Durock Sea Glass vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches, both offer unique mechanical typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Sea Glass switches are celebrated for their distinct pastel aesthetics and characteristic typing sensation that combines a dry, airy feel with a smoothness that belies their 62g bottom-out force. This frictionless design results in a light and effortless keystroke, making them an excellent choice for users looking for a gentle yet responsive typing experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ switches utilize an all-POM construction to deliver a rich, satisfying "thock" sound with each keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while maintaining a buttery-smooth feel. Their design prioritizes a deep sound signature, allowing typists to enjoy a tactile and enjoyable experience with every press. Both switches cater to specific needs in the realm of linear switches, whether one is drawn to the Sea Glass's ethereal lightness or the substantial auditory feedback of the WS POM+. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Sea Glass and Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches feature distinct housing materials that contribute differently to their overall sound profiles. The Sea Glass switches utilize a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both the top and bottom housings. This unique combination is noted for producing a sound profile that has a pleasant brightness without being overly sharp. In contrast, the WS POM+ switches are made of POM (polyoxymethylene) for both their top and bottom housings. The POM material is recognized for delivering a deeper and more muted sound that provides a contrasting auditory experience. While both switches aim to create unique sound profiles, the materials they employ result in differing auditory characteristics.
The impact of each housing material on the overall sound experience is significant, particularly because each contributes differently depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing. For instance, the Sea Glass's nylon and UHMWPE blend might impart a brighter initial sound when releasing a key, thanks to its characteristics in the top housing. In comparison, the muted and deeper sound profile from the POM switches can offer a bassier resonance during key releases. Furthermore, both the top and bottom materials affect how the sound and feel of bottoming out are experienced; the Sea Glass's slightly brighter tone may enhance the keystroke feel differently than the more subdued touch of the WS POM+.
Despite these differences, users may find a similarity in auditory satisfaction between the Sea Glass and WS POM+ as both switches aim for a pleasing sound experience, albeit through different acoustic means. If a user prefers a balanced sound that combines elements from both, choosing switches from either series can provide a unique auditory response, though with distinct individual characteristics. Ultimately, the preference between the brighter yet pleasant notes of the Sea Glass and the deeper muted tones of the WS POM+ will depend on personal taste, illustrating how a switch's housing material can distinctly shape the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, we find that both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, offering a consistent keystroke experience for users. However, a notable difference arises in their bottom out forces; the Sea Glass boasts a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the WS POM+'s lighter 55 grams. This discrepancy means that while both switches require the same effort to actuate, the Sea Glass provides a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Consequently, the Sea Glass is the heavier option when it comes to bottoming out, while the WS POM+ is the lighter switch overall, potentially making it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions where less finger fatigue is desired.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the Sea Glass switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS POM+ offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Durock Sea Glass switch, you will experience a deeper keypress which can provide a more substantial feel, catering to those who appreciate the tactile feedback that comes with a longer travel distance. Conversely, the WS POM+, with its 3.6 mm distance, allows for quicker actuation, making it advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Users who prefer a more responsive experience may find the WS POM+ to be the better choice, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Sea Glass. Thus, the Sea Glass is the longer option, and the WS POM+ is the shorter switch.
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 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 Sea Glass switches possess a uniquely hollow sound signature that contributes to a typing experience that feels light and airy. This distinct character allows the switches to stand out, giving them a more ethereal auditory quality. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches produce a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature, which is often favored for its richness and robustness. While both switches offer appealing auditory experiences, the Sea Glass switches lean towards a lighter, more ethereal sound, whereas the WS POM+ will give a fuller, more resonant auditory feedback, enhancing the tactile experience with its pronounced thock.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Glass switches excel with their frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press characteristics. This combination culminates in an exceptionally smooth, effortless typing experience that requires minimal exertion, making them suitable for extended use without causing finger fatigue. The weightlessness of these switches provides a pleasant, buoyant sensation under the fingers. The specifics regarding the feel of the WS POM+ are unspecified, but they are known for delivering a buttery-smooth keystroke, which suggests a highly satisfying tactile experience. This smoothness implies that they may also provide a comfortable typing experience, though they may differ in the level of resistance compared to the Sea Glass switches.
In conclusion, both the Durock Sea Glass and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches offer distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences characterized by their sound and feel. The Sea Glass boasts a light and airy auditory signature along with an effortlessly smooth tactile feedback, ideal for those who prefer a more delicate typing experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ provides a deeper, more resonant auditory feedback while maintaining a smooth keystroke that many typists appreciate. Consequently, while you can expect a pleasant typing experience from both switches, the overall characteristics will target slightly different preferences, allowing you to choose based on the sound and feel that best suits your ergonomic and auditory desires.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, consider the specific typing experience and sound characteristics you desire. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, along with a frictionless, airy feel and a unique hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass will likely suit you well. This switch is ideal if you're looking for a smoother and lighter typing experience, making it comfortable for long sessions without feeling too heavy. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a switch that features a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and delivers a deep, satisfying "thock" sound with a buttery-smooth keystroke, the WS POM+ would be the better choice. This switch enhances your typing experience with its rich acoustic profile and firm yet pleasant touch, perfect for those who appreciate tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, airy experience with the Sea Glass or a deeper, richer sound and feel with the WS POM+.
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