Outemu Blue Jade vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between distinctive options that cater to varied preferences. The Outemu Blue Jade switch is known for its clicky feedback, delivering an audible and tactile response that appeals to typists who enjoy a traditional, nostalgic typing experience. Its crisp sound and pronounced actuation make it a solid choice for those who thrive on auditory and tactile stimulation during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch introduces the innovative technology of Hall Effect switches, offering a unique blend of a bright and clacky sound signature along with a silky smooth keystroke. This refinement not only enhances the typing experience but also delivers reliability through its magnetic actuation. Each switch offers distinct advantages: the Blue Jade for its classic, tactile satisfaction and the WS Dash for its modern precision and dynamic feedback. 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
50g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials in the Outemu Blue Jade and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches present a fascinating contrast, particularly in their top housing components. The Blue Jade switches utilize nylon for their top housing, which is known for its softer composition. This contributes to the switch's acoustic profile, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Dash incorporates polycarbonate as its top housing material, which is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant audio experience, contrasting significantly with the subdued sonic qualities provided by nylon. Therefore, users looking for a more mellow typing experience might prefer the Blue Jade, while those seeking crisp and clear auditory feedback may gravitate towards the WS Dash.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it's interesting to note that both models feature nylon materials. This similarity leads to a unified performance characteristic that enhances the typing experience. With the inherent softness of nylon, both the Blue Jade and WS Dash deliver a deeper and rounder sound profile from the bottom housing. This commonality ensures that users of either switch will enjoy a classic typist's feel and sound, regardless of the differing top housings. Thus, while the top housing differences create contrasting experiences, the matching nylon bottom housing helps maintain a consistent feel across both switches.
In terms of overall sound experience, the distinct combination of housing materials in the Blue Jade and WS Dash yields varied results. The nylon top housing of the Blue Jade emphasizes a muted and less piercing auditory environment, ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate top in the WS Dash provides a brightness that enhances clarity and resonance, particularly beneficial for users who appreciate a louder and sharper keystroke. Ultimately, while both switch models feature nylon for the bottom housing, the differing top housing materials lead to a nuanced contrast in sound profiles and tactile feedback during use. Thus, both switches can cater to different preferences, allowing typists to choose based on their desired typing sound and experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces come to light. The Outemu Blue Jade features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which provides a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a stronger push. In contrast, the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category, making it ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Consequently, users who appreciate a softer feel and less resistance will gravitate towards the WS Dash, while those who enjoy a more tactile and firm typing experience will likely prefer the Blue Jade. Thus, the Blue Jade is the heavier option, while the WS Dash is the lighter choice, leading to very different user preferences based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we see a notable difference. The Outemu Blue Jade has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for deeper keystrokes, offering a more satisfying tactile feedback during typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS Dash features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to the modern trend where gamers often favor quicker response times and less travel for rapid key presses. As a result, those seeking a more responsive experience might lean towards the WS Dash, while users who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes would likely prefer the Blue Jade. In summary, the Blue Jade offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash provides a shorter 3.5 mm option.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is not particularly noted for any distinct sound qualities, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch delivers a bright and clacky sound signature. The lively acoustics of the WS Dash mean it will stand out during typing or gaming sessions, providing an engaging auditory experience. Keep in mind, however, that the overall sound can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, so users may find similar auditory results with the right setup for either switch.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue Jade switch does not have specific characteristics mentioned, making it difficult to assess how it compares. In contrast, the WS Dash provides a silky smooth keystroke, ensuring that each press feels fluid and effortless. This smooth action contributes to a more premium typing experience, especially during prolonged use, which is an essential factor for many users choosing their switches.
In conclusion, while the Blue Jade clicky switch lacks defined sound and feel characteristics, the WS Dash clearly shines with its bright sound and smooth keystroke, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize auditory feedback and a refined tactile experience. If sound or feel is your main concern, the WS Dash has the advantage; however, those who appreciate a more simplistic switch may still find the Outemu Blue Jade suitable for their needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback along with a stronger bottom-out resistance, the Blue Jade might be your go-to option, especially if you enjoy a robust, clicky sound that can provide satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This switch is best suited for those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience with a medium-heavy actuation force. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother typing experience with a lighter feel and a refined sound signature, the WS Dash switch is likely the better choice for you. Its medium-light actuation and silky smooth keystroke can make for a pleasant typing experience, especially during long sessions, while the unique sound profile adds a touch of sophistication. In summary, your decision hinges on whether you prioritize a heavier, more tactile typing experience or a lighter, smoother keystroke that enhances comfort and fluidity during use.