Durock Piano vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Durock Piano and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Durock Piano is widely praised for its proprietary material blend, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. With a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, this linear switch brings a certain level of elegance to your typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque elevate your office and work experience by reducing switch noise to a minimum. Through ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, these switches offer unparalleled responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. What makes them unique is their decision to forgo silicone dampeners, delivering a distinct typing sensation that is devoid of the usual cushioned feeling. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', the Durock Piano switch brings a certain smoothness to your typing, while the WS Silent Linear switch, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Subdued', creates a tranquil and precise environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches have distinct differences in terms of their construction and resulting sound profiles. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing, which offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although the exact details of this blend are unknown, the POM blend delivers a distinct sound experience. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Durock Piano and the WS Silent Linear have noteworthy differences. The Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, which, like its top housing, offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although details regarding this blend are not disclosed, it contributes to the overall sound experience of the switch. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear employs a nylon bottom housing, complementing its nylon top housing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and more rounded sound when compared to harder plastics.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials on the switch's sound profile is split between the top and bottom housing when they differ. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Although the Durock Piano and the WS Silent Linear may differ in their housing materials, the impact on sound will be similar depending on which part of the switch is being evaluated. Both switches offer unique and satisfying sound profiles based on their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, we find that they both have an actuation force of unavailable grams. In terms of weight, which is an important factor to consider for typing enthusiasts, one switch is lighter and the other is heavier. The Durock Piano linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch also has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a comparable weight. Thus, those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Durock Piano linear switch, while those in search of a stronger push feel might gravitate towards the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of their bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference in length. The Piano has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Piano has a slightly longer travel distance than the WS Silent Linear. In terms of preference, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is more traditional, while 3.5 mm is considered shallow. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the WS Silent Linear a more suitable choice for them. On the other hand, those who prefer a greater sense of depth and a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Durock Piano with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 best known for its deep and creamy sound signature. These switches offer a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile. It is described as muted and subdued, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. While the Piano switch delivers a bassy sound, the WS Silent Linear switch aims for a more tranquil and precise typing experience without the usual cushioned sensation. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, allowing users to choose based on their preference. However, other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its gliding push feel. These switches offer a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. They provide an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The WS Silent Linear switch aims to deliver a typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide unique feelings during typing, allowing users to choose based on their desired level of smoothness and resistance.
In conclusion, the Durock Piano linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offer distinctive subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Piano switch provides a deep and creamy sound signature with a gliding push feel, while the WS Silent Linear switch offers a more neutral sound with a satisfying bottom-out and a mild typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a deeper and richer sound profile and a frictionless typing feel, the Piano switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a softer and quieter sound and a more gentle typing experience, the WS Silent Linear switch would be a suitable option. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch that provides a pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch is an excellent choice. With its proprietary material blend, it offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer frictionless and silky switches. The Piano switch has a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category.
On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without compromising on responsiveness and precision, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is worth considering. These switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, reducing switch noise while delivering unparalleled responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches offer a distinct typing experience devoid of the usual cushioned sensation. They have a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, which is also considered medium-heavy.
In terms of sound, the Piano switch has a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a muted and subdued characteristic, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Piano switch is frictionless and silky, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. The WS Silent Linear switch, on the other hand, offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its gentle feel.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Durock Piano or the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch depends on your preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deeper sound profile, go for the Piano. If you value a quieter typing experience with an emphasis on responsiveness and precision, the WS Silent Linear is the way to go. Both switches have the same bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, so you can expect a similar actuation feel in that regard. Consider your needs and preferences carefully, and you'll find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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