Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Dash stand out in unique ways to cater to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, known for its refined tactile feedback, offers a satisfying short, medium-strength bump that enhances typing accuracy and comfort, making it a great choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback while gaming or typing. In contrast, the WS Dash switches from Wuque Studio deliver an engaging hall effect experience, characterized by their bright and clacky sound signature alongside a silky smooth keystroke, appealing to those who favor auditory feedback and a refined feel. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB focuses on tactile response, the WS Dash excels in combining sound and smoothness, allowing users to immerse themselves in their typing or gaming experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a clear distinction emerges primarily in the top housing. The MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, known for its softer quality that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon’s ability to absorb sound, producing a rounder and duller auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Dash employs a polycarbonate top housing which, thanks to its stiffer composition, creates a sharper and crisper sound. This inherent material difference influences not only the auditory characteristics of each switch but also impacts the aesthetic appeal, as polycarbonate's translucence enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for illumination in mechanical keyboards.
Turning to the bottom housing, both the MX Purple RGB and WS Dash utilize nylon, creating a unifying aspect between the two switches. This serves to equalize certain auditory experiences, as the nylon bottom housing results in a similarly deep and fuller sound profile regardless of the differing top housing materials. The nature of the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, lending an element of consistency in this respect. As such, while the top housings diverge in their construction and resulting sound profiles, the shared use of nylon in the bottoms contributes to a familiar tactile experience across both switches.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different materials in the MX Purple RGB and the WS Dash illustrates how each component's characteristics shape the overall performance of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the WS Dash provides a heightened sound response during key releases, contrasting with the MX Purple RGB’s softer nylon approach. Yet the use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that, despite these differences, the foundational feeling and sound when bottoming out remains consistent. This nuanced balance between the two switches emphasizes how the choice of materials can influence a keyboard's auditory and tactile attributes, highlighting distinct personal preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Dash is significantly lighter at 30 grams. This lighter actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during prolonged use at work or intense gaming sessions. Conversely, the MX Purple RGB's actuation provides a heftier feel, ideal for those who favor a more substantial typing experience. As for the bottom out forces, the MX Purple RGB's value is unknown, while the WS Dash has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, suggesting that it provides a more pronounced tactile feedback when fully pressed down. Overall, while the WS Dash offers a lighter actuation force for easier typing, the MX Purple RGB presents a heavier resistance, catering to different user preferences in the realm of keyboard switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you opt for the WS Dash, you'll experience a quicker keystroke response, a characteristic often favored by gamers for its speed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's longer travel distance provides a more substantial and tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keypress and a more deliberate typing experience. Overall, if you prioritize rapid response times, the WS Dash would be the better choice, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB caters to users who enjoy a more traditional and robust feel in their switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switches deliver a refined auditory experience that is generally more muted and subdued compared to louder switches. While the exact characteristics of their sound profile aren't specified, they typically produce a pleasant typing noise that is not overbearing. In contrast, the WS Dash switches are known for their bright and clacky sound signature. This means that users can expect a pronounced, crisp, and percussive auditory feedback when typing, making each keystroke feel more dynamic and engaging. The clackiness of the WS Dash could appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response from their switches.
In terms of feel, the MX Purple RGB switches provide a tactile experience with a medium-strength bump. This tactile feedback is designed to enhance typing accuracy by allowing users to feel when the key is actuated without being overly stiff or heavy. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches boast a polished and silky feel, making for a remarkably smooth typing experience. This smoothness is enhanced by the materials and possibly factory lubing, allowing for minimal resistance during key presses and very little friction. Therefore, while the Cherry MX Purple offers a tactile feedback that facilitates typing precision, the WS Dash's refined smoothness might attract those who prioritize fluid key travel.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a more subdued but tactile typing experience, the WS Dash hall effect switches stand out with a bright and clacky sound along with a silky smooth feel. Both switches appeal to different preferences: the Cherry for those who value tactile feedback and a more controlled sound environment, and the WS Dash for those who enjoy an engaging auditory and vividly smooth typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prioritize sound or feel, you can choose between these options depending on your typing style and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a refined tactile experience with a noticeable yet medium-strength bump, the MX Purple RGB is an excellent option. This switch is designed for those who enjoy a tactile feel that enhances feedback without being overly heavy, making it suitable for both gaming and typing tasks. Additionally, if you favor subdued sound while still having a tactile response, the MX Purple RGB will cater to your needs effectively. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a smoother, more polished key feel, coupled with a bright and clacky sound signature, the WS Dash would likely be your best bet. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, combined with a silky smooth keystroke, makes it perfect for those who prioritize typing comfort and audio feedback in their mechanical keyboard setup. Therefore, consider what aspects of keyboard use are most important to you, and select the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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