Cherry MX Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Cherry MX Black is a linear switch known for its low-pitched, textured, and stiff feel, providing a consistent keystroke that many typists appreciate for its stability and resistance to accidental presses. Boasting Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, these switches deliver an iconic typing experience characterized by a classic sound profile that many enthusiasts adore. On the other hand, the WS Dash, featuring innovative Hall Effect technology, offers a bright and clacky sound signature, paired with a silky smooth keystroke that enhances both gaming and typing. This switch stands out for its captivating design and exceptional refinement, appealing to those who want a unique addition to their setup. Ultimately, both switches present compelling reasons to choose them depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic. 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
60g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash use different materials for their top housings, which leads to distinct sound profiles when typing. The MX Black features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer plastic composition, which dampens vibrations and results in a rounder sound. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material recognized for its rigidity and clarity. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound, which is ideal for those seeking a more resonant acoustic experience. Thus, while both switches can offer satisfying typing experiences, they diverge in how their top housing materials shape the sound profile.
While the tops of the two switches differ significantly, both the Cherry MX Black and WS Dash share the same material—nylon—for their bottom housings. This similarity is noteworthy, as both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on the key due to the nylon's acoustic properties. The soft, sound-absorbing qualities of nylon are responsible for diminishing harshness and generating a duller thump during key bottom-out. As a result, while the overall sound profile may vary due to the contrasting top housing materials, users can expect a consistent experience during the bottoming out phase, where the characteristics of the bottom housing come into play.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash creates a unique typing experience for each. The softer nylon bottom of both switches ensures a similar feel during key presses, while the contrasting top housing materials define the auditory differences when the keys are released. For typists who appreciate varying tonal qualities based on switch design, these differences can be significant. However, users can enjoy deeper sounds from both switches, thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing. Thus, while typists might prefer one switch over the other based on its sound profile or aesthetic, both designs offer pleasing tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Black linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences emerge. The Cherry MX Black requires a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash boasts a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those who favor a more effortless keypress and longer typing sessions. Consequently, the WS Dash can be considered the lighter option, while the Cherry MX Black is heavier, which may lead to fatigue over extended use, making the WS Dash a more comfortable choice for prolonged activities. Overall, the distinction in weight and force characteristics makes these two switches suitable for different preferences among typists and gamers.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find a notable difference. The Cherry MX Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prefer a switch with a more substantial depth and tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Black would be the better choice, as it offers a more traditional travel experience. In contrast, the WS Dash's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, while both switches serve distinct user preferences, those who favor a deeper feel will find the Cherry MX Black more to their liking, whereas those prioritizing speed might prefer the WS Dash.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Black switch is characterized by a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone, lending a mellow and deep auditory experience when typing. This quality contrasts with the WS Dash switch, which has a bright and clacky sound signature. While the MX Black offers a more subdued auditory feedback, the WS Dash is likely to be more pronounced and attention-grabbing, providing a lively sound that may enhance the overall typing experience. However, the acoustics of both switches can vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap choice, so the final sound can be influenced by additional factors.
Regarding their tactile feel, the MX Black switch features a textured surface, introducing a noticeable friction during keystrokes which some typists may find appealing for feedback, while also being stiff, requiring more force to actuate compared to lighter switches. This can result in a more deliberate typing experience. In contrast, details about the tactile experience of the WS Dash switch aren't provided, leaving uncertainties about its level of friction or resistance. Those who prefer a gentle or smooth keystroke may need to test this switch personally to assess its feel against the textured and stiff qualities of the MX Black.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Black and the WS Dash switches have their unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The MX Black is ideal for users who enjoy a deep sound and a substantial feel with its textured and stiff switch action. In contrast, the WS Dash likely offers a livelier sound profile, although we don't have detailed information about its tactile feel. To choose the right switch, consider what aspects of sound and feel you prioritize in your typing experience, as both options could provide satisfactory results based on your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a firmer typing experience and appreciate a heavier keystroke, the MX Black, with its 80-gram bottom-out force, will likely suit you well. This switch’s textured, low-pitched sound profile provides a classic and satisfying auditory feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy that deep, mellow tone while typing steadily or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer feel with a touch of finesse in your keystrokes, the WS Dash’s 55-gram bottom-out force is your best bet. This medium-light switch offers a bright, clacky sound signature, perfect for those who enjoy a more lively typing experience without sacrificing smoothness. Overall, if you're looking for a blend of tactile feedback and a robust sound, go for the MX Black; but if you want a refined, smooth action with a more playful audio character, the WS Dash should be your choice.
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