Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Lime and the Wuque Studio WS Dash represent two distinct yet alluring options tailored for different typing experiences. The Outemu Lime is celebrated for its lightweight design and subtle tactility, making it an ideal choice for tactile enthusiasts seeking a soft, muted typing experience that allows for prolonged use without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Dash switches from Wuque Studio offer a unique hall effect mechanism, characterized by a bright and clacky sound signature coupled with an exceptionally smooth keystroke. This provides a more responsive feel that can be appealing for gamers and users who prefer audible feedback in their typing. While the Lime caters to those who appreciate a feathery touch and minimized noise, the WS Dash targets individuals seeking a refined and dynamic input experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, an immediate distinction can be drawn between their top housings. The Lime's top housing utilizes nylon, a material known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. This choice of material allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Dash employs polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper and more crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances sound clarity, resulting in a high-pitched resonance that is accentuated further by its translucency, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. Thus, the fundamental difference in top housing materials suggests that users may experience noticeably varied acoustic responses when typing or pressing keys on each switch.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Outemu Lime and the WS Dash share an identical choice for their bottom housings: nylon. The common use of nylon in both switches’ bottom housing means that users will enjoy similar sound characteristics when bottoming out. Nylon's softer characteristics absorb sound effectively, lending a duller and rounder tonal quality to the experience. This consistency provides a sense of familiarity and coherency across the two switches in terms of that bottom sound, ensuring users appreciate the full-bodied feel at the bottom of each key press regardless of the top housing used.
In essence, while the top housings of the Outemu Lime and WS Dash can deliver distinctly different acoustic profiles due to their material differences, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a harmonious sound experience at the key's bottom-out stage. Users will likely find that while the top housing dictates the immediate auditory response when a key is released, the nylon bottom remains a unifying element that provides a cohesive feel and sound upon key press. Consequently, while the two switches boast unique characteristics shaped by their top housings, the nylon bottom binds them in an auditory and tactile framework, allowing for an overall consistent typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Lime features an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, classifying it as a light switch. In contrast, the WS Dash offers a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the WS Dash requires less force to trigger a keypress, it requires more force to fully bottom out compared to the Lime. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the WS Dash may be more appealing due to its lower actuation force. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might prefer the increased resistance of the WS Dash when bottoming out. Overall, the Outemu Lime is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a better choice for those seeking ease of use, while the WS Dash’s heavier bottom out force provides more feedback during intense typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch differ slightly, with the Lime featuring a travel distance of 3.3 mm and the WS Dash at 3.5 mm. This means that the Outemu Lime is the shorter of the two switches, providing a more responsive feel that can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. In contrast, the WS Dash, with its longer 3.5 mm travel distance, may deliver a more substantial tactile experience, which some users might prefer for a more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you value swifter responses or a deeper keypress experience.
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 Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 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 Outemu Lime tactile switch is characterized by a neutral and muted quality. This means that it maintains a balanced sound, which appeals to both beginners and advanced users alike, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or work. The muted aspect further enhances its appeal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, minimizing the typical clatter associated with many mechanical switches. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch is described as having a bright and clacky sound signature. This lively sound is great for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, which can add to the overall experience but may not be as suitable for quieter environments and shared spaces.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Outemu Lime is engineered for an exceptionally light typing experience, categorized as feathery and mild. This gentle resistance allows for extended typing periods without fatigue, making it a prime choice for both gaming and professional use. The tactile feedback is subtle and approachable, providing enough sensation to be satisfying without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, specific feel characteristics of the WS Dash hall effect switch remain unknown, but it is likely to still provide a smooth and refined experience, given its reputation for having a silky keystroke combined with the distinct auditory elements of its design.
In conclusion, while both switches offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences, the Outemu Lime serves those seeking a muted, gentle, and refined typing experience ideal for prolonged use. In contrast, the WS Dash caters to individuals who enjoy a more expressive sound profile with potentially smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's priorities, whether they lean towards noise sensitivity and comfort or a more dynamic and engaging sound experience.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you're looking for a lightweight switch with a softer, muted sound that allows for a more gentle and comfortable typing experience, especially during prolonged use, the Outemu Lime is an excellent choice. Its tactility is approachable, making it suitable for users who appreciate a bit of feedback without the heaviness that can accompany more pronounced switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer keystroke and enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback with a bright and clacky sound, then the WS Dash might be what you’re after. This hall effect switch offers a unique smoothness complemented by its vibrant sound signature, which can add character to your typing sessions. In conclusion, consider your typing habits and environment: for quieter settings or extended work, lean towards the Lime, while for a more engaging and lively typing experience, the WS Dash is the way to go.
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