Durock Piano vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options to consider are the Durock Piano and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, both of which are linear switches designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The Durock Pianos are celebrated for their proprietary material blend, delivering a gliding push feel paired with a deep, creamy sound signature that many typists adore. Users often describe the Durock Piano as 'bassy', 'frictionless', and 'silky', making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate both acoustics and tactile sensations. On the other hand, the WS POM+ stands out as an all-POM switch that offers a deep, satisfying "thock" sound, enhancing the overall auditory pleasure of typing. With its buttery-smooth keystroke, it caters to enthusiasts seeking a premium experience. Ultimately, while both switches promise quality performance, they present distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that may appeal differently depending on user preference. 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
45g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Piano switches and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, both switches utilize variations of POM (polyoxymethylene) in their design, leading to some similarities in sound profile characteristics. The Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housings, designed to produce a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Similarly, the WS POM+ employs standard POM for its top and bottom housings, also crafting a sound that is described as incredibly pleasing and on the deeper side, albeit with a slightly more muted quality. This shared choice of material suggests that, despite their differing production specifics, the switches can achieve similar auditory outcomes, particularly in terms of delivering a rich and deep sound signature.
However, there are nuanced differences in how the POM blends are characterized. The Durock Piano's proprietary blend is explicitly noted as providing a satisfying sound profile, which might imply a particular formulation or treatment that enhances the auditory experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ housing is described more generally, indicating that while it creates a pleasing sound, it is relatively more muted. This distinction may affect the overall responsiveness and texture of the switches during usage. For example, while both switches can produce deep sounds, the execution of that sound—its resonance and clarity—may differ slightly due to the specific properties inherent in Durock’s proprietary blend versus standard POM.
Ultimately, the impact of the housing materials on performance is most evident when considering the interaction between the top and bottom housings during keypresses. With both switches offering similar housing compositions, users can expect the sound produced upon key release to be deep and rich across both options. However, the experience may vary as the Durock Piano’s proprietary blend could provide a more satisfying tactile response, enhancing both the bottoming out and the key release sound. Thus, while both the Durock Piano and the WS POM+ use POM as their primary material, the specific characteristics of each variant could lead to differing performance nuances, despite the foundational similarities.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Piano switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorized as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS POM+ switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the WS POM+ switch allows for easier keystrokes, making it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The heavier bottom out force of the Piano switch offers a more substantial and tactile feel for those who prefer a firmer push. Overall, the WS POM+ is the lighter option, while the Piano switch delivers a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Piano switch provides a deeper keystroke experience, which some users may prefer for its more substantial feel and tactile engagement. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the WS POM+ may appeal more to gamers or those desiring quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. If you're looking for a switch that offers a balance of deeper travel versus rapid actuation, the Piano switch would be the better choice, whereas the WS POM+ is ideal for those who favor a more responsive, snappier feel. Overall, the Piano offers a longer travel distance, while the WS POM+ has a shorter one, catering to different user preferences.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 Durock Piano linear switch is characterized by a deep, creamy audio signature that is both rich and bassy, providing a pleasant acoustical experience during typing. This bassy profile delivers a resonant quality that can enhance the overall enjoyment of each keystroke, making it satisfying to type on. While the specific sound characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch are not explicitly detailed, it is noted that it produces a “thock” sound signature. This suggests that while the Piano offers a deeper sound, the WS POM+ is also likely to provide an enjoyable auditory experience, albeit with a different tonal quality. Keep in mind that the sound will also be influenced by factors like the keyboard build and keycap material.
When discussing feel, the Durock Piano excels with its frictionless and silky smooth typing experience, allowing for an effortless keystroke that minimizes resistance. This smooth operation provides a fluid travel characteristic that enhances the overall enjoyment of typing, making it less physically taxing over long periods. On the other hand, the feel of the WS POM+ has not been detailed, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of tactile sensation. However, if it also aims for a smooth operation, one might expect it to provide a satisfying feel, akin to that of the Piano.
In conclusion, while both the Durock Piano and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches aim to deliver pleasurable typing experiences, they do so with different audio characteristics. The Piano’s rich, bassy sound paired with its frictionless and silky feel makes it a unique contender in the linear switch market. The WS POM+, with its satisfying “thock” sound, appears to offer a different auditory experience, though its tactile characteristics remain unspecified. If you seek a rich sound and a smooth typing sensation, the Durock Piano would be an excellent option, while the WS POM+ may cater to those who enjoy a distinct sound profile with potentially similar smoothness in feel, though this is yet to be confirmed.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you prefer a medium-heavy press with a deeper, richer sound and a remarkably smooth feel, the Durock Piano is an excellent choice. This switch's gliding push sensation paired with its creamy, bassy sound signature makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter keystroke and crave a satisfying thock sound along with an incredibly smooth typing experience, the WS POM+ will likely be your favorite. Its all-POM construction ensures a buttery feel that excels in providing a whisper-quiet, polished response. Therefore, if you prioritize a heavier, richer auditory experience, go for the Durock Piano. Conversely, if you value a lighter touch and an astoundingly smooth sound profile, the WS POM+ is the switch for you.
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