Wuque Studio WS Dash vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Dash and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can dramatically influence your typing experience, particularly when comparing the Wuque Studio WS Dash and the WS Heavy Tactile. The WS Dash, featuring Hall Effect technology, offers a bright and clacky sound signature accompanied by a silky smooth keystroke—perfect for gamers and typists who prioritize swift responsiveness and a refined auditory feedback. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a profound tactile sensation with a notable 70g bump, delivering an invigorating experience defined by its deep "thock" sound and bouncy feel. While the WS Dash stands out for its polished execution and smoothness, ideal for fast-paced environments, the WS Heavy Tactile excels in offering a satisfying tactile feedback that can enhance your typing rhythm. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, making the choice a matter of how you want to interact with your keyboard. 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
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Dash and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a stark contrast emerges in their top housing. The WS Dash features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's relatively stiff structure, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as it allows light to shine through with vibrancy. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile employs a nylon top housing, a classic material recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This significant difference in top housing materials results in unique sound characteristics that will influence the overall typing experience.
Both the WS Dash and WS Heavy Tactile share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. This similarity provides a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, since nylon's softer plastic construction acts to absorb sound and enhance a smooth keystroke feel. The fact that both switches utilize the same material in their bottom housing ensures that the tactile feedback experienced during typing is consistent across both models. As both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, they will deliver similar sounds upon bottoming out when pressed, allowing for a cohesive feel despite their differences in top housing materials.
When pressed, the final sound and feel of each switch will primarily depend on the nature of its specific housing materials. The WS Dash, with its polycarbonate top housing, will likely deliver a more pronounced sound when the key is released due to its stiffer properties, while the WS Heavy Tactile will produce a softer sound upon release, reflecting the characteristics of its nylon top housing. However, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience due to their identical nylon bottom housing, which serves to unify the tactile feedback and deeper sound profile. Therefore, while users can expect notable differences in sound upon key release between the two models, they will still achieve a level of homogeneity during key presses due to the shared nylon material in the bottom housings, enhancing the overall experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The WS Dash features an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This lighter force makes it well-suited for users wanting prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile requires a stronger actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This heavier switch caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, offering a firmer feel with each keystroke. Ultimately, the WS Dash is the lighter option, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a heftier push, appealing to different user preferences regarding typing feel and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The WS Dash features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile measures 3.2 mm, making the WS Dash the longer option. The shorter travel distance of the Heavy Tactile may appeal to those who favor a quicker response, especially gamers who benefit from rapid actuations. Conversely, the additional 0.3 mm in travel distance provided by the WS Dash can offer a deeper, more satisfying press, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile feel. Overall, while both switches cater to distinct user preferences, the WS Dash stands out for its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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
When comparing the sound of the WS Dash and WS Heavy Tactile switches, both offer a bright and clacky sound signature. The WS Dash is characterized as producing a crisp, percussive sound that is quite distinct and engaging, while the WS Heavy Tactile also shares this clacky nature, adding a high-pitched sharpness that may appeal to users who prefer a cleaner sound without the bassy undertones found in some other switches. Both designs emphasize clarity and a prickly auditory experience, although personal preferences will come into play based on the specific tonal qualities each switch offers, which can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the WS Dash provides a smooth and polished typing experience, enhanced by its silky texture that minimizes friction and resistance. This creates a refined keystroke that many users find appealing, especially for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a more tactile and dynamic feel, characterized by its prominent 70g bump and various descriptors such as "bouncy," "sharp," and "snappy." This switch provides a more immersive typing sensation, delivering satisfying feedback with each keystroke. While the WS Dash focuses on smoothness, the WS Heavy Tactile prioritizes a more engaging interaction with pronounced tactile elements.
Overall, both the WS Dash and WS Heavy Tactile switches cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and feel. The WS Dash excels in providing a refined, smooth experience along with a bright auditory signature, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a more tactile and responsive action combined with a pronounced sound. This diversity allows users to choose a switch that aligns best with their typing style and auditory preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience, whether one favors a silky smooth touch or a bouncier, more tactile interaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switch and the WS Heavy Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter touch and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the WS Dash might be your best bet. Its medium-light 55g bottom-out force and silky, polished feedback create an effortless flow ideal for rapid typing or gaming scenarios. The clacky sound signature adds a bright, engaging auditory element that can enhance your overall experience. Conversely, if you desire a more pronounced tactile sensation coupled with a heavier actuation force, the WS Heavy Tactile is likely your ideal choice. The 70g bottom-out force offers a rewarding degree of resistance while its pronounced tactile bump gives immersive feedback, making it wonderfully invigorating for users who appreciate a tactile experience while typing. The "thocky" sound profile can also add richness to your environment, amplifying your typing experience. In essence, choose the WS Dash for smoothness and speed, and the WS Heavy Tactile for a more tactile, engaging feel. Adjust your decision based on whether you prioritize sonic engagement and ease of use or tactile sensation and feedback intensity.
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