Durock Ice King Linear vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, switch selection can greatly influence your typing experience. The Durock Ice King Linear switches stand out for their silky smooth operation, facilitated by a full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, which culminates in a typing feel that is described as frictionless and polished. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a soft and stealthy keypress, perfect for both gaming and extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches, known for their captivating re-coloring from the popular Magnetic Jade, offer a unique auditory experience with a bright, clacky sound signature that complements their silky smooth keystroke. These Hall Effect switches are ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced tactile response alongside auditory feedback, thus enhancing their overall engagement with the keyboard. Both switches cater to different preferences—smooth and subdued versus bright and clacky—making them appealing options for various users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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 progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Ice King Linear and the Wuque Studio WS Dash present distinct contrasts that influence their respective sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic occurs due to nylon's relatively softer plastic composition, which effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder and duller auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Dash employs a polycarbonate top housing known for providing sharper and crisper sound profiles. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonance, especially when combined with RGB lighting; its translucency enhances visual aesthetics without compromising sound quality.
Both the Ice King Linear and WS Dash incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, which unifies their characteristics to some degree. The nylon bottom housing in both switches shares similar properties, contributing to the deeper and fuller sound profile when the switch bottoms out. Given that the bottom housing significantly impacts the sound and feel during the key press, the effect of the nylon material creates an underlying consistency in the typing experience across both switches. While their top housings divide sound profiles distinctly, both switches ultimately share a foundational sound characteristic thanks to the commonality of their nylon bottom housing.
In summary, while the Ice King Linear and WS Dash differ fundamentally in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their nylon bottom housings provide a common link that contributes to a lively typing experience. The Ice King Linear's soft nylon top engenders a deeper sound, whereas the WS Dash's stiffer polycarbonate top yields a higher-pitched resonance. Nevertheless, the synergy of both switches lies in their nylon bottom housings, resulting in a satisfying bottom-out experience that reinforces a cohesive feel during use. Thus, while users can expect varying auditory performances depending on the top housing, the duality of nylon in the bottom offers a comforting familiarity across these two distinct models.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ice King Linear features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a firmer push feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash boasts a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. As a result, the Ice King Linear is the heavier switch, while the WS Dash is the lighter option. Ultimately, this distinction aligns with user preferences: those who appreciate a heavier switch may gravitate toward the Ice King, while those seeking a lighter, more forgiving option would likely opt for the WS Dash.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. This equal travel distance suggests that both switches will provide comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness during typing or gaming. Thus, regardless of which switch is chosen, users can anticipate a consistent keypress experience, enhancing the overall functionality of their keyboard setup.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Ice King Linear switch is characterized by a subdued auditory profile, which produces a dampened sound upon keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a quieter typing experience that minimizes distractions in shared environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch is noted to have a bright and clacky sound signature, which can be more pronounced and attention-grabbing compared to the Ice King. This lively auditory profile may appeal to users who enjoy hearing a more kinetic feedback when typing, thus providing a more engaging overall experience. Ultimately, while both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the Ice King prioritizes a quieter atmosphere, whereas the WS Dash injects a bit of vibrancy into each keystroke.
When considering the feel, the Ice King Linear excels with descriptors such as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. Each of these qualities contributes to an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, allowing fingers to glide over the keys with minimal resistance. This results in a fluid travel that can be very satisfying, enhancing overall productivity and comfort over extended typing sessions. Conversely, the specifics of the feel for the WS Dash switch are unknown, leaving a gap in comparison. However, the experience of both switches can still lead to a pleasant typing experience for different user preferences, depending on surface and material interactions.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Linear and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches offer unique qualities suited to different typing preferences. The Ice King’s subdued sound and silky smooth feel cater to those who value a quieter and effortless typing experience, while the WS Dash’s bright clacky sound will attract users who enjoy more auditory feedback. Each switch brings its own charm to the keyboard experience, and the choice ultimately hinges on individual preferences for either subtleness or liveliness in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Durock Ice King Linear switches and the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and usage scenarios. If you value a silky, frictionless typing experience combined with a more subtle sound profile, the Ice King Linear switches are an excellent choice, especially for work environments or extended typing sessions where a softer sound is appreciated. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a brighter, clacky sound signature—ideal for gaming or a more dynamic typing experience—the WS Dash switches will likely suit you better. Their unique hall effect technology offers a refined response that many gamers and typists find satisfying. Both switches have their merits, so consider what aspects matter most to you in daily use to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard preferences.
Mentioned in this article
