Durock Ice King Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two notable options are the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Ice King Tactile switch stands out for its artful blend of smoothness and a pronounced tactile bump, offering a uniquely satisfying tactile experience that enhances typists' interaction with their keyboard. Its silky, frictionless feel combined with a refined touch makes it a favorite among those who prioritize tactile feedback and a controlled typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Dash switch presents a different allure with its hall effect technology, producing a bright, clacky sound signature and an ultra-smooth keystroke. This switch appeals to gamers and typists alike who value auditory feedback and effortless key presses. While the Ice King Tactile is all about the tactile experience and subdued elegance, the WS Dash leans towards a more vibrant sound and feel. 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
58g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 comparison of the housing materials in the Durock Ice King Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Dash highlights a fundamental divergence in their construction. The Ice King Tactile employs a nylon top housing, which lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. This results in a sound that is well-rounded and muted, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the WS Dash features a polycarbonate top housing, noted for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound. This disparity in materials directly influences the acoustic characteristics of the two switches, with the Ice King Tactile offering a warm, soft tone compared to the WS Dash’s clearer, more resonant output.
On the other hand, both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, creating a unified experience regarding the tactile feel and sound when bottoming out. Since nylon is softer than many alternative materials, both switches will exhibit a deeper and more rounded sound profile from the bottom housing, even though the pure auditory and tactile experiences differ when pressing down on the switches due to their contrasting top housings. The use of nylon at the bottom ensures that the experience of bottoming out retains a certain consistency in sound dampening and tactile response across both switch types, regardless of the top housing material.
In summation, while the Ice King Tactile and WS Dash exhibit different sound profiles attributed to the materials used in their top housings—nylon versus polycarbonate—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a commonality in the tactile feedback and acoustics when a key is fully pressed. This combination allows users to experience both the deeper resonance when pressing down and the distinct audible differences when releasing a key, thereby creating a rich, multifaceted listening and typing experience. Thus, the integration of differing materials contributes to a complex interaction between sound and feel, demonstrating how even disparate components can yield harmonizing results.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ice King Tactile requires a heavier actuation force of 58 grams, leading to a more substantial typing experience, which some users might prefer for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams, making it ideal for users seeking a more effortless keypress during extended use. The bottom out force further emphasizes this contrast, with the Ice King Tactile's bottom out force at 68 grams compared to the WS Dash's 55 grams. This means that users of the Ice King Tactile will experience a more pronounced resistance when reaching the bottom of a keypress—a desirable trait for those who enjoy a firmer tactile feedback. Overall, the Ice King Tactile is on the heavier side, while the WS Dash is lighter, catering to different preferences in typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch feature the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile feel and keypress depth when using either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches can provide comparable typing experiences, allowing for consistent feedback and actuation in applications such as gaming or general typing. As a result, switching between these two options would yield uniform results in terms of key travel and feel, making them equally suitable for users who prioritize a 3.5 mm travel distance in their switch preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile for $4.20.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash comes in at $7.49 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 sound profile of the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is characterized by its subdued nature, providing a dampened auditory response during keypresses. This subtle sound signature makes it suitable for both quiet office environments and personal use without being overly intrusive. In contrast, while the specific sound profile of the WS Dash hall effect switch isn't detailed, it is known for having a bright and clacky sound that typically enhances the typing experience with a more vibrant auditory feedback. This key difference in sound will cater to different user preferences, where those who enjoy a quieter experience may gravitate toward the Ice King, whereas those who prefer a livelier and more noticeable sound could find the WS Dash appealing.
In terms of feel, the Ice King Tactile excels with several defining characteristics. It promises a silky experience with a frictionless action, combining a polished finish that reduces resistance during keypresses. The presence of a pronounced tactile bump adds depth to each keystroke, allowing for a well-rounded and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the specific tactile feel of the WS Dash remains unspecified, which leaves a gap in the direct comparison. Nevertheless, if it is anything like traditional hall effect switches, users can expect a smooth travel, although the tactile feedback might vary significantly depending on individual preferences.
In conclusion, both the Durock Ice King Tactile and the WS Dash hall effect switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. While the Ice King Tactile is notable for its subdued sound and exceptional silky feel punctuated by a pronounced tactile bump, the WS Dash presents a potentially brighter and clackier sound paired with an unspecified but likely smooth feel. Users looking for a refined typing experience with quieter operation might prefer the Ice King, while those who enjoy lively sounds may lean towards the WS Dash. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual sound preferences and tactile experiences sought by the user.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Ice King Tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and desired experience. If you favor a tactile experience that combines a pronounced bump with a smooth keystroke, the Ice King Tactile is an excellent option. With its medium-heavy 68-gram bottom out force, it provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance typing accuracy while offering a subdued sound signature, making it suitable for quieter environments or office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a brighter, clackier sound profile, the WS Dash with its 55-gram force might be the way to go. Its captivating hall effect technology lends a unique smoothness to your keystrokes, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing sessions where speed and fluidity are paramount. Each switch has its strengths; consider your typing style, desired feedback, and sound preference to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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