Wuque Studio WS Brown vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Brown and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to understand the unique characteristics that each type brings to the table, especially when comparing options like the Wuque Studio WS Brown and WS Dash. The WS Brown, a tactile switch, excels in offering a comfortable typing experience with its medium-light actuation force. This switch is celebrated for its delightful auditory feedback and a blend of familiar and innovative design, making it a favorite for those who enjoy extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, presents an exciting alternative with its bright and clacky sound profile, coupled with an exceptionally smooth keystroke. The refined feel and auditory appeal of the WS Dash make it a great choice for users who prioritize an engaging and responsive typing experience. Both switches serve distinct preferences—whether you seek comfort and familiarity with the WS Brown or a lively and smooth interaction with the WS Dash. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Brown and WS Dash switches reveal significant contrasts, particularly with the choice of top housing. The WS Brown features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which dampens sound through absorption, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Dash incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, and its translucent nature allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it not just a functional choice for sound but also an aesthetically appealing one.
Despite these differences in top housing materials, both the WS Brown and WS Dash share the same nylon bottom housing. The nylon used in the bottom housing for both switches yields a similar impact on sound and feel, characterized by a deeper yet fuller sound attributed to its sound-absorbing qualities. This commonality means that when users press down on either switch, they will experience a consistent base character defined by soft plastic, influencing how the switch feels and how it responds at bottom-out. Thus, even with contrasting top materials, the bottom housing contributes a uniform foundation to both switches.
The interplay between the differing top and identical bottom housings leads to unique auditory experiences when typing. While the WS Brown’s nylon top may provide a warm, muted sound, the WS Dash's polycarbonate top elevates the acoustic profile to a brighter pitch. However, due to the shared nylon bottom, both switches offer a foundational sound quality that grounds their overall performance. This means that, when comparing the two, users can anticipate that although they will enjoy distinct experiences characterizing each switch's top component, the consistency in the bottom housing ensures a subdued, similar feel and sound at the key's actuation.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch and the WS Dash hall effect switch, we find some interesting contrasts. The WS Brown switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. In contrast, the WS Dash switch has a defined actuation force of 30 grams and also shares a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the actuation force for the WS Brown is not specified, the tactile feedback and feel will align closely with the bottom out experience. The WS Dash, with its lighter actuation force of 30 grams, may be more appealing for those who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming, making it more comfortable for extended sessions. Conversely, the WS Brown switch, despite its unknown actuation force, is likely to provide a more substantial push feel, which may cater to users who desire a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches bottom out at the same force, the WS Dash is the lighter option, offering a potentially easier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch and the WS Dash hall effect switch, we can see a clear distinction. The WS Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Dash measures 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Dash the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the WS Brown’s longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which could be more satisfying for users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive option, the WS Dash is ideal; however, if you value depth in key presses, the WS Brown would be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Dash comes in at $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
In terms of sound, the WS Brown tactile switch offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience that many enthusiasts find appealing. This sound can be attributed to its nylon housing and POM stem combination, which produce a pleasant sound profile that is neither too loud nor too soft, making it versatile for various environments. Conversely, the WS Dash hall effect switch delivers a bright and clacky sound signature, which provides a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing. This can create a more engaging typing atmosphere, particularly when combined with the right keyboard and keycap choices, as sound can be heavily influenced by these factors.
When it comes to feel, the WS Brown switches are recognized for their medium-light actuation force, striking a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. This makes them ideal for prolonged typing sessions, as they do not produce excessive finger fatigue. The tactile bump in the switch also enhances the typing experience, allowing users to feel when a key is actuated without having to bottom out. In contrast, the WS Dash switches offer a silky smooth keystroke, which likely contributes to a different tactile experience. This smoothness may make the typing experience feel faster and more fluid, catering to those who prefer a seamless keypress without the tactile feedback emphasized in the WS Brown switches.
In summary, while both the WS Brown and WS Dash switches offer unique auditory and tactile qualities, they cater to different preferences. The WS Brown emphasizes a classic, comfortable typing experience with its balanced actuation force and a satisfying sound, while the WS Dash stands out with a bright sound and an exceptionally smooth feel. Depending on your priorities—whether it's sound profile or tactile response—you can choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch and the WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a familiar tactile feel combined with a pleasant auditory experience during long typing sessions, then the WS Brown switches may be your ideal choice. They provide a medium-light actuation force that's both responsive and comfortable, reducing fatigue while offering that satisfying tactile bump that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a more refined and dynamic typing experience, the WS Dash switches would be more suited to you. These switches deliver a clacky sound signature and a silky smooth keystroke, making them perfect for users who enjoy a lively auditory feedback and a distinct feel while typing or gaming. In summary, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize the classic tactile comfort of the WS Brown or the innovative responsiveness and unique sound of the WS Dash.
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