Outemu Cold Plum vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options like the Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Cold Plum switches offer a linear experience characterized by their thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke that many typists appreciate for a more grounded feel. This makes them ideal for those who prefer a quieter, yet highly tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches present a unique Hall Effect design that guarantees not only a bright and clacky sound signature but also a remarkably silky smooth keystroke. They are particularly well-suited for users who enjoy a more lively auditory feedback while typing. Both switches boast distinct advantages that cater to different preferences, whether one seeks a pleasant thocky sound or a vibrant clack. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.

By the numbers

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$3.10 per 10

$8.00

$7.49 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Cold Plum and the Wuque Studio WS Dash employ differing materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing, contributing to a warmer auditory experience. Conversely, the WS Dash utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer nature. This choice of material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a more pronounced and resonant typing experience. If you're seeking different auditory sensations, these contrasting top housing materials clearly delineate the overall sound characteristics of each switch.

In contrast to their top housings, both the Outemu Cold Plum and the WS Dash share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This commonality results in a similar sound profile where the switches exhibit a duller and rounder bottom-out sound. The softer nylon material plays a crucial role in ensuring that both switches provide a deeper typing experience, regardless of the contrasting characteristics of their respective top housings. When you bottom out the keys on either switch, you will notice the similar fullness of sound, attributable to this shared bottom housing material. Consequently, both switches offer a cohesive tactile experience on bottoming out, while still presenting distinct auditory experiences on release due to the top housing materials.

When combining the influences of both housings, the distinct material properties lead to unique sensory experiences for users. The Cold Plum’s nylon top offers a mellower sound when releasing a key, while the WS Dash’s polycarbonate top provides a crisper response. Despite their differences in the top housing materials, the nylon bottoms create continuity in the typing experience between both switches. Hence, while one may lean toward a deeper and warmer acoustic feedback with the Cold Plum, the WS Dash affords a livelier and brighter sound, demonstrating how material selection in both the top and bottom housings plays an essential role in shaping the overall tactile and auditory experience of a keyboard switch.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Cold Plum switch requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Dash switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This difference indicates that the Cold Plum switch provides a more substantial push feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience, while the lighter actuation force of the WS Dash is better suited for prolonged typing sessions and gaming, allowing for less finger fatigue. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter touch for extended use, the WS Dash is the clear choice, while those who favor a heavier, more tactile experience should lean towards the Cold Plum.

Travel distance

The Outemu Cold Plum linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that, although both switches offer relatively short travel distances, the Cold Plum provides a quicker response time due to its shorter distance. Gamers may favor the Cold Plum for its responsiveness, while others who prefer a more pronounced actuation feel may lean towards the WS Dash for its deeper travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: the Cold Plum is ideal for those seeking fast performance, while the WS Dash may be more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is characterized by its thocky sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. The fully nylon construction contributes to this unique sound, allowing for a more muted yet rich acoustics when typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch features a bright and clacky sound signature, which offers a more lively and engaging auditory response. While both switches deliver enjoyable sounds, the Cold Plum emphasizes a more subdued thock, whereas the WS Dash leans towards a sharper, more pronounced clack. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

When considering feel, the Cold Plum asserts itself with a smooth keystroke that many enthusiasts appreciate, along with a satisfying response that fosters a distinct typing experience. This enhanced smoothness, combined with its sound profile, contributes to an overall enjoyable feel. Conversely, the WS Dash boasts a similarly silky smooth keystroke, promising a refined typing experience. Although both switches provide that coveted smooth action, the Cold Plum's experience is defined more by its thocky quality, while the WS Dash favors the lively response indicated by its clacky sound.

In summary, both the Outemu Cold Plum and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cold Plum excels with its thocky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those seeking a more muted yet enjoyable experience. The WS Dash, with its bright and clacky sound, coupled with its silky feel, suits those who prefer a more vibrant typing atmosphere. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with either switch providing a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch should depend on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you want from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a heavier key press and appreciate a thocky sound profile, the Cold Plum may be the right fit for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams not only provides a satisfying resistance but also enhances the tactile feedback that enthusiasts often crave. This switch is especially suitable for those who prefer a distinct auditory experience alongside a smooth keystroke, making it a great option for both typing and gaming enthusiasts looking for a unique feel. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch, the WS Dash, with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, could be more your style. This switch combines a bright and clacky sound signature with a silky smooth keystroke, providing a refined and responsive typing experience ideal for fast-paced gaming or long typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a heavier, more tactile feel with the Cold Plum or a lighter, more refined experience with the WS Dash.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$8.00

$7.49 per 10

Learn more