Durock Dolphin vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch that stands out for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quiet work environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a balanced feel that is both precise and satisfying for those who prefer a bit more resistance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion also a linear switch, features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, delivering a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. Additionally, it offers a crisp and responsive feel with a neutral sound profile. However, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this quality in their top housing, the WS Onion's top housing may offer a slightly different aesthetic due to potential design variations.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Onion utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience when typing on these switches. This common bottom housing material means that users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of sound and feel from both the Dolphin and the WS Onion.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Onion offer a unique blend of housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the nylon bottom housing in each switch provides a deeper and fuller typing experience. The differences in the top and bottom housing materials create a balance in sound quality and feel when using these switches, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of None grams. However, the Dolphin has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, while the WS Onion has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that typing on the Dolphin switch may feel slightly easier and more effortless compared to the WS Onion switch, which may provide a more substantial typing experience due to the slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being favored for longer typing sessions and heavier switches for those seeking a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. The Dolphin offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the WS Onion. A 3.8 mm travel distance can provide a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the 4.0 mm travel distance of the WS Onion may offer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, which could be appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the typing experience desired.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference or workspace requirements.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is known for its polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the WS Onion switch is described as providing a buttery and polished feel, giving users a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches offer a satisfying keystroke feel, with slight differences in their overall smoothness and refinement, catering to individual preferences in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin and Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dolphin excels in providing a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, ideal for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery smooth keystroke feel, catering to a wider range of users and environments. Both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, each bringing its own set of subjective qualities to enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider your workspace environment and personal preference. If you prioritize a silent and polished typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Durock Dolphin may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a neutral sound profile and a slightly heavier actuation force, the WS Onion from Wuque Studio might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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