Durock White Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Durock White Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference in feel and sound, and two noteworthy options are the Durock White Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The White Lotus, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its exquisite light tactility, offering a gentle feedback that makes it perfect for extensive typing sessions without becoming overwhelming. This switch is also equipped with a removable light column that enhances the keyboard’s aesthetics through vibrant RGB lighting, transforming the typing experience into a visually striking one. In contrast, the WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, presents a compelling mix of a bright and clacky sound profile united with an impressively smooth keystroke. This switch not only captures the elegance of Wuque Studio's design but also provides a unique auditory thrill that caters to those who enjoy a more dynamic typing sound. Each switch brings its own set of advantages, with the White Lotus excelling in tranquility and prolonged use, while the WS Dash stands out for its engaging audio experience and smooth action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock White Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches, notable similarities and differences emerge in their compositions and sound profiles. The Durock White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, which contributes to a distinct and premium feel. This choice results in a sound profile that is likely to be sharp and crisp, similar to the WS Dash, which uses a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is recognized for its clarity and resonance due to its stiffer nature, leading to a brighter sound when keys are released. Though both switches aim for a pronounced auditory experience, the modified blend in the White Lotus may provide a slightly different tactile sensation that sets it apart from the WS Dash's purely polycarbonate approach.
In both switches, the bottom housing is made from nylon, a classic material favored in mechanical switches. Nylon’s softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the top housing material. Since both the Durock White Lotus and the WS Dash utilize nylon for the bottom housing, this commonality ensures that users will experience the same pronounced and muted sound characteristics when the keys bottom out. The deeper sound profile provided by the nylon housing is preserved in both switches, making their overall acoustic output somewhat aligned despite differences in the performance of the respective top housings.
Considering the individual contributions from each housing component, the overall characteristics of a switch are shaped by both the top and bottom materials. The Durock White Lotus, with its unique modified PC and UPE blend top, offers a crisp sound when keys are released, combined with the deep resonance from its nylon bottom. The WS Dash, though featuring a different top housing, achieves a similar outcome through its polycarbonate material that emphasizes sharper notes. Ultimately, while there are variances in the top housing materials, the shared nylon bottoms facilitate a consistent foundational sound profile for both switches, enabling users to appreciate the unique auditory experiences each design intends to impart.
Weight
When comparing the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in actuation force while their bottom out forces are quite similar. The White Lotus has a higher actuation force of 46 grams, compared to the 30 grams of the WS Dash, making the WS Dash the lighter option, which may appeal to users seeking a more effortless typing experience for extended use. Both switches have a bottom out force that is close, with the White Lotus at 56 grams and the WS Dash at 55 grams, indicating that while the travel and pressing action may feel significantly different during actuation, the final resistance when bottoming out is quite comparable. This means that although the feel during typing may differ due to the actuation forces, the end experience of pressing the keys all the way down remains similar in terms of resistance. For those who appreciate a lighter touch while typing or gaming, the WS Dash would be preferable, whereas users who enjoy a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the heavier actuation of the White Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the White Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Dash measures at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the White Lotus offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. In contrast, the WS Dash, with its shorter travel distance, could be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times for a more agile performance. Ultimately, those who enjoy a deeper, more pronounced tactile feedback might gravitate towards the White Lotus, while users who favor rapid actuation and a snappier feel may opt for the WS Dash. Both switches provide distinct experiences tailored to individual preferences in keypress responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock White Lotus switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. This means that the auditory output is more mellow and bass-heavy, creating an experience that is less intrusive, making it suitable for both home and office environments. Its design allows for a balanced auditory experience that does not overwhelm, striking a harmonious blend perfect for typists needing to focus. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the WS Dash switch remain unspecified; therefore, it's difficult to draw direct comparisons at this time regarding their acoustic output.
In terms of feel, the White Lotus switch excels with its easy-to-press, mild, and subtle characteristics. Its gentle resistance means that typists will find the actuation effortless, ideal for extended typing sessions without reaching fatigue. The mildness makes these switches approachable for both beginners and experienced users, offering a universally pleasant tactile experience. Again, the characteristics of the WS Dash switch in terms of its tactile feel have not been detailed here, leaving a gap in the comparison for those specifically looking for a sense of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch presents itself as an ideal choice for those who value a delicate yet responsive typing experience with a gentle auditory presence. While the characteristics of the WS Dash switch remain largely unknown, one can expect that differences in sound and feel could cater to varying preferences, particularly for those drawn to the more pronounced auditory feedback typically associated with Hall Effect designs. Ultimately, those seeking a tranquil typing experience might gravitate towards the White Lotus, while others may find the WS Dash intriguing for its potential unique qualities that are yet to be explored.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a gentle, tactile feedback that ensures comfort during long typing sessions, the White Lotus is an excellent choice. Its easy-to-press design, low-pitched sound profile, and subtle tactility create an inviting atmosphere for productivity, making it perfect for work environments or extended gaming marathons. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting feature enhances your keyboard's aesthetic, allowing you to personalize your setup. On the other hand, if you seek a more dynamic and exciting typing experience with a bright and clacky sound signature, the WS Dash might be your go-to. Its smooth keystrokes cater to those who enjoy a lively feedback sensation, appealing to gamers or those who relish a bit of auditory flair with each keystroke. Ultimately, evaluate your specific needs, whether it be a serene typing experience or an engaging, responsive feel, to decide which switch aligns best with your keyboard journey.
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