Dareu Master vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Dareu Master and the Wuque Studio WS Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique characteristics. The Master switch from Dareu offers a medium weight, clacky sound signature, and exceptional smoothness, making it a popular choice among users looking for a reliable and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red from Wuque Studio features a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, providing a satisfying and substantial typing feel. While both switches offer their own set of advantages, such as smoothness and weightiness, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Master and the Wuque Studio WS Red both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Master features POM top and bottom housing, which creates a pleasing and deep sound that is relatively muted. On the other hand, the WS Red utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder due to the softer nature of nylon. While both switches offer a deep sound profile, the Master's POM housing may have a slightly different tone compared to the WS Red's nylon housing.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Dareu Master and the Wuque Studio WS Red provide a unique typing experience with their respective sound profiles. The POM housing of the Master is likely to offer a slightly sharper and more defined sound compared to the WS Red's nylon housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound overall. However, whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound profile or a fuller, rounder sound may come down to personal preference when choosing between these two switches.
One key point to consider when comparing the Dareu Master and the Wuque Studio WS Red is how the different housing materials impact the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. With the Master's POM housing providing a unique deep and muted sound profile and the WS Red's nylon housing offering a fuller and rounder sound, both switches have their own distinct qualities that may appeal to different types of typists. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to individual preferences regarding sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Dareu Master linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, which does not specify its actuation force. However, the WS Red has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, giving it a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Dareu Master more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the WS Red for a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out force, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Dareu Master linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.4 mm in travel distance may not be significant to the average user, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the WS Red switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
The Wuque Studio WS Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Master switch offers a clacky experience with a sharp and snappy sound, giving off a crisp and bright tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch sound is not specified in the provided information, so it's unclear how it compares in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Master switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls into a safe middle-ground zone. The smooth and refined finish of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the contrary, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch's feel is not described in the information provided, so it's uncertain how it differs from the Master in this regard.
Overall, the Dareu Master linear switch stands out for its medium weight, classic clacky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, mild and polished feel, providing users with a satisfying and comfortable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch features a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, offering a familiar sound signature with a touch of weight to each keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a clacky and polished feel or a bouncy and weighty typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and a medium weight for a classic clacky sound signature and smooth operation, the Dareu Master may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of 67 grams for a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke, then the Wuque Studio WS Red may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and desired sound and feel.