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Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash

An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the options can be vast and varied, each catering to distinct preferences. The Gateron Jupiter Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, driven by a medium-heavy actuation that ensures a feeling of reliability and consistency with every press. Its design, featuring high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, appeals to those who crave a polished and creamy typing experience without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches, known for their Hall Effect technology, offer a bright and clacky sound profile alongside a silky-smooth keystroke, providing a unique tactile experience that can enhance gaming and typing alike. While the Jupiter Red is perfect for users seeking a seamless and refined experience, the WS Dash captivates with its innovative sound and feel. 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

45g

Actuation force

30g

Bottom-out force

60g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

N/A

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 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

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Spring steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

When examining the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This common material contributes to a similar auditory experience, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound produced, making both switches ideal for users who appreciate a resonance that enhances typing feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, which further complements the aesthetic appeal of these switches in illuminated setups. Users can expect that the clear sound profile and visual highlights will be comparable when using either switch.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches utilizes nylon, which dramatically alters the overall sound character of the switches. Nylon is recognized for its softer composition, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This material tends to absorb more sound, creating a muted but rich auditory experience that stands in stark contrast to the brightness of polycarbonate. Consequently, the Jupiter Red and WS Dash will produce a different acoustic experience when bottoming out due to the nylon material, further enriching the typing dynamics with a blend of tones. The unique interplay of nylon in the bottom housing helps to provide a balanced auditory profile, enhancing the user experience.

Taking into account the combined materials in both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Wuque Studio WS Dash, the overall sound experience will feature an interesting duality. While the top housing contributes to the higher frequencies and clear resonance, the bottom housing softens and rounds out the sound, creating a harmonious blend of auditory feedback. Users can appreciate the subtle nuances offered by each switch: the penetrating brightness from the polycarbonate top matched with the warmth of the nylon bottom. This configuration ensures that, although the materials differ in terms of their acoustic properties, they work together to deliver a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch present distinctly different force profiles, catering to various typing preferences. The Jupiter Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, which requires a moderate push to engage, while its bottom out force is 60 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly firmer press to fully activate. In contrast, the WS Dash is designed with a lighter touch in mind, having an actuation force of only 30 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that, while the WS Dash has a lighter actuation, it still maintains enough resistance at the bottom for a solid feel. Therefore, for users who enjoy a lighter typing experience ideal for extended use, the WS Dash is the preferable choice. However, those who favor the tactile feedback of a heavier switch would find the Jupiter Red more satisfying. In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Red is the heavier option, while the WS Dash is lighter, making them suited for different user preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash measures at 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Dash the shorter of the two options, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, who often prefer the shorter distance for rapid actuation. Conversely, the Jupiter Red's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional, hearty feel that might be desirable for users who appreciate a deeper key press. Ultimately, if you opt for the WS Dash, you'll experience a more responsive input due to its shorter travel distance, while with the Jupiter Red, you can expect a more substantial keystroke that some find more satisfying.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

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.

The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 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

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch stands out for its neutral sound profile, resulting in a moderate sound output that caters well to a broad range of users, from beginners to more experienced typists. This neutrality makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch produces a bright and clacky sound signature. This distinct auditory experience is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing. While the Jupiter Red switch keeps sound in a balanced range, the WS Dash delivers a lively and engaging sound that can enhance the experience for typists who prefer a more vibrant keypress sound.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a well-rounded and polished typing experience characterized by its smooth and refined finish. This polished feel is further enhanced by a creamy and silky sensation, allowing for effortless key travel with minimal resistance. The switch's mild properties provide an approachable experience, blending both comfort and tactile satisfaction. In contrast, the feel of the WS Dash switch remains unknown, making it less clear how it compares in terms of smoothness or overall typing experience. The Jupiter Red's multi-faceted feel elevates it to a top choice for users who prioritize a cohesive and fluid typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches exhibit unique qualities tailored for different preferences. The Jupiter Red excels with its neutral sound and smooth, polished feel, appealing to users seeking a refined typing experience. Conversely, the WS Dash offers a bright acoustic signature that adds excitement to each keystroke, though specific details about its feel remain unspecified. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs, and while sound and feel can vary significantly, those who seek a stable and consistent typing experience may favor the Jupiter Red, while those wanting more auditory excitement might find the WS Dash appealing.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches and the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you’re looking for a smooth, polished, and consistent typing experience, particularly for regular typing tasks or gaming, the Jupiter Red would be an excellent choice due to its medium-bottom out force of 60 grams, which provides a bit more resistance and a satisfying feel during usage. On the other hand, if you find that you prefer a slightly lighter touch with a vibrant sound signature, or if you're drawn to a unique typing experience with a "clacky" sound, then the WS Dash with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams would be more aligned with your tastes. The soft backlighting and silky smooth action of the Jupiter Reds cater to those seeking a classic yet refined experience, while the distinctive auditory feedback of the WS Dash may appeal to those who enjoy a more expressive and lively interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, both switches offer great features, so consider what aspects you value more—stability and smoothness or sound and uniqueness—when making your decision.

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