Durock Dolphin vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ stand out as two compelling linear options, each with its own unique characteristics. The Durock Dolphins are particularly well-suited for quieter environments, providing a silent typing experience that is ideal for offices or shared workspaces. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches offer a pleasing balance of precision and resistance, catering to typists who appreciate a more substantial tactile feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ introduces a different allure with its all-POM construction, which delivers a rich "thock" sound signature and an exceptionally smooth keystroke, making every typing session feel luxurious. While both switches are engineered for linear performance, their distinct acoustic profiles and actuation forces can greatly influence your typing comfort and overall experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, the differences in their top housing materials provide distinct auditory experiences. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the rigidity of the material. This quality enhances clarity and resonance, making the Dolphin particularly effective for users who appreciate a bright sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which generates a deeper and more muted sound. This difference can be attributed to POM's unique characteristics that favor a softer auditory experience, resulting in a less pronounced high end compared to polycarbonate. Consequently, while both switches provide a quality sound, they do so through differing tonal characteristics influenced by their top housing materials.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches showcase a remarkable similarity in their material effects. The Dolphin is made with a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sound waves effectively, giving it a rounder and more rounded auditory presence. Meanwhile, the WS POM+ features a POM bottom housing, which also delivers a deeper and unique sound experience, albeit with a more muted quality. In both cases, the bottom housing is critical to the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when keystrokes are executed. While the bottom housing materials differ, both emphasize a sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, uniting these switches in terms of a more rounded output while contrasting with the sharper tonalities present in their respective top housings.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the differing top and bottom housings can lead to unique yet complementary audible experiences. The Dolphin delivers a more vibrant and reactive sound on key release due to its polycarbonate top, while its nylon bottom offers a satisfying depth when pressed down. Conversely, the WS POM+ provides a consistently deeper sound profile across both housings due to the material characteristics of POM, making for a more uniform auditory feel. Together, these characteristics illustrate how each switch can cater to different preferences, enabling users to choose a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience, while still achieving similar satisfying results in their overall sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Dolphin switch has an unspecified actuation force, but its bottom out force is measured at 62 grams, categorizing it as medium. In contrast, the WS POM+ switch features a defined actuation force of 45 grams, paired with a slightly lower bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light range. As a result of these specifications, the WS POM+ switch is the lighter option, offering a gentler push feel that may suit typists seeking a comfortable experience during extended use. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin switch, with its higher bottom out force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Overall, while both switches exhibit medium forces, the differences in their actuation forces—unknown for the Dolphin and lighter for the WS POM+—can significantly impact the user experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, it’s clear that they differ slightly, with the Dolphin featuring a travel distance of 3.8 mm and the WS POM+ having a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you favor quicker response times, the WS POM+ may be the better choice due to its more compact travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. Conversely, the Dolphin's longer travel distance might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback as they press down on the keys, providing a heftier feel. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that offers a deeper keypress experience, the Durock Dolphin would be the ideal option, whereas the Wuque Studio WS POM+ caters to a more responsive typing or gaming experience due to its shorter travel distance.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 is a standout for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, making it an ideal choice for those in shared workspaces or quieter environments. The sound produced by the Dolphin is soft and subtle, minimizing the clack typically associated with mechanical switches while still offering a pleasing, bass-heavy tone. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch is characterized by a deep and satisfying "thock" sound signature, producing an auditory experience that strikes a balance between subtlety and resonance. While the Dolphin's muted profile favors discretion, the WS POM+ leans toward a more auditory engagement, creating an enjoyable clacking sound that some enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, the auditory experience will heavily depend on your keyboard choice and keycaps, which can influence how each switch performs acoustically.
Feel is another area where these switches display their unique personalities. The Durock Dolphin switch offers a polished typing experience, characterized by its smooth and refined finish, likely enhanced by quality materials and factory lubing. This results in reduced friction and an effortless key travel that many users find satisfying, especially those who prefer a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a substantial response. On the other hand, the specifics of the feel for the WS POM+ switch remain unclear, but the reputation of all-POM switches often indicates a focus on smoothness and responsiveness. If you're someone who relishes a buttery-smooth keystroke, you might find that the WS POM+ could meet your expectations in a different manner than the Durock Dolphin.
In summary, both the Durock Dolphin and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences among users. The Dolphin excels in its quiet and polished typing experience, making it a great option for noise-sensitive environments, while the WS POM+ boasts a more pronounced sound signature and a potentially smooth keystroke experience. Depending on your specific preferences in terms of sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results, highlighting the rich diversity in mechanical keyboard switches available today.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Dolphin linear switches and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you seek a switch that excels in quieter environments, such as an office or shared workspace, where minimizing sound is a priority, the Durock Dolphins would be the superior option. Their medium-heavy actuation force offers a satisfying yet robust typing experience, making them ideal for users who appreciate a little more resistance and a polished feel with each keystroke. Conversely, if you're looking for a smoother typing experience and a distinctive "thock" sound that adds personality to your setup, the WS POM+ would be an excellent choice. With a lighter actuation force, they provide a buttery-smooth feel, perfect for long typing sessions or intensive gaming. By considering these factors—sound, feel, and application—you can select the switch that best aligns with your needs and enhances your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
