Durock Sea Glass vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Durock Sea Glass and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Sea Glass switch series from Durock stands out with its captivating selection of pastel colors, making it a favorite among many. These linear switches offer a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in their typing experience, while still maintaining a smoothness that is unparalleled. With a bottom-out force of 62g, these switches manage to feel weightless, defying expectations and providing a frictionless typing sensation. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches produce a uniquely hollow sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque excel at elevating your office and work experience. These linear switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, resulting in reduced switch noise and enhanced responsiveness. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches forgo the use of silicone dampeners, providing a typing experience devoid of the usual cushioned sensation. This allows for a seamless blend of tranquility and precision. While these general pointers help paint a picture of each switch's characteristics, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear exhibit some similarities and differences. Both switches feature nylon as the material for their top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deep and full sound profile, but the Sea Glass utilizes a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, resulting in a slightly brighter sound compared to the WS Silent Linear. However, both switches offer a pleasant sound profile, with the Sea Glass leaning towards a brighter tone and the WS Silent Linear providing a rounder and duller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Sea Glass incorporates a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, similar to its top housing composition. The blend contributes to a pleasant sound profile that is slightly brighter but not overly sharp. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear utilizes nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon is a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This results in a switch with a rounder and duller sound compared to the Sea Glass, which maintains its slightly brighter tone.
It is important to note that the qualities introduced by the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom housings of each switch. When pressing down on the switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing, either the unique blend in the case of the Sea Glass or nylon in the case of the WS Silent Linear, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater impact on the resulting sound. Therefore, while both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, the differences in their housing materials contribute to variations in brightness, roundness, and depth of their overall sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are both similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Sea Glass requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact force required for the WS Silent Linear is not provided. However, both switches are classified as medium in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Sea Glass has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is slightly lighter than the bottom out force of 63.5 grams for the WS Silent Linear. This means that the WS Silent Linear provides a slightly stronger push feel during typing, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier force.
Weight is an important consideration when selecting switches, as it can affect typing endurance and overall typing experience. Some users may prefer lighter switches, such as the Sea Glass, which allow for longer periods of comfortable typing, making them ideal for professionals or individuals engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who seek a more robust and substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, like the WS Silent Linear.
In summary, while the actuation force of the two switches is similar, the Sea Glass being lighter, the WS Silent Linear stands out with a slightly heavier bottom out force. Depending on the user's preference for typing endurance and the sensation of keystrokes, one can choose accordingly between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that there is a slight difference between the two. The Sea Glass has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have gained popularity in recent times, particularly among gamers who prefer quicker response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the WS Silent Linear with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. However, it is worth noting that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, the Sea Glass switch with its longer travel distance would be a suitable option.
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 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 Sea Glass linear switches are best described as having a uniquely hollow sound signature. This distinct sound quality sets them apart from other switches and adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches are known for their silent operation. They fall under the category of muted switches, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. While the specific sound characteristics of the WS Silent Linear switches are not mentioned, their design aims to reduce switch noise and create a more tranquil typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both the Durock Sea Glass and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches share a descriptor of being mild in terms of typing experience. This means that they offer a gentle and approachable feel, suitable for most users. The Sea Glass switches are also described as frictionless and feathery, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with little exertion required. This makes them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Similarly, the WS Silent Linear switches have qualities that fall within the safe, middle-ground zone, ensuring a pleasant and gentle typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Durock Sea Glass and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sea Glass switches emit a uniquely hollow sound, while the WS Silent Linear switches aim for a muted and subdued sound profile. In terms of feel, the Sea Glass switches provide a frictionless, feathery, and easy-to-press experience, while the WS Silent Linear switches offer a gentle and mild feel. Overall, both switches promise a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences. Depending on your desired sound profile and typing feel, either switch can deliver similar results in terms of smoothness and approachability.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and captivating switch that offers a distinct typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is a great choice. With its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, accompanied by a frictionless and effortless typing feel. The Sea Glass switches also offer a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is an excellent option. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, these switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings that reduce switch noise while maintaining a satisfying bottom-out. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches provide a distinct typing experience that is characterized by tranquility and precision.
Overall, both switches have their own unique advantages. The Sea Glass switches excel in their distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, along with a frictionless feel and hollow sound signature. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Linear switches prioritize a quieter typing experience without compromising responsiveness. Consider your personal preferences and typing needs when deciding between these two exceptional switches.
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