Outemu Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, is appreciated for its smooth keystrokes and consistent actuation without tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Dash, known for its Hall Effect technology, offers a delightful blend of auditory feedback with a bright, clacky sound profile, alongside a remarkably smooth keystroke. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy both the sensation and sound of typing, as well as enthusiasts looking for a touch of elegance reminiscent of the Magnetic Jade switches. While both switches offer their unique advantages based on typing style and preference, 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
35g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a notable distinction is found in the choice of materials for the top housing. The Outemu Lotus features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This absorbing quality of nylon can offer a more muted auditory experience, contributing to a rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Dash opts for a polycarbonate top housing that yields a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for clearer, more resonant sound, making it particularly advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effects of the lighting from within.
On the other hand, both the Outemu Lotus and the WS Dash utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to a similar auditory experience in terms of sound dampening. The nylon bottom housing in both switches is characterized by its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a consistent typing experience across both models. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a similar tactile response when engaging with the spacebar or other key presses. This shared material reinforces a common quality in their auditory signature, despite the differences in their top housings.
Ultimately, while the Outemu Lotus and the WS Dash present contrasting top housing materials, the similarity in their bottom housing adds a layer of consistency to their respectively unique sound profiles. Users looking for a softer typing experience will find the Lotus appealing with its nylon top, while those favoring a crisper sound may lean towards the WS Dash's polycarbonate top. Nonetheless, regardless of the choice, similarities in the bottom housing create a unifying element that ensures a satisfying experience when typing. Depending on personal preference, one can achieve their desired results by emphasizing either the rich sounds of nylon or the clarity of polycarbonate, allowing each model to cater to diverse user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Lotus features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent option for users who prefer lighter switches that allow for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the WS Dash has a slightly lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when bottoming out. This creates a key distinction for typists who enjoy a heavier push experience. Ultimately, the Outemu Lotus is the overall lighter switch due to its lower bottom out force, while the WS Dash provides a unique blend of light actuation with a heavier bottom out, appealing to those who might appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find that the Lotus has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the WS Dash offers a slightly longer 3.5 mm travel distance. This difference of 0.2 mm highlights a nuanced preference: the shorter travel distance of the Lotus may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the extra depth of the WS Dash could provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a traditional keypress experience. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness, the Outemu Lotus would be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your key presses, the WS Dash would be the appropriate 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 Lotus 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 Lotus linear switch does not have a specified sound signature, making it challenging to compare directly with the WS Dash, which is characterized by its bright and clacky sound. The clackiness of the WS Dash provides an engaging acoustic experience, likely imparting a sense of satisfaction during typing or gaming. It's worth noting that the sound produced by each switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build and the type of keycaps used, so while the WS Dash leans towards a livelier sound profile, the Lotus may yield a quieter, more muted response.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus is not explicitly described, leaving its tactile response open to interpretation. In contrast, the WS Dash features a silky smooth keystroke that highlights its premium design and engineering, making it comfortable for prolonged use. The smoothness of the WS Dash could be particularly appealing for users who prioritize a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience. The Outemu Lotus's feel will largely depend on its construction and design, which should be tested personally to form an accurate judgment.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Lotus lacks specific descriptions for both sound and feel, the WS Dash stands out with its bright auditory signature and silky smooth keystroke, suggesting a refined typing experience. Users seeking a lively sound profile and a seamless tactile response might gravitate towards the WS Dash. Ultimately, for those considering the Outemu Lotus, understanding its feel and sound will require personal testing, while the WS Dash proves to be a compelling option for enthusiasts looking for a more defined auditory and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switch largely depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter keystroke and enjoy a more traditional feel with a smooth and linear actuation, the Outemu Lotus, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent choice. This switch is ideal for those who may enjoy fast-paced gaming or want a quieter typing experience, especially if you appreciate a lighter touch and effortless key presses. On the other hand, the WS Dash, known for its alluring sound profile and silky smooth keystroke, offers a slightly higher 55-gram bottom-out force and is perfect for users who seek a bit more tactile feedback in their typing experience. Its clacky sound signature and the refined aesthetics make it an enticing option for those who love the unique characteristics of Hall Effect switches. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you prioritize most: the lightweight nimbleness of the Lotus or the richer auditory and tactile experience afforded by the WS Dash.
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