Durock Medium Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, options abound. Two popular choices in the tactile switch category are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Durock Medium Tactile offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, its jelly-like sound signature adds a unique touch. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches impress with their profound and pronounced tactile bump, creating a satisfying resistance with each keystroke. Their captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' nylon housings, adds to the immersive typing experience. Both switches fall under the tactile category, but they differ in their specific characteristics. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in terms of their housing materials. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound with more clarity. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Medium Tactile and the WS Heavy Tactile use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softness, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing, both switches will provide similar sound profiles.
Although the top housings differ, it is important to note that the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the bottom and the top of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when letting go of a key will be more influenced by the top housing. Therefore, despite the differences in housing materials, both switches will provide a unique typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile offer different sound profiles due to their varying housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Medium Tactile results in a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound. However, their nylon bottom housings produce similar effects, providing a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Medium Tactile switch has an unavailable actuation force, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch also has an unavailable actuation force. Therefore, it is not possible to compare the two switches in terms of actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch is 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Medium Tactile switch.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. This lighter weight is especially beneficial for keyboards used in professional settings or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may opt for switches with heavier forces to satisfy their preference.
In conclusion, the actuation force of both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches is unavailable for comparison. However, the Medium Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. Therefore, depending on the desired typing experience, individuals can choose between a medium-heavy switch with the Durock Medium Tactile or a lighter switch with the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it becomes evident that they have different distances. The Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. These differences may seem minor, but they can have a significant impact on the user's typing experience. The Medium Tactile falls into the more traditional range of 4.0 mm, providing a familiar sensation for those accustomed to standard key switches. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a shallower travel distance of 3.2 mm, which can be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. For individuals who prioritize responsiveness, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice. However, some users may find shorter distances to be too abrupt, and prefer switches with a more substantial depth. In such cases, selecting the switch with the longer travel distance would be the preferable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on an individual's personal preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium Tactile for $4.25.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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 Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, which creates a unique auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a captivating sound profile with a "thocky" resonance. While the specific sound descriptors for the WS Heavy Tactile are not provided, it is safe to assume that it produces a clacky and high-pitched sound based on the given information. Both switches offer different sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preference and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, it is important to consider these additional factors when choosing between the two switches.
When it comes to feel, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are described as accented, indicating a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. They offer a satisfying tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keystroke. The WS Heavy Tactile switch is also described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This gives the keys a lively feel and offers a slight rebound when pressed. The Medium Tactile switch does not have a specific descriptor for its feel, but it can be assumed to provide a comfortable and balanced tactile experience based on the information provided. Both switches offer a tactile experience that can be enjoyable for typists seeking a responsive and engaging typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Medium Tactile switch provides a jelly-like sound signature and a comfortable and balanced tactile experience. Meanwhile, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a captivating "thocky" sound profile and a bouncy and invigorating tactile feel. While they have their differences, both switches provide a pronounced and satisfying tactile bump for an immersive typing experience. The ultimate choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired sound and feel characteristics for the keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile is a great choice. It provides an accented tactile feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, its jelly-like sound signature adds a unique touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a profound and pronounced tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is the way to go. With a bouncy and invigorating feel, these switches offer a snappy and reactive typing sensation. They also produce a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, enhancing the auditory feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile will depend on your preference for force, feel, and sound in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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