Durock Dolphin vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Durock Dolphin, renowned for its silent operation, excels in environments where maintaining a low noise level is crucial, making it a solid option for office settings or shared workspaces. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches provide a balanced tactile experience, combining precision with a satisfying push that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the WS Pearl distinguishes itself with its unique use of ball-bearings, which significantly reduces friction during keystrokes and results in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The WS Pearl produces a medium-high pitched sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback in their typing. Both switches cater to their respective audiences—whether you're seeking silence and a bit of resistance with the Durock Dolphin or seek fluidity and a different tactile sensation with the WS Pearl. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
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 spring
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, leading to unique auditory experiences. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile characterized by its crispness and clarity. This is mainly due to polycarbonate's rigidity, allowing for a more resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Pearl utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less bright compared to the Dolphin’s. Thus, while both materials serve the same purpose of housing switches, they impart markedly different acoustic properties that can affect user experience significantly.
On the other hand, both the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl employ nylon for their bottom housings, making this aspect of the two switches comparable. The nylon bottoms in both models enhance a deeper and more rounded sound, absorbing vibrations and contributing to a pleasing acoustic experience. As the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, both switches will share this characteristic. The commonality in bottom housing material ensures a level of consistency in sound and feel, providing users with a similar experience in this regard, regardless of the differences found in their top housings.
The interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials is crucial in defining the overall sound profile and typing feel of these switches. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top offers a bright and clear sound that contrasts with the WS Pearl’s subdued nylon top, the shared nylon bottom serves to unify their sound characteristics at the bottom actuation point. This means that regardless of the tonal differences at the key release, both switches will resonate with a fuller, deeper sound when pressed down, due to the similar properties of their bottom housings. Thus, while the materials in the top housings create distinct acoustic identities, the nylon bottom ensures a cohesive experience in sound at the bottom of the stroke for both switches.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch present differing actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different user preferences. The Dolphin's actuation force is unspecified, but its bottom out force is 62 grams, indicating it has a medium feel when fully depressed. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a defined actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the WS Pearl is the lighter option, ideal for users looking for a less strenuous typing experience suitable for prolonged use. Meanwhile, the Dolphin may appeal to those who enjoy a more robust pushing sensation despite the uncertainty surrounding its actuation force. Overall, the WS Pearl is better for lighter, quicker typing, whereas the Dolphin may provide a more substantial feel though the absence of its actuation force leaves some ambiguity regarding its responsiveness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, we see that the Dolphin has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Pearl features a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that for those who prefer quicker response times, the WS Pearl might be the better choice, providing a more immediate actuation suitable for gaming. However, gamers might also find the Dolphin's longer travel distance of 3.8 mm offers a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on an individual's preference for either a shorter travel distance for speed or a longer distance for a more substantial keystroke feel.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
The Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its quiet performance, producing a sound that is both muted and low-pitched. This makes it an ideal choice for settings that require discretion, such as a shared office or any environment where noise levels need to be minimized. The soft and bass-heavy auditory signature offers a pleasant typing experience without drawing too much attention. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switch does not have a specific sound profile listed, but the inclusion of ball-bearings suggests a potential for a more fluid sound during typing. Ultimately, while the Dolphins provide a serene acoustics experience, it remains unclear how the WS Pearls might compare in this regard.
In terms of feel, the Dolphin is characterized by a polished experience, resulting in smooth and refined keystrokes. This leads to reduced friction during typing and a satisfying sense of control. The medium-heavy actuation force of 62g also contributes to a robust tactile feedback that many users appreciate for its balance between resistance and responsiveness. The WS Pearl, however, lacks specific descriptors about its feel, leaving that aspect somewhat open-ended. Still, the ball-bearing mechanism is designed to minimize friction, which is likely to yield a notably smooth keystroke and could provide an engaging alternative to the Durock's tactile pleasure.
In summary, the Durock Dolphin linear switch excels in quietness and a polished feel, making it well-suited for environments where sound dampening is important. Meanwhile, while the WS Pearl impresses with its innovative design focused on friction reduction, its sound and feel characteristics remain less defined. Users seeking a serene typing experience may lean toward the Dolphin, while those interested in exploring unique mechanical designs might gravitate towards the Pearl, appreciating the differences while also enjoying the subtle performance features of either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you often find yourself in quieter environments, such as an office or shared workspace, the Durock Dolphin is an ideal option due to its silent operation and a medium-heavy actuation force of 62 grams, providing a satisfying yet controlled keystroke feel. This makes them perfect for those who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing without disturbing those around them. On the other hand, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and almost whimsical typing experience, the WS Pearl is your best bet. Its unique ball-bearing design minimizes friction, resulting in a surreal keystroke sensation that can enhance your typing comfort, making it suitable for long hours of typing or gaming. Their medium-light actuation force of 58 grams, while slightly less than that of the Dolphin, contributes to a smooth typing experience that many users find desirable. In summary, choose the Durock Dolphin for a more controlled and quieter experience, and opt for the WS Pearl when seeking that extra level of smoothness and lightness in your keystrokes.
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