Gateron Mini i vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Dash represent two distinct philosophies in keystroke design, catering to different preferences and environments. The Gateron Mini i, celebrated for its gentle tactility, is ideal for those seeking a quiet, office-friendly experience. Its lightweight feel and subtle sound profile make it suitable for extended typing sessions, allowing users to maintain focus without disruptive noise. In contrast, the WS Dash switches by Wuque Studio offer a vibrant auditory experience with their bright and clacky sound signature, complemented by a silky smooth keystroke. These Hall Effect switches appeal to gamers and typists who appreciate both refinement and the satisfying feedback of each press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to your typing environment and personal preferences—whether you lean towards the understated elegance of the Gateron Mini i or the lively response of the WS Dash. 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
40g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the Wuque Studio WS Dash exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, which directly influence their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Mini i features a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer plastic properties that contribute to a fuller and deeper sound. This softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder audio quality. In contrast, the WS Dash employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and promotes a crisper, clearer sound profile. The resonance produced by polycarbonate provides a sharp auditory experience, especially favorable for users looking to emphasize the auditory response of RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances lighting effects.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, reinforcing some similarities in sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing for both the Mini i and WS Dash maintains the soft characteristics that result in a deeper, fuller sound. This consistency across the bottom housings guarantees that while the top housings differ significantly, the foundational sound quality remains aligned when typing. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback produced during key presses will be comparable, providing a shared sensory element between the two switches.
In summation, the Gateron Mini i and Wuque Studio WS Dash showcase a combination of contrasting and complementary elements in their housing materials. The key difference in sound profiles arises from their top housings—nylon for the Mini i offering a subdued audio experience versus the sharper, clearer tone produced by the polycarbonate top of the WS Dash. However, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings harmonizes the user experience, leading to a similar overall auditory outcome despite the disparity in their top housing materials. This combination of materials means users can appreciate both distinct sound qualities while also enjoying a consistent tactile experience when pressing the keys.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct characteristics. The Gateron Mini i features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option for users who prefer less resistance during typing, which can lead to less fatigue over extended periods of use. Conversely, the WS Dash has a lower actuation force of 30 grams, contributing to an even lighter touch for initial keystrokes, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Mini i. As such, while both switches provide a relatively lighter typing experience, the WS Dash is more forgiving on actuation, but requires more force to fully depress. Therefore, if you prioritize a lighter overall feel, the WS Dash may be more appealing, while the Mini i offers a slightly more substantial bottoming out experience, making it better suited for those who prefer a bit more feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Mini i features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Dash offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Gateron Mini i the shorter option, which could appeal to gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness, as shorter travel distances generally allow for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the WS Dash, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a traditional keystroke feel. While both switches can be suitable depending on user preference, if you're looking for a balance between rapid response and tactile feedback, the choice between them hinges on whether you favor a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
The Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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 Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a notably neutral auditory experience, characterized by a moderate volume that strikes a balance between professionalism and satisfaction. This makes it ideal for office environments where you might want to avoid drawing attention with loud keystrokes. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch is known for its bright and clacky sound signature, offering an engaging auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustical response. The sound profile of the WS Dash is more lively and could potentially capture the interest of those in a casual or creative setting. However, keep in mind that the overall sound experience can also depend significantly on the specific keyboard build and keycap choice.
With regard to feel, the Gateron Mini i offers a bouncy and mild typing experience that is easy on the fingers. The gentle resistance during key presses is perfect for long typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue while providing a responsive and snappy feedback with each keystroke. The gentle ramp-up to the tactile bump ensures that users don’t feel overwhelmed by the switch's characteristics, making it approachable for individuals of all skill levels. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the WS Dash is not specified, but it can be inferred that the smooth operation stemming from its Hall Effect design could provide a unique typing experience that effectively balances precision with ease of use, potentially differing from the Mini i's tactile nuances.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch excels in providing a subtle, muted sound and a gentle yet responsive typing feel that caters well to both professional and casual users, the WS Dash switch offers a lively auditory experience paired with a smooth keystroke that may appeal to those who favor a more vibrant sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding both sound and feel, with the Mini i focusing on a discreet and comfortable typing experience, while the WS Dash embraces a more expressive auditory showcase.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences as a typist. If you find yourself in a work environment where quietness and comfort are paramount, the Mini i is likely your best bet. Its lightweight feel and subtle tactile feedback allow for prolonged typing sessions without the fatigue that heavier switches might cause, and their neutral sound profile ensures minimal disruption in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more vibrant and dynamic typing experience, the WS Dash offers a noticeable, engaging feel along with a bright and clacky sound signature that could make your typing feel more exciting and expressive. This makes it a fantastic choice for gaming or creative tasks where responsive feedback is key. Ultimately, consider where and how you'll be using your keyboard most—be it for professional office tasks or lively gaming sessions—as this will guide you in selecting the switch that best enhances your typing experience.
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