Wuque Studio WS Dash vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Dash and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, and the WS Light Tactile, a tactile switch, highlights the nuances that cater to different typing preferences. The WS Dash is renowned for its vibrant clacky sound profile and silky smooth keystroke, thanks to its innovative Hall Effect technology, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a responsive and dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile offers a delightful balance with its snappy and perceptible tactile bump, providing a reassuring feedback without compromising on smoothness or a muted sound profile. This makes it ideal for those who prioritize a more traditional typing feel with quieter operation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Wuque Studio WS Dash and the WS Light Tactile utilize polycarbonate for their top housing materials, leading to a highly similar acoustic profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, ensures that both switches produce a clearer and more resonant sound, which can enhance the auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes these switches particularly well-suited for RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through effectively and illuminate the switch in vibrant colors. Therefore, users can expect consistent performance in terms of sound clarity and aesthetic appeal with both models.
However, the bottom housing materials of the WS Dash and WS Light Tactile provide a contrasting auditory experience. Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which is known for its softer characteristics compared to polycarbonate. This material choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory feedback. When users type on either switch, they will experience the distinct impact of the nylon bottom housing, which contributes significantly to the overall sound and feel during key presses. This combination of materials in both switches merges the benefits of crisper sounds from the polycarbonate top with the muted tones offered by the nylon bottom.
In summary, while the top housing materials of the Wuque Studio WS Dash and WS Light Tactile are identical, allowing for similar sound clarity, their differing bottom housing materials ensure a unique typing experience. The nylon bottom contributes noticeably to the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, framing the overall aural sensation when using these switches. Ultimately, this synergy between the polycarbonate and nylon materials means that users can anticipate a well-rounded auditory experience that capitalizes on the benefits of both housing types.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the WS Light Tactile tactile switch, distinct differences emerge. The WS Dash features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer push. However, both switches have a bottom out force that is relatively similar, with the WS Dash at 55 grams and the WS Light Tactile at 50 grams. This means that while the WS Dash is lighter overall and easier to press for longer periods, the WS Light Tactile offers a more robust typing experience due to its heavier actuation force, appealing to users desiring a firmer feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the switches hinges on individual preferences for typing feel and exertion during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The WS Dash features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the WS Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, which provides a more traditional and deeper feel. For gamers or those who prefer quicker response times, the WS Dash with its shorter travel distance might be the better choice. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile, with its longer travel distance, caters to users who appreciate a more substantial and deliberate key press. Overall, if you seek a more responsive experience, the WS Dash would be ideal, whereas the WS Light Tactile is better suited for those who enjoy a fuller depth in their switch actuation.
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 Light Tactile 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
The sound profile of the WS Dash switch is characterized by a bright and clacky signature, which provides a lively auditory experience during typing. This sound can be quite satisfying to those who appreciate the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile features a neutral sound signature, which means it produces a moderate sound level that is neither overly loud nor too quiet. This neutrality allows it to be versatile, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office, accommodating both beginners and advanced users without drawing unnecessary attention.
In terms of feel, the WS Dash switch delivers a silky smooth keystroke, which enhances the gliding motion of fingers across the keys for a seamless typing experience. This smoothness can be particularly enjoyable for users who prefer a fluid, uninterrupted feel as they type. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile offers a distinct tactile bump that is snappy and perceptible, thanks to its stepped nature. This bump provides a clear indication of actuation without being overwhelming, and the switch is designed to require minimal force for activation. As a result, the Light Tactile switch is comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it approachable yet engaging.
Overall, both the WS Dash and WS Light Tactile switches provide distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The WS Dash is designed for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience and a smooth keystroke, while the WS Light Tactile appeals to users seeking a perceptible tactile feedback with a balanced sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize auditory enjoyment or a tactile typing experience, but each switch promises to deliver a satisfying result based on its unique features.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the WS Light Tactile tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use scenarios. If you appreciate a medium-light actuation force with a bright and clacky sound signature, the WS Dash is an excellent option. Its silky smooth keystroke makes it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a refined and responsive typing experience, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter 50-gram bottom-out force combined with a snappy tactile feedback, the WS Light Tactile will serve you well. Its neutral sound profile and stepped tactile feel provide a more understated yet satisfying typing experience, making it versatile enough for both work and casual use. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences for sound and feedback, as well as the primary activities you’ll be using your keyboard for, to make the best choice for your needs.