Durock Sea Glass vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options stand out: the Durock Sea Glass and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Sea Glass is a linear switch celebrated for its innovative design and distinct pastel colors, offering a typing experience characterized by its weightlessness, smoothness, and unique hollow sound signature. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a more 'feathery' feel without sacrificing performance, making it a great choice for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the WS Dash employs Hall Effect technology, showcasing a bright and clacky sound signature accompanied by a silky smooth keystroke. This switch provides a dynamic tactile feedback that many users find satisfying, ideal for those who desire a more pronounced auditory response. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean towards the airy, frictionless typing of the Sea Glass or the lively, responsive feedback of the WS Dash. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Sea Glass and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their overall sound profiles and aesthetics. The Sea Glass features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, resulting in a sound that is pleasantly bright without being overly sharp. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a crisper, higher-pitched sound due to the material's inherent stiffness. This contrast in materials creates different auditory experiences, as polycarbonate’s translucency accentuates RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for users who prioritize visual aesthetics in their setups.
Examining the bottom housing, both switches employ variations of nylon, but their configurations diverge in sound quality. The Sea Glass uses a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, leading to a sound profile that is also on the brighter side, though it is not particularly sharp. Conversely, the WS Dash employs traditional nylon that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This difference highlights how the materials can shape the typing experience, with the softer nylon of the WS Dash contributing to a more subdued sound during key presses, while the unique blend of the Sea Glass delivers a lighter but still appealing tone.
Overall, even though the Durock Sea Glass and Wuque Studio WS Dash utilize different materials for their top housings, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which offers some consistency in sound quality. While the top housing of the Sea Glass leans towards a pleasant brightness, and the WS Dash leans towards clarity and sharpness, the nylon base in both cases ensures a moderate depth to the sound profile. Consequently, users can appreciate similarities in the depth and sound characteristics of the switches, even as the varying top housing materials lead to distinct auditory nuances when typing. This nuanced interplay between the different housing materials allows for flexible sound experiences based on user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Glass switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a heavier option that may cater to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This lighter force allows for easier key presses, which can be beneficial during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Thus, users seeking a lighter switch might lean towards the WS Dash for its ease of use, while those who favor a stronger push feel may prefer the Sea Glass. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the distinct typing experiences offered by each switch, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find that the Sea Glass has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Dash offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Sea Glass provides a more pronounced keypress, appealing to those who favor a deeper tactile experience. In contrast, the WS Dash's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times and more immediate feedback during use. Ultimately, if you prefer a more tactile and substantial feel when pressing a key, the Durock Sea Glass is the better option; however, if you're looking for faster actuation, the WS Dash's slightly shorter distance would be ideal.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Sea Glass switches produce a uniquely hollow sound signature that adds a certain charm to the typing experience. This characteristically dry and wispiness provides an airy quality, contributing to a distinct auditory landscape while typing, though it may not be overly pronounced. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches evoke a bright and clacky sound signature, offering a more pronounced auditory feedback that is characteristic of Hall Effect technologies. The combination of these qualities means a user will experience markedly different acoustic environments—one being softer and more subtle while the other captures a lively and pronounced sound.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Glass switches shine with their frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press characteristics. The typing experience is notably smooth and effortless, minimizing resistance and allowing for fluid keystrokes that reduce finger fatigue during prolonged use. This gentle engagement ensures comfort across various tasks, from gaming to typing lengthy documents. Conversely, the specifics of the feel for the WS Dash switches remain unknown; however, given their refined lineage as a re-color of a well-regarded switch, they are likely designed to offer a similarly pleasing tactile experience.
In summary, the Durock Sea Glass switches provide an airy and soft auditory experience paired with an exceptionally smooth and comfortable typing feel. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches deliver a bright and lively sound while their tactile feedback qualities remain less defined. For users seeking a typing experience that emphasizes gentleness and subtlety, the Sea Glass is an excellent choice, while those who prefer a brighter auditory feedback should gravitate towards the WS Dash switches. However, potential users should note that other factors such as keycap material and board construction will also influence the final typing's sound and feel, allowing for a tailored experience with either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you appreciate a switch that provides a uniquely airy and light feel, combined with a medium actuation force of 62 grams, the Sea Glass will likely serve you well. Their frictionless nature and mild, feathery quality make them ideal for extended typing sessions, especially if you enjoy a softer, more approachable sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter switch, the WS Dash's 55 grams of actuation force, along with its bright and clacky sound profile, can enhance your gaming and typing experience with a refined touch. The silky smooth keystroke of the Dash is particularly appealing if you favor a switch that feels responsive yet less demanding on your fingers. In essence, if you're after an airy, smooth typing experience with an emphasis on aesthetic, go for the Sea Glass; but if you seek a lively yet easy-to-press switch that revitalizes your keystrokes with a clack, the WS Dash is your best bet.