Durock Sea Glass vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, you'll find that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Sea Glass stands out with its pastel color options and proprietary material blend that delivers a distinct dry and airy typing experience despite its 62g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the WS Jade boasts a bright metallic sound profile thanks to the metallic insert in its stem base, as well as an enchanting RGB display from the light diffuser. While the Sea Glass is described as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press', the WS Jade is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'Resonant', 'Silky', 'Creamy'. Both switches offer smooth typing experiences, but in different ways. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches offer unique characteristics that shape the overall sound profile of the switches. The Sea Glass features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both the top and bottom housings, providing a pleasant and bright sound profile. In contrast, the WS Jade utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite the differences in sound characteristics, both switches offer a unique and pleasing sound experience.
The choice of housing materials in the Sea Glass and WS Jade switches also impacts the feel of the switches when typing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. With the Sea Glass utilizing a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, users can expect a slightly brighter and sharper bottom-out sound compared to the WS Jade's POM housing, which offers a deeper and more muted bottom-out experience. This distinction in housing materials highlights the importance of considering both the top and bottom housing when designing switches for a specific sound profile.
While the Sea Glass and WS Jade switches have different housing materials, they ultimately aim to provide a pleasant and unique typing experience for users. The Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend result in a brighter sound profile, while the WS Jade's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasing sound profile tailored to different preferences. By understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel, keyboard enthusiasts can choose switches that align with their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium range of force. The Sea Glass has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the WS Jade's 50 grams, making the Sea Glass slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. However, the Sea Glass has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the WS Jade has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the WS Jade may require slightly more force to trigger a keystroke, it provides a slightly more comfortable bottoming out experience. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience, with the Sea Glass being slightly lighter in actuation force and the WS Jade being slightly lighter in bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the WS Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Glass. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quick response times. If you prioritize a faster response, the WS Jade may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback in your keystrokes, the Sea Glass with its slightly longer travel distance would be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 Sea Glass linear switch is known for its uniquely hollow sound signature, creating a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is described as having a bright metallic and resonant sound profile, thanks to the use of a metallic insert in the stem base. The WS Jade switch also offers a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display. Both switches provide contrasting sound qualities, with the Sea Glass offering a more hollow sound and the WS Jade producing a bright and resonant tone. Depending on personal preference, either switch can enhance the typing experience with its unique sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is known for its frictionless typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless feel when pressing the keys. Additionally, the switch is described as mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch is described as silky and creamy, providing an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile qualities, with the Sea Glass emphasizing a light and effortless feel, while the WS Jade focuses on providing a silky and smooth typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose a switch that caters to their desired typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Sea Glass switch provides a unique hollow sound signature and a frictionless typing feel, while the WS Jade switch offers a bright metallic sound profile and a silky, creamy typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more airy and feathery feel or a silky and creamy sensation, both switches deliver on their respective qualities to enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Sea Glass and WS Jade switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider the following factors. If you value a unique, airy typing experience with a weightless feel and a distinct hollow sound, the Durock Sea Glass might be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy and smooth typing feel with a rock-solid bottom-out and a bright metallic sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Jade could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whether you lean towards the frictionless nature of the Sea Glass or the silky smoothness of the WS Jade, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
