Outemu Silent Grey vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Grey and Wuque Studio WS Dash provide distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Outemu Silent Grey is celebrated for its quiet, tactile feel, serving up a pronounced bump that enhances the typing experience while minimizing noise—an ideal choice for those who crave a satisfying, yet unobtrusive, keystroke. This switch is particularly well-suited for office environments or shared spaces where silence is appreciated. On the other hand, the WS Dash switches offer a bright and clacky sound profile, combined with a silky smooth actuation that brings an enjoyable auditory experience to every keypress. The Hall Effect technology used in these switches is known for its durability and precise performance, making them an attractive option for gamers and typists who seek tactile feedback alongside a refined aesthetic. Each switch has its unique charm—be it the muted, thocky nature of the Silent Grey or the polished, clacky essence of the WS Dash. 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 Silent Grey Tactile

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$3.10 per 10

$8.00

$7.49 per 10

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Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This commonality leads to comparable auditory characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, owing to its stiffness. This trait enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound generated during typing, thereby giving both switches a similar auditory experience. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting integration, producing vibrant and visually appealing lighting effects when activated. As such, users seeking an aesthetically pleasing setup with dynamic lighting will find both options equally suitable in this regard.

In contrast, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which significantly impacts the sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs a greater amount of sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This material choice results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to that produced by the tougher top housing. Consequently, while the top and bottom housings of both switches are constructed from the same materials, they serve distinct acoustic roles. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a muted bottom-out sound, while the harder polycarbonate ensures a crisper sound when releasing a key. Therefore, both switches combine to create a well-rounded sound profile by balancing the characteristics of each material.

The outcome of using these specific materials in both the Silent Grey and WS Dash ensures that users experience a harmonious blend of qualities when typing. The synergy between the sharp and resonant sound produced by polycarbonate in the top housing and the deep, full sound from the nylon bottom housing generates a comprehensive auditory experience. Despite having the same materials in play, the design and acoustic engineering work together to craft a dynamic typing sound. For users who appreciate the nuanced beauty of sound profile differences in mechanical switches, both the Silent Grey and WS Dash present compelling options that ultimately offer similar results through their careful material choices.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The Silent Grey features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. 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 range. This lighter feel of the WS Dash may be preferred by users who type for extended periods or during long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort. Conversely, the heavier Silent Grey switch offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that is less demanding on the fingers, the WS Dash is the better choice, while the Silent Grey provides the heftier tactile feedback favored by some typists.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, it's clear that the Silent Grey offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash measures at 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance aligns with traditional preferences, as 4 mm is often seen as a more hearty depth, providing a noticeable tactile experience that some users prefer. In contrast, the 3.5 mm travel of the WS Dash caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, reflecting the growing trend towards shorter travel distances for enhanced speed and efficiency. Ultimately, if you desire a more pronounced key press, the Silent Grey is the better choice, while the WS Dash is optimal for those who prioritize responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is designed to provide a notably muted auditory experience, characterized by its thocky, low-pitched tones that create a deep and satisfying sound. This switch excels in environments where noise reduction is a priority, making it an excellent choice for typists who need a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch delivers a bright and clacky sound, producing a sharp, crisp, and percussive feedback with each keystroke. While the Silent Grey focuses on minimizing sound, the WS Dash emphasizes a more pronounced acoustic signature, leading to a noticeable contrast that caters to different preferences and use cases.

When considering the feel of these two switches, the Silent Grey is known for its sharp tactile feedback, delivering a distinct and prominent bump with every keypress. This tactile sensation makes it satisfying for users who enjoy a more sensory typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash provides a polished and silky feel, which is exceptionally smooth and refined, often enhanced by materials or factory lubrication. This creates a seamless typing experience with minimal friction, appealing to those who prefer a fluid key travel over pronounced tactile feedback. Thus, while the Silent Grey focuses on tactile intensity, the WS Dash emphasizes overall smoothness.

In summary, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch cater to different typing experiences. The Silent Grey offers a quiet, thocky sound and sharp tactile feedback, ideal for those seeking a subdued yet satisfying feel. In contrast, the WS Dash provides a bright, clacky sound paired with a polished, silky touch, which can be more exhilarating for fast typists or gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, with each offering unique qualities that suit various typing styles and environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switches primarily hinges on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you find yourself in an environment where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum or if you simply prefer a quiet and satisfying feel while typing, the Silent Grey switch will likely be your best choice. Its 65-gram bottom-out force, pronounced tactile bump, and muted sound profile provide the kind of tactile feedback that many users find gratifying, making it ideal for both typing and gaming without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, the WS Dash switch could be your go-to option. With its 55-gram bottom-out force, these switches deliver a bright and clacky sound, combined with a polished and silky feel, adding a refined experience to your keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should align with your setting and personal typing style—whether you prioritize a quiet, tactile response or a smoother, more acoustic typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect

$8.00

$7.49 per 10

Learn more