Durock Medium Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Red, offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Medium Tactile switch stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. Additionally, its jelly-like sound signature adds a unique touch to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switch boasts a 22mm double-stage spring, resulting in a bouncy and responsive typing feel. This switch retains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend and delivers a heavier actuation force, giving each keystroke a more substantial sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Red, we can see some clear differences. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, while the WS Red utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize a clear and resonant sound while typing. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Red produces a deeper and fuller sound. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. These differences in sound profile make the Medium Tactile more suitable for users who prefer a sharper sound, while the WS Red caters to those who enjoy a deeper and fuller typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Medium Tactile and the WS Red utilize nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile when typing on switches. Its relatively softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of sound preference, there seems to be no difference between the housing materials of the two switches. Both offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Users will experience the same deep and full sound when pressing down on either switch, thanks to the nylon bottom housing.

In summary, the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Red provide distinct sound profiles. The Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and clear sound, while the WS Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, when it comes to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, resulting in a similar deep and full sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for either a sharper sound or a deeper sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, both switches have an unavailable actuation force. This means that the exact force required to trigger a keystroke for both switches is unknown. However, the Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes both switches medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force.

Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This makes them suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, some people enjoy a stronger push feel, as it provides a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would opt for switches with heavier forces.

In this case, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the WS Red switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of bottom out force. Both fall under the medium-heavy category with a slight difference of 2 grams, with the WS Red being slightly heavier. Therefore, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS Red, while those seeking a lighter switch may prefer the Durock Medium Tactile.

Travel distance

The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. The Medium Tactile switch falls into the more traditional range with its 4mm travel distance, while the WS Red switch leans towards the shallower end at 3.8mm. Nowadays, shorter travel distances are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize quick response times. Opting for the WS Red switch with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice for those seeking heightened responsiveness. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance, such as the Medium Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences for depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the sound signature of the Wuque Studio WS Red switch is not provided in the given information. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. So, while the specific sound qualities of the WS Red switch are unknown, one can expect a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Medium Tactile is described as an accented, stepped, mild, and polished switch. Accented switches refer to a certain type of tactile switch that is not overly tactile but also not scratchy, providing a medium amount of tactility. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, with pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. The Medium Tactile is also considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Lastly, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Unfortunately, the provided information does not offer any specific descriptions of the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red switch. Therefore, it is unclear how it compares to the Medium Tactile in terms of feel.

In conclusion, based on the available information, the Durock Medium Tactile switch stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. It offers an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel, providing a comfortable typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the specific qualities of the Wuque Studio WS Red switch in terms of sound and feel are unknown. However, it can be expected to deliver a familiar sound signature and a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams for the Medium Tactile and 67 grams for the WS Red, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Medium Tactile would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a familiar sound signature and a touch of weight added to each keystroke, the WS Red offers a satisfying and substantial feel. Ultimately, your decision will depend on how these factors align with your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more