Durock Piano vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Piano and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Durock Piano, a linear switch, is often praised for its proprietary material blend, resulting in a typing experience that is smooth and enjoyable. Users have described it as having a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Brown from Wuque Studio offers a tactile typing experience with a medium-light actuation force. These switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, making them ideal for long typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. Additionally, enthusiasts appreciate the familiar auditory experience provided by the WS Brown's nylon housing and POM stem combination. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, it is clear that they both prioritize delivering a deep and satisfying sound profile. The Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housings, while the WS Brown utilizes nylon for both. Both materials are known for their ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. The POM blend of the Piano is described as creating a uniquely satisfying sound profile, while the nylon of the WS Brown is said to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the sound produced by these switches.
However, it is important to note that the top housing material and the bottom housing material of a switch can have distinct impacts on the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing material, whether it be the POM blend of the Piano or the nylon of the WS Brown, has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel and hear the qualities of the bottom housing material. On the other hand, the top housing material, which is also the POM blend for the Piano and nylon for the WS Brown, has a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key. Thus, while the two switches may have different materials used for their top and bottom housings, they still deliver a similar experience due to the comparable characteristics of POM blend and nylon.
In conclusion, the Durock Piano and the Wuque Studio WS Brown share a focus on providing a deep and satisfying sound profile. The use of proprietary POM blend for the Piano's top and bottom housing, and nylon for both housings of the WS Brown, allows these switches to deliver a similar sound experience. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound produced upon key release. Despite their differences, the housing materials of both switches contribute to a deep and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is important to consider their weight. Unfortunately, the specific actuation forces for both switches are unavailable, so it is difficult to compare them in this aspect. However, we can compare their bottom out forces. The Durock Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, while the WS Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Brown switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower bottom out force allows for easier key presses, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, some users may prefer a stronger push feel for a more solid and substantial typing experience. In such cases, the Durock Piano switch, with its higher bottom out force, would provide the desired tactile feedback.
Although the actuation forces of both switches are unknown, it is worth noting that actuation force is the force required to trigger a keystroke. Based on their respective weight classifications, it is reasonable to assume that the WS Brown switch may have a lighter actuation force compared to the Durock Piano switch, given its overall lighter nature. That being said, both switches would likely provide similar results when it comes to actuation force, considering their medium-heavy and medium-light bottom out forces respectively.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches would depend on personal preferences. If weight is a significant factor and a lighter typing experience is desired, then the WS Brown switch would be the preferred choice. However, if a stronger and more substantial push feel is preferred, the Durock Piano switch, with its higher bottom out force, would be better suited.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Piano being on the longer side and the WS Brown on the shorter side. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, may prefer the WS Brown switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may prefer the Piano switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness. Despite their slight difference in travel distance, both switches will offer a similar overall experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its deep and creamy sound signature. These switches offer a bassy sound profile, which provides a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the sound quality of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as being frictionless and silky. This means that typing on these switches offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch provides a fluid travel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch.
Taking into account the available information, the Durock Piano linear switch is favored for its pleasant linear typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is described as striking a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. These switches offer a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to their nylon housing and POM stem combination.
While the specifics of the WS Brown tactile switch's sound and feel are unknown, it is possible to infer certain similarities based on the information provided. Both switches are likely to offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Durock Piano switch focusing on a smooth and frictionless feel, and the WS Brown switch aiming for a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, the switches may have their own unique sound profiles, but the actual sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a gliding push feel with a deep, creamy sound signature, then the Durock Piano may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and prioritize a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, along with a familiar and delightful auditory experience, then the WS Brown could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer their unique advantages, with the Piano emphasizing a frictionless and silky typing experience, while the WS Brown prioritizes an effortless typing experience and fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Consider the sound and feel descriptors mentioned for each switch to help guide your decision. Overall, the choice between the Durock Piano and the WS Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire.