Outemu Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Dash stand out for their unique characteristics and intended uses. The Outemu Silver, a linear switch, is favored for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, making it ideal for gamers who appreciate quick and precise actuation without tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes hall effect technology, known for its distinctive bright and clacky sound signature paired with a silky smooth keystroke. This switch not only enhances responsiveness but also adds a touch of refinement to your typing experience, making it appealing for both gamers and typists alike. Each switch offers compelling advantages—whether you prefer the linear action of the Outemu Silver for fast-paced gaming or the auditory experience and smoothness of the WS Dash for a more enjoyable 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
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, it becomes clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate’s stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate not only contributes to the clarity of sound but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly when RGB lighting is in use. Both models benefit from this commonality, indicating that users can expect a similar auditory experience during key presses—characterized by a bright and resonant sound when a key is released.
In contrast, the bottom housing of each switch offers a different auditory characteristic, as both the Outemu Silver and the WS Dash utilize nylon for this part of the housing. This material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller, rounder auditory experience compared to polycarbonate. Consequently, while the top housings create a bright and sharp sound upon key release, the bottom housings contribute to a foundation of warmth and depth in the overall sound profile when the keys are bottomed out. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon thus creates a unique sound signature for each switch, balancing the highs and lows to offer a rich typing experience.
Ultimately, while the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Silver and WS Dash offer different qualities, the synergy between polycarbonate and nylon in both switches creates a complementary sound profile. Users can expect the aforementioned bright, crisp sound from the top and deep, full tones from the bottom, allowing for a distinctive auditory experience with each keystroke. The familiar materials used across both switch designs ensure that users of either model can anticipate a high level of sound quality and performance, making both the Outemu Silver and Wuque Studio WS Dash appealing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking top-tier typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, a clear distinction emerges in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a substantial typing feel. In contrast, the WS Dash switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in weight may influence user preference; those who favor lighter switches, which facilitate longer typing sessions with less fatigue, may gravitate toward the WS Dash. Conversely, users who appreciate a heavier push for a more tactile typing experience might find the Outemu Silver more appealing. Thus, while both switches offer unique experiences, the Outemu Silver clearly presents a heavier feel compared to the lighter WS Dash.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silver linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This slight difference in travel distance highlights a key preference in switch types: gamers might lean towards the WS Dash due to its quicker response time attributed to the shorter distance, which can facilitate faster key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced key press, offering a deeper feel that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, if you're seeking a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback, the shorter WS Dash switch is more efficient, while the longer travel distance of the Silver switch provides a more traditional typing experience.
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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch is characterized by a relatively muted profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to many other switch types. This makes it suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority. Conversely, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch is known for its bright and clacky sound signature, which adds a lively auditory element to typing. While the Silver's subdued acoustics create a more understated experience, the WS Dash brings a vibrant audio experience that can be enjoyable and satisfying but might not suit every user's preference, especially in quieter settings.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silver switch offers a smooth keystroke with a linear action, resulting in a consistent and uninterrupted typing experience. This smoothness can facilitate rapid typing without tactile bumps and clicks. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch also prides itself on a silky smooth keystroke due to its Hall Effect mechanics, which further enhances the fluidity of each press. While both switches prioritize a seamless experience, the WS Dash may provide a unique sensation due to its magnetic technology, adding a layer of sophistication that distinguishes it from the straightforward linear feel of the Silver.
In summary, the Outemu Silver is designed for those who prefer a quieter, streamlined typing experience, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash offers a brighter sound profile and a similarly smooth feel, distinguishing itself through its innovative Hall Effect technology. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different auditory preferences and typing sensations, they both deliver a high-quality experience with their distinct characteristics. The choice between the two will largely depend on personal preferences regarding sound and the subtleties of tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, it’s essential to consider both your typing preferences and the type of experience you're looking for. If you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Silver switch may be your ideal choice, especially if you enjoy a firmer keystroke that can provide extra stability—perfect for heavy typists and gamers who require precision with each press. However, if you lean towards a lighter touch, the WS Dash, with its moderate bottom-out force of 55 grams, offers a silky smooth keystroke that’s gentle on the fingers, which could be especially beneficial for long typing sessions where fatigue can be an issue. The WS Dash also presents a bright and clacky sound signature that adds a delightful auditory element to your typing experience, making it an appealing option for those who appreciate acoustics alongside functionality. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your tactile preferences and desired sound profile but also how you intend to use your keyboard—whether it's for gaming, office work, or general use—each switch offers a unique character to suit different tastes and styles.
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