Durock T1 vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock T1 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Durock T1 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are both tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences. The T1 is renowned for its exceptional comfort, providing a medium bump when pressed down. The sound produced is reminiscent of rain falling on a window, creating a soothing auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches boast a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. These switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort with their medium-light actuation force. Typing on the WS Brown switches offers a delightful auditory experience, thanks to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches have their own distinct qualities, making them desirable choices for different preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock T1 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their housing materials, which results in variations in sound profiles. The T1 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. The nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials serve different purposes, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing aspect not found in the WS Brown.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the T1 and the WS Brown employ nylon as a classic switch housing material. This choice enhances the typing experience, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similarities in housing material for the bottom, it's important to note that the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down will predominantly be influenced by the bottom housing.
In summary, the Durock T1 and Wuque Studio WS Brown exhibit differences in their housing materials, impacting the sound profiles they produce. The T1's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the WS Brown's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, it's crucial to recognize the bottom housing's primary influence on the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock T1 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force for both switches is unknown, making it challenging to directly compare. However, it can be concluded that both switches have a similar actuation force since it is not specified otherwise. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock T1 has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Brown has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light.
Considering the impact of weight on typing experience, individuals who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch. With its lower bottom out force, this option allows for extended typing sessions and is well-suited for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Durock T1 switch. Its heavier bottom out force provides a stronger push, delivering a more substantial typing experience.
Overall, while the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, the Durock T1 is characterized as having a heavier bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Brown. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and whether a lighter or heavier touch is desired.
Travel distance
The Durock T1 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The T1 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of comparison, the T1 has a slightly longer travel distance than the WS Brown. The T1's 4 mm travel distance is closer to the traditional standard of 4.0 mm, while the WS Brown's 3.8 mm is slightly shorter. Gamers who value quicker response times may prefer the WS Brown due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the T1 with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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 T1 tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that the switch produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the T1 is also described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, or whether you use the switches at home or in a work environment. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
On the other hand, there is no specific information provided about the sound characteristics of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch. However, it is mentioned that enthusiasts cherish the delightful auditory experience of typing on these switches due to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. From this description, we can infer that the WS Brown switches offer a pleasing and enjoyable sound that is well-regarded by enthusiasts.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock T1 tactile switch is described as offering a stepped and accented tactile experience. Stepped switches have two stages of tactile feedback, providing a slightly milder tactility compared to hypertactile switches. This means that users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during key presses. Additionally, the T1 switch is also described as having a polished finish, which results in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, there is no specific information provided about the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch. However, it is mentioned that the switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. From this description, we can infer that the WS Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the specific tactile feedback and feel are not disclosed.
In conclusion, the Durock T1 tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most users. It also provides a stepped and accented tactile feel with a polished finish for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a pleasing and familiar auditory experience but lacks specific information about its sound and feel characteristics. While the two switches have some differences in their subjective qualities, users can expect a similar result in terms of a comfortable typing experience with both options.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock T1 tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a switch with a medium bump, then the T1 may be the better choice for you. Not only will you experience a comfortable typing experience, but the sound of the T1 switches is often described as low-pitched, providing a mellow and bass-heavy tone.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and want a switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, then the WS Brown may be more suitable. Typing on these switches offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination.
In terms of feel, the T1 is known for its stepped and accented characteristics, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the T1 switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
Unfortunately, there is no specific information about the sound and feel of the WS Brown switches provided, so it may be worth trying them out if you are curious about their performance in those aspects.
Overall, both the T1 and WS Brown switches have their unique qualities, and your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key weight, bump intensity, sound, and feel. Consider trying out samples or reading more reviews to make an informed decision that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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