Everglide Tourmaline Blue vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often hinges on the unique blend of tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience they provide. The Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch, is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, delivering a satisfying acoustic experience that enhances your typing rhythm. Its lengthened single-stage spring creates a bouncy feel with every keystroke, making it both enjoyable and accessible to a broad range of users. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a hall effect switch, presents a different kind of appeal with its bright and clacky sound signature, accompanied by a silky smooth keystroke. This captivating re-color of the renowned Magnetic Jade not only promises refinement but also introduces a distinct responsiveness that hall effect switches are known for. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—be it the immersive experience of the Tourmaline Blue or the refined responsiveness of the WS Dash—it's essential to consider individual typing habits and sound preferences when deciding. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
59g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice indicates several similarities in performance and sound characteristics. The polycarbonate top contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is significant for users who prioritize auditory feedback during typing. Furthermore, the transparency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing illumination to pass through more effectively, resulting in a visually appealing setup for keyboard enthusiasts.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches highlight a distinct contrast in material choice. The Everglide Tourmaline Blue employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. This material's stiffness ensures a clear and resonant sound, continuing the crispness initiated by the top housing. On the other hand, the WS Dash features a nylon bottom housing that absorbs more sound and therefore produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This combination creates a more pronounced difference in the auditory experience when bottoming out the switch, emphasizing the unique qualities of the nylon material in contrast to the polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, users can achieve a balanced typing experience by understanding how each housing contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. While the Everglide Tourmaline Blue presents a uniform sharpness with both top and bottom housing in polycarbonate, the WS Dash results in a more nuanced auditory experience by blending the crispness of its polycarbonate top with the softer, deeper qualities of its nylon bottom. Therefore, while both switches may evoke compelling experiences, their differing bottom materials ultimately shape the interaction users have with each switch, leading to distinct audible results dictated by the housing arrangements.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with its actuation force of 59 grams and bottom out force of 67 grams to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, significant differences emerge. The Tourmaline Blue is categorized as medium-heavy, providing a more substantial feel when typing, which appeals to those who prefer a stronger push for a tactile experience. In contrast, the WS Dash, with its medium-light forces, allows for a gentler typing action, making it potentially more suitable for extended use without fatigue. Consequently, users seeking a lightweight option for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may favor the WS Dash, while those desiring a heftier keystroke might opt for the Tourmaline Blue. The difference in both actuation and bottom out forces indicates that the two switches cater to distinct preferences, making it unlikely for users to achieve similar results in terms of typing feel and comfort across the two models.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find that the Tourmaline Blue offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Tourmaline Blue requires more force to be fully pressed down and provides a deeper, more tactile experience, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a hearty depth in their key presses. Conversely, the WS Dash's shorter 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who prioritize rapid response times, making it a better choice for gamers looking for quick actuation. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch that feels more abrupt and responsive, the WS Dash is the way to go, while the Tourmaline Blue is better suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, which provides a rich auditory feedback that many users crave during their typing sessions. This immersive sound enhances the overall experience, making each keystroke feel satisfying. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch has a bright and clacky sound signature. This sound gives a more lively and pronounced auditory feedback with every press, which can be appealing for those who enjoy a clearer and sharper acoustical response. Ultimately, both switches create distinct auditory experiences suitable for different preferences, though the choice between them will depend largely on individual taste.
Looking at the feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch is characterized by its buttery smoothness, ensuring a seamless and fluid keystroke. Its longer single-stage spring contributes to a bouncy sensation when typing, which many users find enjoyable and accessible. With an easy-to-press actuation force, these switches allow for minimal resistance, significantly enhancing comfort, especially during extended use. Additionally, the mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue provide a gentle typing experience that accommodates a variety of users. On the other hand, the feel of the WS Dash switch is not detailed in the provided information, leaving an unknown aspect in its tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is celebrated for its thocky sound and smooth, bouncy feel, the WS Dash switch presents a bright and clacky auditory profile. The Tourmaline Blue may cater to users seeking a deep experience that balances sound and tactile feedback. However, given the lack of specific details about the feel of the WS Dash switch, it's difficult to provide a comprehensive comparison in that regard. Ultimately, users will find that each switch offers a unique typing experience shaped by their sonic and tactile characteristics, and choosing between them will come down to personal preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you're someone who enjoys a deeper, thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blue is likely the better option. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, it provides a satisfying experience, particularly for typists and gamers who appreciate tactile feedback without being overly taxing on the fingers. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter keystroke and are drawn to a more refined auditory experience, the WS Dash, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, might be more up your alley. This switch offers a bright and clacky sound signature, which can enhance your typing sessions, especially in a more relaxed or creative environment. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the overall sound you enjoy, and how these factors align with your daily activities to choose the switch that best meets your needs.
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