SP-Star RedBlue vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the SP-Star RedBlue and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star RedBlue and Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The RedBlue switches stand out for their medium-light typing feel and low-pitched sound profile, making them an excellent choice for users seeking a subtle yet satisfying tactile experience. Their mild and polished characteristics provide a balanced keystroke that many typists and gamers appreciate for both comfort and efficiency. In contrast, the WS Dash switches, with their captivating re-color and bright, clacky sound signature, bring a level of refinement that emphasizes a silky smooth keystroke, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While the RedBlue is ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more neutral typing experience, the WS Dash appeals to users looking for an engaging and dynamic sound profile. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star RedBlue and Wuque Studio WS Dash both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is critical for achieving a bright and crisp sound profile associated with higher-pitched audio. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, making it an ideal material for those who prioritize clarity when typing. This commonality between the two models means that users can expect a sharp auditory experience characterized by clear feedback when they press the keys. Additionally, both top housings feature translucency that enhances RGB lighting effects, making them visually appealing in illuminated setups.
However, a significant divergence occurs in the bottom housing materials. The RedBlue opts for polycarbonate, which maintains the consistent sound profile established by the top housing, with a similar sharpness and clarity translating through the entire key switch. This means that when a user types on the RedBlue, the sound characteristics will remain vibrant and consistent throughout the press, leading to a cohesive auditory sensation. In contrast, the WS Dash incorporates a nylon bottom housing, traditionally known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material that absorbs sound rather than projecting it. The combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom in the WS Dash creates a more complex audio experience, offering a softer bottom-out sound while still retaining the sharp tones from the release of the key.
Ultimately, while both the SP-Star RedBlue and Wuque Studio WS Dash share the same polycarbonate material for their top housings which fosters a beautifully crisp sound, they diverge in the bottom housing materials which leads to distinctly different auditory experiences. The RedBlue produces a coherent sound profile throughout, whereas the WS Dash delivers a unique blend of characteristics, combining the clarity of polycarbonate above with the depth of nylon below. Users seeking a unified sound might gravitate towards the RedBlue, while those interested in exploring a richer auditory experience could find the WS Dash's combination more appealing.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we see some interesting distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The RedBlue switch has an unspecified actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the WS Dash switch has a defined actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, also in the medium-light range. This makes the WS Dash the lighter option for actuation, while both switches are quite similar in bottom out force, with the RedBlue being slightly heavier by 2 grams. For users who prefer a lighter pressing experience that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, the WS Dash would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for those who appreciate a bit more resistance for a solid feel during typing, the SP-Star RedBlue may be preferable.
Travel distance
The SP-Star RedBlue linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness, the WS Dash may appeal more to your preferences due to its shorter actuation distance, which can lead to quicker response times, particularly beneficial in gaming scenarios. Conversely, the RedBlue, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial tactile experience, which some users prefer for a deeper feel when pressing the keys. In summary, those who favor a quicker actuation may opt for the WS Dash, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress should consider the RedBlue.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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.
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 SP-Star RedBlue linear switch produces a relatively low-pitched auditory experience. Its low-pitched characteristics contribute to a more mellow tone, which is often described as "thocky." This means that each keystroke results in a deep, rich sound that is satisfying and resonant, akin to a soft knock or a deep thud, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more muted yet pleasing auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch offers a bright and clacky sound signature. While specifics about its sound profile are not as detailed, this type of characteristic suggests a more pronounced and higher-pitched sound when typing. As a result, users looking for a lively and piercing auditory feedback might gravitate towards the WS Dash.
In terms of feel, the RedBlue switches are characterized by their mild and polished typing experience. With a moderate actuation force, the gentle nature of the switches is accessible for all types of typists, providing a comfortable and non-straining experience. The polished aspect indicates that they are smooth, contributing to a refined keystroke that minimizes friction during use. In contrast, the feel of the WS Dash switch is not explicitly detailed, but if it follows the trend of hall effect switches, one might expect it to also provide a smooth keystroke due to its magnetic mechanism. However, without specific descriptors, it’s difficult to compare head-on with the RedBlue's well-defined qualities.
In conclusion, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offers a low-pitched, thocky sound with a mild and polished feel, making it suitable for users looking for a balanced typing experience. Conversely, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash may provide a brighter sound, the lack of detailed information on its feel makes direct comparisons challenging. Therefore, the choice between these switches largely depends on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, with the potential for some overlapping characteristics in smooth keystrokes. Users are likely to find satisfaction in both options, though they will cater to different auditory and tactile experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. If you favor a calm and mellow sound profile with a smooth typing experience, the RedBlue switches are an excellent pick. They offer a mild yet polished feel, making them suitable for both work and casual gaming without being overly noisy. Their low-pitched sound adds a subtle quality to your keyboard without being intrusive, which is ideal for home or office environments where you don't want to disturb others.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a more vibrant auditory experience along with a silky smooth keystroke, the WS Dash switches would be your go-to option. Their bright and clacky sound signature can enhance the tactile satisfaction, making every keystroke enjoyable and engaging, perfect for creative typing or gaming where feedback is essential. With a bottom-out force slightly lighter than the RedBlue, they still maintain that medium-light feel, which can be excellent for sustained typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your specific needs and preferences, whether you prioritize a refined, subtle experience or desire a more lively and expressive typing environment.
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