open to interpretation. However, one can assume that the unique mechanics of Hall Effect switches introduce a distinct experience that may differ from traditional linear switches.
Overall, both the Durock Dolphin and Wuque Studio WS Dash cater to different aspects of the typing experience. The Dolphin prioritizes a silent, low-pitched sound and a polished feel for users seeking a serene atmosphere, while the WS Dash offers a bright acoustic presence that can enhance the act of typing with its clackiness. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you value a quieter and smoother experience or a more audible and potentially richer soundscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch will largely depend on your specific preferences and your intended use case. If you desire a silent typing experience suitable for noise-sensitive environments, the Durock Dolphin is the clear winner. With its 62-gram actuation force and muted, low-pitched sound profile, the Dolphins provide a satisfying yet discreet experience, making them ideal for office settings or shared spaces where reduced noise is essential. Additionally, their polished feel ensures that you enjoy a smooth and refined typing experience, which could be particularly appealing for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more auditory experience with a bright and clacky sound signature, the WS Dash switches offer a unique charm with their silky smooth keystroke and lower actuation force of 55 grams, making them suitable for gaming scenarios or for those who appreciate an engaging acoustic feedback. Ultimately, your selection should hinge upon whether you prioritize silence and a more resistant feel with the Dolphins, or prefer the tactile sound and lighter touch of the WS Dash switches.
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