Durock Light Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock Light Tactile and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile are two mechanical keyboard switches that cater to those seeking a tactile typing experience. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its exceptionally gentle tactility, providing a refreshing contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches offers an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are designed for office and work environments, showcasing a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. These switches boast ingenious stem railings with small cutouts to minimize switch sound, ensuring a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches that employ silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Tactile switches forsake this approach, resulting in a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel. The blend of tranquility and tactility offered by these switches creates a truly unique experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in terms of their composition. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite their differences, both materials contribute to the overall typing experience by influencing the sound when the key is released.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon as their housing material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound. The softer nature of nylon dampens the impact and creates a rounder sound when the key bottoms out. This characteristic is shared by both the Light Tactile and the WS Silent Tactile. Thus, users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile have distinct characteristics. The Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a dampened impact and rounder sound when the key is pressed. Despite these differences, users can anticipate a similar typing experience as both switches incorporate elements of clear resonance and a fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Light Tactile requires 52 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile's force is unavailable. Although we don't have an exact measurement for the latter, if it is similar to the Light Tactile, both switches would provide a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Light Tactile requires 67 grams, slightly heavier than the WS Silent Tactile's 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Light Tactile provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed.
Weight plays an important role in switch preference, as some prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others enjoy a heavier push for a more satisfying typing experience. Both the Light Tactile and WS Silent Tactile fall under the medium-heavy category, making them suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switches differ slightly. The Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This shorter distance may be preferred by gamers or those who prioritize faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Light Tactile with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Silent Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentle and jelly-like sound signature, providing an angelic tactility that is a refreshing departure from the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. Crafted with precision, these switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts that effectively minimize switch sound. They deliver a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return while maintaining an impressively silent profile. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Overall, both switches fall into the neutral category with moderate sound profiles, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether at home or in the office. However, the WS Silent Tactile switch has a muted quality, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to the Light Tactile switch.
In terms of feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. Its gentle tactility and polished finish result in a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch provides an accented tactile feel that is not overwhelming but still prominent. This medium level of tactility offers a satisfying typing experience without being too subtle. It also falls into the mild category, providing a more gentle typing experience that most users will find comfortable. However, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have different sound and feel characteristics. The Light Tactile switch offers a gentle and jelly-like sound signature, along with a mild and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch provides a muted sound profile, a medium level of tactility, and an invigorating typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, and the choice between them will depend on personal preferences. If you prefer a gentle and jelly-like sound with a mild and polished typing feel, the Light Tactile switch is a great option. However, if you prefer a quieter sound with a medium level of tactility and an invigorating typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch is a perfect choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you'll be using them. If you prioritize a gentle and angelic tactility, along with a jelly-like sound signature, the Light Tactile would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you value a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, the WS Silent Tactile offers a crisp bottom-out, responsive return, and an impressively silent profile. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Light Tactile has a mild and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile offers an accented tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, creating an invigorating typing sensation. Overall, these switches cater to different preferences and environments, ensuring there is a suitable choice for every keyboard enthusiast.