Durock Medium Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are both popular options among enthusiasts. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, along with a unique jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches are known for their smoothness, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound profile. While the Medium Tactile offers an accented and polished typing experience, the WS Light Tactile provides an easy-to-press feel. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that appeal to different preferences. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. By having the same material for the top housing, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic qualities from both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Durock Medium Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound overall. Despite the difference in the top housing material, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches means that users can still experience similar sound qualities when typing on either switch.
Overall, the division of housing materials in switches can impact the sound and feel experienced by users. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, are more noticeable when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switches, it is evident that the WS Light Tactile has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Medium Tactile's unknown force. In terms of bottom out force, the WS Light Tactile also requires less pressure at 50 grams compared to the Medium Tactile's 65 grams. This means that the WS Light Tactile switch provides a lighter typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the WS Light Tactile more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switches have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is clear that they offer a consistent and standard distance for users to experience. This means that whether you choose the Durock Medium Tactile or the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to other factors such as actuation force, sound profile, or overall feel.
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 Light 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
In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature, which adds a unique auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it versatile and suitable for various environments. The choice of keycaps and keyboard also plays a role in determining the overall sound output of these switches.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, providing a balanced tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch also offers a stepped feel, along with being easy-to-press, making typing effortless and comfortable with minimal force required for activation. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their tactile feedback and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Medium Tactile provides a jelly-like sound signature and a balanced tactility, the WS Light Tactile features a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfying results for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a balanced tactile bump, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a great choice for you. The pronounced tactility and jelly-like sound signature make it stand out among other switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, snappy tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch would be more suited to your preferences. Its neutral sound signature and easy-to-press feel make it a versatile option for various typing styles. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference in terms of tactility, sound, and typing experience.
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