Durock White Lotus vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock White Lotus 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 that stand out are the Durock White Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The White Lotus is a tactile switch that has gained popularity for its delicate tactility, making it a great choice for those who spend long hours typing. With a removable light column, this switch also offers customizable RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear by Wuque is a linear switch that excels in reducing noise without compromising responsiveness. By utilizing ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, these switches provide a satisfying bottom-out while maintaining a quiet environment. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear opts for a cushion-less sensation, delivering a seamless blend of tranquility and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock White Lotus and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear differ in terms of their housing materials. The White Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a unique and premium feel. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials contribute to the overall sound experience of the switches, the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend top housing may offer a distinct feel compared to the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the White Lotus and the WS Silent Linear both employ nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is favored for its ability to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. Therefore, whether it is the White Lotus or the WS Silent Linear, the nylon bottom housing is likely to contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing on the switches. Despite the similarity in bottom housing material, it is important to note that any differences in the other components of the switch may still result in variations in the overall sound and feel.
In terms of the overall impact of the housing materials, it is important to recognize that the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom components of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, whether you opt for the Durock White Lotus or the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, the housing materials will play a significant role in shaping the auditory and tactile experience, albeit with subtle variations based on the housing material used.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are several notable differences. The White Lotus has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, which falls into the medium-light range. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight is crucial for various reasons. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the White Lotus, as it allows for extended typing durations and is ideal for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the WS Silent Linear, which offers a stronger push feel due to its heavier bottom out force. This can provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience.
Despite the different actuation and bottom out forces, it is important to note that both switches deliver comparable results. Although the specific actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is undisclosed, it is safe to assume that it falls within the desired range for a linear switch, considering its medium-heavy bottom out force. Therefore, users seeking similar outcomes can find satisfaction in either option, depending on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it's clear that the White Lotus has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the WS Silent Linear's 3.5 mm travel distance. The White Lotus falls into the more traditional category with its 4.0 mm distance, while the WS Silent Linear is slightly shallower at 3.5 mm. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become more popular in recent times, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize a highly responsive typing experience, the WS Silent Linear may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes. In such cases, the Durock White Lotus with its 4 mm travel distance would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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 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 White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which is characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This makes it a suitable option for those who prefer a more soothing and relaxed typing experience. Additionally, it is described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning it is moderate in terms of volume and actuation force requirement. This makes it a versatile switch that can be used in various settings, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or at work.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is known for its muted and subdued sound. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, thanks to their lack of silicone dampeners. While they are not completely silent, they do offer a more dampened and subtle sound signature, making them ideal for use in shared spaces or environments where noise needs to be kept at a minimum. Like the White Lotus, the WS Silent Linear also has a neutral sound profile and a moderate actuation force requirement, making it a versatile choice for most typists.
In terms of feel, the White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience. With a light actuation force requirement, these switches offer minimal resistance during key presses, making typing effortless and comfortable. This low-impact and responsive feel enhances the overall typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus is also described as having a mild and subtle typing feel, further contributing to its comfortable and approachable nature.
Similarly, the WS Silent Linear switch provides a mild typing experience. It offers a gentle resistance during key presses, resulting in a more comfortable and less jarring feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This mild and approachable feel makes the switch suitable for a wide range of typists, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch both offer subjective qualities that enhance the typing experience. While the White Lotus excels in its low-pitched sound and easy-to-press feel, the WS Silent Linear stands out with its muted and subdued sound, as well as its mild typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most users. It's important to consider other factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also impact the overall sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you prioritize a more delicate tactility or a quieter typing experience, both switches provide options that can satisfy your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a delicate tactility and a captivating RGB lighting experience, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its medium-light bottom out force of 56 grams, it strikes the perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, its low-pitched and neutral sound profile ensures a pleasant auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness and precision, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is the way to go. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a medium-heavy tactile experience. The WS Silent Linear switches masterfully reduce switch noise through ingeniously designed stem railings, delivering tranquility while maintaining a satisfying bottom-out. Its neutral, muted, and subdued sound profile makes it suitable for various environments, including shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock White Lotus tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you prioritize delicacy and captivating lighting effects or a quieter typing experience, both switches offer exceptional qualities that cater to different needs. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as the specific use cases for your keyboard, and make an informed decision based on what aligns best with your requirements.
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