Cherry MX Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash stand out as two distinct yet appealing options. The Cherry MX Red, a well-established linear switch, is celebrated for its slightly heftier feel and deep sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying to the ear. Its "thocky" and "textured" characteristics make it a preferred choice for gamers and typists looking for reliability and tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Dash, a hall effect switch, offers a fresh alternative with its clacky sound signature and silky smooth keystrokes, coupled with a refined aesthetic reminiscent of the Magnetic Jade. This switch's "clacky" and "polished" nature may attract those who value a more dynamic acoustic experience while enjoying fluid typing. Both switches present compelling reasons for consideration, depending on user preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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 comparing the Cherry MX Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches, particularly their housing materials, notable differences surface that influence the overall typing experience. The Cherry MX Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its softer properties. This softer plastic contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as the nylon material effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience when keys are pressed and released. In contrast, the WS Dash employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, which is particularly pronounced during actuation. This fundamental difference in sound production can greatly affect user experience; those who prefer a subdued and quieter typing experience may lean towards the MX Red, whereas typists seeking a bright and clear auditory feedback might favor the WS Dash.
Turning to the bottom housings, both switches share the same material: nylon. This consistency means that both the Cherry MX Red and the WS Dash will yield a similar sound profile when bottoming out due to the nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities. With the bottom housing predominantly impacting the bottoming sound and feel during typing, users across both switches will notice a deeper and rounder sound when the keys are fully pressed. This commonality can create a unifying experience, allowing both switch types to feel cohesive in their sound production despite their distinct top housings. Ultimately, while the Cherry MX Red and WS Dash differ in their upper sound profiles, they converge in providing a harmonious and fuller auditory experience on the keystroke return.
In summary, the Cherry MX Red and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches present contrasting auditory experiences due to their differing top housing materials, yet they share the same bottom housing, which tempers the overall sound with a consistent nylon character. The nylon in the MX Red dampens sound, while the WS Dash’s polycarbonate top promotes brightness and resonance—differentiating their outer acoustic signatures while maintaining a unified feel during the actuation. This nuanced blend of materials means that, despite their differences, both switches cater to distinct preferences and can still deliver satisfactory results rooted in their shared nylon bottom housing. Users might gravitate towards one or the other based on their preferences for sound and feel, but both switches ultimately provide an enriching typing experience that reflects their individual characteristics.
Weight
When comparing Cherry MX Red linear switches to Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switches, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cherry MX Red switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Dash switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference means that the WS Dash switch requires less effort to initiate a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the bottom out front, the WS Dash has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down, while the bottom out force for the MX Red is unspecified. Consequently, while the MX Red offers a firmer push feel due to its higher actuation force, the WS Dash delivers a lighter typing experience with a medium-light bottom out feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Cherry MX Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly affect the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the WS Dash may appeal to gamers seeking rapid response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. In contrast, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Red offers a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a fuller tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more substantial feel when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Red switch provides a thocky auditory experience, generating a deeper and richer tone that resonates with each keystroke. This robust sound profile can be likened to a soft thud or knock, offering a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists find appealing. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch delivers a bright and clacky sound signature, characterized by its sharp, snappy auditory feedback that is both crisp and percussive. The disparity between the two switches in sound lies in their fundamental characteristics: while the MX Red offers a deeper resonance, the WS Dash leans towards a more lively and higher-pitched response, thus catering to different auditory preferences.
When considering feel, the Cherry MX Red is noted for its textured experience, where users may detect a noticeable friction throughout the keystrokes, providing a tangible sensation that some find enjoyable in a typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Dash switch is celebrated for its polished and silky texture, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and refined keystroke with significantly reduced friction. This sleek typing feel is achieved through meticulous design and potentially factory lubing, making it ideal for those who prefer a fluid and effortless key press. The contrasting sensations highlight distinct preferences within the keyboard community, where some may lean towards the textured feel of the MX Red, while others might favor the smoothness of the WS Dash.
In summary, when comparing the Cherry MX Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches, there are clear distinctions in both sound and feel that cater to varying user preferences. The MX Red's thocky sound and textured experience offer a more traditional and robust typing sensation, while the WS Dash's clacky tone and polished, silky feel create a modern and refined alternative. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend largely on whether one prioritizes auditory depth and a textured keypress or seeks a bright sound coupled with a smooth, frictionless typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch depends largely on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a switch with a classic tactile feel and slightly heavier response, along with a deep, thocky sound profile that feels satisfying during extensive typing sessions or gaming, then the Cherry MX Red is an excellent choice. It offers a solid experience for both gamers and typists who appreciate a textured yet responsive keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a refined and polished keystroke experience with a medium-light bottom-out force, the WS Dash may be more suitable for you. Known for its bright, clacky sound and silky smooth actuation, this hall effect switch provides a unique auditory and tactile experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a very smooth keypress and an engaging sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not just the characteristics of the switches but also how they align with your typing style, the types of tasks you frequently engage in, and your overall aesthetic preferences in sound and feel.
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