Durock Light Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches, both of which fall under the tactile category. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is revered for its gentle tactility and pleasant sound signature, providing a refreshing change from the more common sharper tactile switches available. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches by Wuque Studio offer a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort with their medium-light actuation force. Typing on these switches provides a delightful auditory experience cherished by enthusiasts, thanks to the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in terms of their housing materials. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Overall, those looking for a more vibrant and precise sound may prefer the Light Tactile with its polycarbonate top housing, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the WS Brown with its nylon top housing.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Light Tactile and the WS Brown utilize nylon as a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, both the Light Tactile and WS Brown would provide similar results. However, it's worth noting that the different top housings in these switches may still influence the overall sound when the key is released.
In summary, the Light Tactile and WS Brown have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the WS Brown's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for the specific sound characteristics offered by the respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Brown switch is not available, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light.
Considering weight, individuals may have different preferences. Some may prefer a lighter actuation force, like that of the WS Brown, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is suitable for bringing to work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, in which case they may lean towards options with heavier forces, such as the Light Tactile.
While the exact actuation force for the WS Brown switch is unknown, it is possible that it may provide a similar feel or experience to the Light Tactile if the actuation forces happen to be similar or fall within a similar range. Nevertheless, the Light Tactile switch can be considered slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the 55 grams of the WS Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on an individual's specific preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Light Tactile being slightly longer.
If you prefer a faster response time, the WS Brown may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker key presses. However, if you value a deeper and more substantial feel when typing or gaming, the Light Tactile's longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. It's important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between the two switches to ensure the most satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or at work. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience. It offers a more approachable and comfortable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, it is described as a polished switch, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no available information about the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished feel. It offers a pleasant typing experience for both beginners and advanced users, and its smooth key travel ensures comfortable and fatigue-free typing even during extended sessions. While the qualities of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch are unknown, based on the information provided, it is likely to provide a similar result in terms of its gentle tactility and comfortable typing experience. However, for a more comprehensive comparison, additional information about the WS Brown switch would be necessary.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a gentle tactility, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a unique and pleasant typing experience with its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the WS Brown switch from Wuque Studio would be a suitable option. It provides a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for bottom out force and desired typing experience. Both switches offer a level of familiarity and innovation, making them suitable for a variety of typing scenarios. Ultimately, it's important to consider your typing preferences and needs to make the right choice between the Durock Light Tactile and WS Brown switches.