Durock Dolphin vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, both offer unique advantages depending on your preferences. The Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it ideal for office settings or anywhere noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a satisfying press and precision, appealing to those who prefer more resistance. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch boasts a smooth feel with a noticeable tactile bump, while also offering a neutral sound signature. These switches are categorized as polished, muted, low-pitched and stepped, neutral, easy-to-press respectively. However, let's delve 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both utilize polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial if RGB lighting is a priority. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences in the bottom housing material, the overall typing experience of these switches may still provide similar qualities based on the unique characteristics of each plastic.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housings of the Durock Dolphin and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer a translucent look, making them ideal for switches that aim to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the bottom nylon housing of each switch contributes to the overall sound experience, with the softer plastic offering a different tactile feel and sound when typing. Where the polycarbonate top housings create a sharp and crisp sound upon release of a key, the nylon bottom housings add a deeper and fuller tone to the bottom-out sound, providing a balance of sound qualities in both switches.
While the Durock Dolphin and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile share similarities in their top polycarbonate housings, the differences lie in the nylon bottom housings. These variations result in unique typing experiences for each switch, with the nylon bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the polycarbonate top housing has a larger impact on the sound upon key release. Both switches offer a blend of sharpness and depth in sound profiles, showcasing the importance of housing materials in creating a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Dolphin has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's 50 grams. However, the WS Light Tactile has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Dolphin's actuation force is unknown. This means that the WS Light Tactile switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch offers a more substantial typing feel due to its higher bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a switch with a bit more heft to it. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, we can see that the Dolphin has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Light Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. These differences may seem minimal, but they can have a significant impact on the overall feel of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Dolphin, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the WS Light Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired, with each offering a unique feel and responsiveness.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch provides a muted and low-pitched typing experience, ideal for those looking for a quieter switch option. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments and preferences. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as having a polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a stepped feel with a gentle resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable. The Dolphin switch emphasizes a smooth key travel experience, while the WS Light Tactile switch offers a more tactile feel with a noticeable bump during key presses.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin switch is best suited for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, while the WS Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile and a light tactile feel with easy-to-press keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you are looking for a similar typing experience in terms of sound or feel, both switches provide distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Dolphin linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you work in an office environment or a shared workspace where noise levels are a concern, the Dolphin's silent operation and medium actuation force of 62g make it a suitable choice for those looking for a balance of precision and satisfying keypresses. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a snappy tactile bump with a neutral sound profile, the WS Light Tactile with a 50g bottom out force may be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your typing needs and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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