Durock Light Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a pleasant contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches, users will experience a heavenly tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch boasts a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is incredibly satisfying. These switches offer a crisp and responsive feel along with a neutral sound profile. While these general descriptions may give you a sense of what to expect, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you determine the best switch for your preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Onion Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$7.00

$5.53 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to pass through and create vibrant visual effects. Similarly, the WS Onion also features a polycarbonate top housing, offering similar benefits in terms of sound and aesthetics.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Light Tactile and the WS Onion incorporate nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a duller and rounder sound. Both switches share this quality, contributing to a satisfying typing experience characterized by a deeper tone and enhanced auditory feedback.

While the top and bottom housing materials of the Light Tactile and the WS Onion differ, the impact they have on the overall switch experience is divided between the two components. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. With nylon as the material, users can expect a softer and more absorbent response, which may result in a slightly quieter typing experience. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound produced when a key is released. The polycarbonate material used in both switches ensures a sharp and resonant sound as keys are let go, adding to the auditory satisfaction of using these switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, there are a few key differences to note. The Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams, meaning that you need to apply this force in order to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Onion is unavailable, so it is unclear how much force is required to activate it. In terms of bottom out force, the Light Tactile requires 67 grams of force to fully press down, while the WS Onion requires 63.5 grams.

In terms of weight, both switches can offer a different typing experience. The Light Tactile is on the heavier side, which can provide a more substantial typing feel. This may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push sensation for a satisfying typing experience. On the contrary, the lighter weight of the WS Onion can make it more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. This lighter weight allows for a smoother and potentially more comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for use at work or during prolonged gaming sessions.

Overall, while the actuation force for the WS Onion is unspecified, the bottom out force is slightly lighter than that of the Light Tactile. Thus, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force, the WS Onion may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a known actuation and bottom out force, the Durock Light Tactile provides an option with a medium-heavy feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch plays a significant role in the overall typing or gaming experience. In this case, both the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of the physical distance they travel when pressed. This means that whether you choose the Light Tactile or the WS Onion, you can expect similar results and a consistent feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer a comfortable and responsive experience, ensuring precise keystrokes and an enjoyable user experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches have a neutral sound profile. This means that they produce a moderate sound when pressed, making them suitable for most purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or at work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle tactility. This switch is known for its approachable qualities and falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience and reduced friction.

On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch provides a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is deeply satisfying. This switch offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the Light Tactile switch, the WS Onion switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, both the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches offer their own unique qualities. The Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature, while the WS Onion switch impresses with its buttery smooth keystroke feel and crisp responsiveness. If you are looking for a neutral sound profile and a polished typing experience, either of these switches would provide similar results.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactility and keystroke feel. The Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a pleasant contrast to sharper tactile switches. Typing on these switches provides an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch excels in providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel. With its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, these switches offer a crisp and responsive feel along with a neutral sound profile. Both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the choice would depend on whether you prefer a more gentle and soft tactile experience, or a smooth and fluid keystroke feel.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Onion Linear

$7.00

$5.53 per 10

Learn more