Outemu Purple vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly alter your typing experience. The Outemu Purple switch, a tactile option, offers a unique feel that gives a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it a popular choice among typists who enjoy a sense of engagement with their keyboard. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch is a Hall Effect switch that boasts a striking sound profile and a smooth keystroke, providing a refined texture that is particularly favored by gamers and enthusiasts looking for auditory and tactile enjoyment during use. While the Outemu Purple is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile bump, the WS Dash is designed for users seeking both sound and a seamless typing experience. 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
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Purple and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, we notice first and foremost that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material leads to a sound profile that is notably sharper and higher-pitched, enhancing the crisper auditory experience during typing. The polycarbonate's relative stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, which is especially advantageous for users who prefer using RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, both the Purple and the WS Dash will yield similar acoustic characteristics when it comes to the top housing, making them suitable choices for gamers and typists alike who value visual aesthetics paired with sound clarity.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Outemu Purple and WS Dash is made from nylon, a classic material well-known for its unique acoustic properties. The nylon's softer composition allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics like polycarbonate. This results in a delightful combination: while the top housing provides a bright and vibrant auditory output, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounded and warm bottom-out sound. Consequently, when using either switch, typists can expect a balanced acoustic experience that showcases both clarity from the top and fullness from the bottom.
Ultimately, although the Outemu Purple and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches feature different materials for the top and bottom housings, they manage to complement each other to create diverse sound profiles. Users can appreciate the engaging combination of a crisp sound from the polycarbonate top and a deeper tone from the nylon bottom. This synergy means that even though the housing materials differ, the resulting auditory feedback when pressing the keys is harmonious, allowing typists to enjoy the benefits of both materials. Whether one opts for the Outemu or the WS Dash, they can anticipate a well-rounded typing experience that enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences in weight and user experience emerge. The Outemu Purple has an actuation force of 50 grams, offering a heavier feel that might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash requires only 30 grams of force to actuate, making it lighter and suitable for lengthy typing sessions or gaming marathons where reduced fatigue is a priority. However, while the Purple's bottom out force is unspecified, the WS Dash has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. This means that a user could expect to experience a softer feedback with the WS Dash when typing, while the heavier Outemu Purple might provide a more tactile sensation upon bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches have their advantages depending on user preference, the Outemu Purple is the heavier of the two, making it a better choice for those who desire a firmer feel, whereas the WS Dash caters to those seeking a lighter and more comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find a notable difference. The Outemu Purple features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional length known for providing a hearty depth, ideal for users who appreciate a richer tactile experience. In contrast, the WS Dash has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to the increasingly popular preference for quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers who benefit from a more rapid actuation. Therefore, while the Outemu Purple offers a longer travel distance that might feel more substantial during use, the WS Dash presents a more concise option that enhances responsiveness, making it suited for those who prioritize speed over depth.
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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch does not have a well-defined sound profile available for comparison, making it difficult to evaluate its auditory characteristics. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch is known for its bright and clacky sound signature, which can create an engaging auditory experience during typing or gaming. This sound profile can elevate the overall typing experience, offering both satisfaction and feedback with each keystroke. However, keep in mind that the overall sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that the Purple's sound could also vary significantly based on these factors.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Purple switch lacks a detailed description, leaving its tactile experience somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the WS Dash switch is renowned for its silky smooth keystroke, which indicates a refined and pleasant typing experience. The combination of smoothness with a likely tactile feedback makes the WS Dash appealing for users who appreciate a refined touch, enhancing precision and comfort during extended use. The lack of specific details for the Purple switch’s feel makes it challenging to draw direct comparisons, but the WS Dash clearly stands out in this regard.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch presents some uncertainty in terms of its sound and feel, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch offers a captivating auditory experience combined with exceptional smoothness during typing. This makes the WS Dash a more enticing option, particularly for individuals seeking both auditory enjoyment and a refined tactile experience. Overall, if you prioritize sound and feel in your choice of mechanical switches, the WS Dash is likely to provide a more satisfying experience compared to the less documented Outemu Purple.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch really comes down to your personal typing preferences and what you value most in a keyboard experience. If you find yourself drawn to a tactile feedback mechanism that allows you to feel that satisfying bump without a specific force requirement, the Purple switch might be the right choice for you, making it a potential fit for casual typing or gaming where you prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more sophisticated typing experience that combines a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams with a unique sound profile, the WS Dash is an excellent option. Known for its bright and clacky sound signature along with a silky smooth keystroke, the WS Dash caters to those who appreciate refined acoustics and tactile refinement, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or more intensive gaming. Ultimately, you need to consider whether you prioritize a tactile feel without specific resistance or a sophisticated sound and smoothness in your overall typing experience.
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