Outemu Ocean vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash

Overview

When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders are the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch. The Ocean offers a tactile feel that many users appreciate for its feedback during typing, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical switch experience. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches shine with their Hall Effect technology, renowned for their unique sound profile—bright and clacky—combined with a silky smooth keystroke. This modern approach to switch design provides a refined typing experience that appeals to gamers and typists alike. While the Ocean might cater to those seeking tactile feedback, the WS Dash draws in users looking for innovation and auditory excitement in their setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Ocean Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$3.10 per 10

$7.49 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Ocean and the Wuque Studio WS Dash both employ polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a distinctly sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for its ability to transmit sound clearly, ensures that users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant light transmission that enhances the visual appeal of the switch. Whether one chooses the Ocean or the WS Dash, the sound quality and aesthetic benefits attributed to the polycarbonate top housing remain consistent across both models.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges in experience thanks to the use of nylon in both the Outemu Ocean and Wuque Studio WS Dash. This classic switch housing material is softer than polycarbonate and is renowned for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's natural sound absorption characteristics help to mellow out the acoustics, resulting in a rounder and more muted typing experience compared to the sharper sounds generated by the polycarbonate tops. Consequently, despite the shared material in the top housings, the overall feel and sound can differ based on the interaction of the nylon bottoms during typing sessions.

The unique combination of materials greatly influences the overall acoustic signature and tactile feedback of each switch. Since the top and bottom housings contribute differently to sound and feel—where the top housing shapes the sound upon releasing a key and the bottom housing resonates upon bottoming out—users can expect a nuanced typing experience. While both switches share the polycarbonate top housing that ensures bright and clear sound, the nylon bottom housing of each imparts a softer, controlled acoustic quality, striking a balance between the two materials’ properties. Thus, although the Outemu Ocean and Wuque Studio WS Dash share similarities, their distinct material combinations lead to an overall typing experience that offers both clear feedback and rich auditory depth.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Outemu Ocean features an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a heavier feel that may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash boasts a lighter actuation force of only 30 grams, which can facilitate prolonged typing sessions due to its reduced resistance. However, while the bottom out force for the WS Dash is specified at 55 grams, the bottom out force for the Ocean remains unknown. If we assume it were similar to the WS Dash’s bottom out force, typists may experience a similar tactile response. Thus, for users favoring lighter switches, the WS Dash would be more appropriate, while those who prefer a heavier touch would lean toward the Outemu Ocean.

Travel distance

The Outemu Ocean tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Ocean switch offers a more substantial depth when pressed, catering to users who appreciate a more tactile and pronounced feedback. In contrast, the WS Dash, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel, may appeal to gamers and those who prefer quicker response times, as it provides a more rapid actuation with less distance to travel. Thus, for those who enjoy a deeper, more visceral feel, the Outemu Ocean is the preferable choice, while those prioritizing speed and responsiveness might lean towards the WS Dash.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have any notable characteristics to highlight, making it less distinguished in this aspect. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch offers a bright and clacky sound signature that enhances the auditory experience of typing. This difference underscores the WS Dash's ability to deliver a more engaging and vibrant sound profile, which many users find pleasurable. However, it's important to remember that factors like the keyboard build and keycap material also play crucial roles in achieving these sound qualities.

Regarding feel, the Outemu Ocean lacks a specific description, leaving its tactile feedback and overall sensation somewhat ambiguous. Meanwhile, the WS Dash is celebrated for providing a silky smooth keystroke, which suggests an effortless typing experience that users often appreciate. The contrast here indicates that users seeking a well-defined tactile feedback may find the Ocean switch lacking, while the WS Dash effortlessly supports fluid and seamless interactions.

In conclusion, if you prioritize a lively sound dynamic, the WS Dash hall effect switch will likely meet your expectations, while the Ocean switch may not offer anything distinctive in that domain. When it comes to feel, the WS Dash stands out with its smooth keystrokes, whereas the Ocean remains an unknown quantity. Ultimately, if you’re drawn to a more refined and engaging typing experience with clear auditory feedback, the WS Dash will be the better choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your preferences for feel, sound, and your intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, lightweight typing experience where the bottom-out force is negligible, the Outemu Ocean may be your go-to choice, especially for casual typing and gaming where rapid key presses are beneficial. Its unique design also makes it suitable for anyone looking for a unique addition to their keyboard without being overly tactile. On the other hand, if you desire a more refined and considerable tactile feedback along with a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, the WS Dash is an excellent choice. It brings a delightful sound profile with a bright, clacky signature and a silky smooth keystroke, making it perfect for both gaming and typing tasks where feedback is essential for your performance. In essence, your choice should hinge on whether you prefer the airy feel and lightweight nature of the Ocean or the robust tactile signature and sound quality offered by the WS Dash.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Ocean Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$7.49 per 10

Learn more