Cherry Nixie vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and Wuque Studio WS Dash embody two distinct approaches, each appealing to different typing preferences. The Cherry Nixie switches, celebrated for their substantial weight and textured typing experience, offer a rich "thocky" sound that many enthusiasts cherish. Their blend of traditional design with modern materials and updated springs from Cherry's MX2A series ensures a reliable yet nostalgic experience, making them ideal for typists who favor a tactile feedback that’s both satisfying and sturdy. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches from Wuque Studio introduce a fresh take with their Hall Effect technology. Known for a bright and clacky sound signature coupled with smooth keystrokes, these switches aim to provide a refined yet lively typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize speed and acoustic feedback in their keystrokes. While the Nixies celebrate a classic feeling with their textured heft, the WS Dash switches innovate with a modern, airy touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a distinct contrast arises in the choice of plastics used for their top housings. The Cherry Nixie employs a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller yet rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the WS Dash features a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material properties shapes how users experience the auditory feedback of each switch, with nylon resulting in a more muted, subdued sound characteristic compared to the bright resonance offered by polycarbonate.
On a different note, both the Cherry Nixie and the WS Dash utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a similarity in how they respond to key presses. The nylon bottom is favorable in producing a deeper sound profile, akin to the characteristics provided by the Nixie’s nylon top housing. This shared material not only ensures that both switches deliver that deeper, rounder sound when bottoming out but also influences the feel when pressing down on the keys. The consistency of having nylon on the bottom establishes a common ground between the two switches, where the tactile and auditory feel during key presses remains reasonably similar despite the contrasting properties found in their respective top housings.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the WS Dash emphasize varied sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing fosters a level of coherence in performance. Players seeking a fuller and warmer sound may gravitate towards the Nixie's nylon top, while those who prefer a sharper and more resonant experience may favor the WS Dash's polycarbonate. Regardless, the similarities in the bottom housing ensure that both switches yield comparable results when measuring the feel and sound of the bottom-out experience, albeit with unique tonal qualities during gameplay due to their differing top materials.
Weight
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch present a contrasting experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Nixie requires a relatively heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams and has a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel that can enhance tactile feedback. In comparison, the WS Dash boasts a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, the Cherry Nixie is the heavier option, while the WS Dash is the lighter alternative. Users seeking a more forceful typing experience may gravitate towards the Nixie, whereas those desiring comfort and ease of play might prefer the lighter WS Dash switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find that the Nixie offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Nixie the longer option, providing a more traditional feel that some users may appreciate for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Dash's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those who prefer quicker response times, which can enhance performance in fast-paced environments. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference; if you enjoy a more robust depth when typing, the Nixie would be the better choice, whereas if you favor speed and responsiveness with a more abrupt actuation, the WS Dash would serve you well.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.15.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash comes in at $7.49 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 Cherry Nixie switch delivers a thocky and low-pitched auditory experience that many typists find deeply satisfying. This sound profile produces a rich, bass-heavy tone with each keystroke, reminiscent of a soft thud or knock that resonates pleasantly. It creates an immersive atmosphere, further enhanced by the individual keyboard setup, which includes the choice of board and keycaps. On the other hand, while the specifications for the WS Dash switch do not provide explicit sound descriptors, it is known for having a bright and clacky sound signature. This contrast suggests that while the Nixie leans toward a deeper and more mellow tone, the WS Dash favors a higher-pitched and lively audio profile.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is characterized by its textured typing experience. Users can expect noticeable friction during keystrokes, which some find adds to the tactile feedback and engagement of typing. This textured quality caters to those who prefer a more pronounced sensation when pressing keys. In contrast, the WS Dash switch lacks specific descriptors regarding its feel; however, its smooth keystroke is highlighted, suggesting a friction-free experience that may appeal to users seeking fluidity in their typing.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences appealing to different preferences within the keyboard community. The Cherry Nixie switch is celebrated for its thocky and low-pitched sound paired with a textured feel, making it a favorite for those who appreciate depth in both aspects. Meanwhile, the WS Dash, with its bright sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, provides a different allure suited for those who enjoy a more refined and streamlined typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two may hinge on whether you prioritize a rich auditory experience coupled with texture or a lively sound with effortless keystrokes.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch will ultimately depend on your preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and generally how you plan to use your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound and textured feel, the Cherry Nixie is an excellent choice; it's particularly suited for users who appreciate that substantial feedback while typing, making it ideal for typing-intensive tasks like coding or writing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother keystroke, along with a bright and clacky sound profile, the WS Dash may be the better option for you, especially if you enjoy gaming or fast-paced typing. Given each switch's unique characteristics, it is advisable to consider not only what feels comfortable under your fingers but also the type of tasks you'll be performing most frequently to enhance your overall experience.
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