Durock Medium Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Medium Tactile switch stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, giving users a responsive typing experience. Additionally, its jelly-like sound signature adds a unique touch. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch is known for its buttery smooth keystroke feel, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. This switch offers a crisp and responsive feel, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. Both switches possess their own unique characteristics that can greatly enhance your typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into these switches to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion share similar housing materials, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness and clarity. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect to achieve similar results when it comes to sound and lighting effects between these two switches.
Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing, with the Medium Tactile utilizing a nylon material, while the WS Onion also employs nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, and typing on switches made with nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound and imparts a duller and rounder sound. Thus, while both switches share the benefit of a polycarbonate top housing, the choice of nylon in the bottom housing gives them distinct characteristics in terms of sound.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion will exhibit different behaviors. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing primarily affects the sound as the key is released. Therefore, users can expect a nuanced tactile feedback from these switches, with the qualities of each housing material blended seamlessly to deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, we find that both switches have unavailable actuation forces. This suggests that the required force to trigger a keystroke is similar for both switches. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a slight difference. The Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Onion has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling within the medium-heavy range. This means that while the actuation forces may be similar, the Durock Medium Tactile requires a slightly heavier force to fully press a key compared to the WS Onion.
Weight can be an important factor to consider when selecting a switch, as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some individuals prefer lighter switches, such as the WS Onion, as they allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue. These lighter switches are ideal for those who frequently use their keyboards for work or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, and for them, a heavier switch like the Durock Medium Tactile would be a better fit. These heavier switches provide a stronger push feel, which can enhance the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them effectively equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key, users of both switches will experience the same distance traveled, resulting in a similar typing experience.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch features a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive feel with a neutral sound profile.
In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, although further details about the sound are unknown. The WS Onion switch, on the other hand, has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. This means that it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, has two stages of keystroke feel, offers a gentle typing experience, and has a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. The WS Onion switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery and polished, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a sleek typing feel.
Based on the available information, it can be concluded that the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch provides a buttery smooth keystroke feel, a crisp and responsive feel, a neutral sound profile, and a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Although some qualities of the switches may differ, both options offer unique and satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches, there are a few key factors to consider. If you value a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel, a crisp and responsive typing experience, and a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion is the way to go. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, if you prioritize a polished and refined typing experience, you'll find this quality in both switches. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of the specific tactile experience and sound profile you desire. So whether you choose the Medium Tactile or the WS Onion, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that will enhance your typing experience.
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