Wuque Studio WS Dash vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Dash and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Wuque Studio WS Dash and the WS POM+ offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The WS Dash, a Hall Effect switch, is celebrated for its bright and clacky sound signature, paired with a silky smooth keystroke, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback and a refined touch while typing. In contrast, the WS POM+ linear switch is crafted entirely from POM plastic, delivering a deeply satisfying "thock" sound and a buttery-smooth keystroke that many typists crave for a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Whether you're drawn to the tactile snapshots of the WS Dash or the smoothness of the WS POM+, each switch has its own merits depending on your typing style and sound preference. 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
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Wuque Studio WS Dash and the WS POM+ feature distinct differences in their housing materials, which contribute to their unique acoustic profiles. The WS Dash incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's relative stiffness leads to clearer sound characteristics, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate brightness in their typing experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM top housing, revered for producing a warmer and more muted sound profile. While the polycarbonate construction in the WS Dash enhances crispness, the POM material in the WS POM+ results in a deeper tonal quality. This fundamental difference in top housing materials suggests that while both switches produce pleasing sounds, the WS Dash will lend itself to a sharper auditory experience compared to the more subdued acoustics of the WS POM+.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches, the WS Dash features nylon, a classic material that is known for absorbing sound and generating a fuller, deeper sound profile. This softer plastic allows for a more rounded auditory experience, impacting the way the switch feels when bottomed out. Conversely, the WS POM+ employs POM for its bottom housing, a material also celebrated for its muted and deep sound signature. Similar to the nylon in the WS Dash, the POM in the WS POM+ contributes to the overall depth of the sound but may lack the fullness that nylon brings. Thus, while both bottom housings serve to absorb sound effectively, the variations in their compositions present different tonal characteristics, highlighting the WS Dash's ability to offer a bit more resonance compared to the more controlled sound of the WS POM+.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches creates distinct auditory signatures that cater to different preferences. For typists who prioritize clarity and sharpness, the WS Dash with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom provides a vivid sound experience, whereas those who prefer a more subdued and muted typing experience might gravitate towards the WS POM+, characterized by its POM materials on both the top and bottom. While both switches have elements that allow for a satisfying typing experience, the integration of different materials leads to unique sound profiles that can satisfy varied user preferences. In practice, if users are drawn to deeper sound signatures with muted qualities, they will find satisfying outcomes in both models, albeit with nuanced differences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the WS POM+ linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The WS Dash features an actuation force of 30 grams, making it noticeably lighter than the WS POM+, which has a higher actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 55 grams, signaling that while they both feel similar when fully depressed, the WS Dash allows for easier activation with less physical effort. This characteristic leads to a lighter typing experience that is ideal for prolonged use, such as during lengthy work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the WS POM+ provides a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push sensation. Therefore, those who favor a lighter switch for comfort should opt for the WS Dash, while those who enjoy a more forceful typing experience might prefer the WS POM+.
Travel distance
The Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm indicates that the WS POM+ may offer a touch more depth when pressed down, potentially catering to users who favor a more pronounced feedback under their fingers. In contrast, the WS Dash, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker key response times. Overall, while both switches provide relatively short distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the WS Dash is the shorter option, and users seeking a more responsive experience may lean towards it, while those preferring a more substantial feel might choose the WS POM+.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch presents a bright and clacky sound signature, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate an audible feedback while typing. This lively auditory characteristic can enhance the typing experience, particularly for users who enjoy the engaging sound that accompanies each keystroke. In contrast, the WS POM+ switch offers a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature, which tends to resonate with users who prefer a more muted yet rich auditory feedback. Both switches provide distinct sound experiences, allowing users to choose based on personal preference; however, the final sound will also be influenced by the integration with specific keycaps and keyboard frames.
Regarding feel, the WS Dash is lauded for its silky smooth keystroke, providing an effortless typing experience that can feel responsive and quick, ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. The tactile nature of this switch, combined with its auditory feedback, can make typing feel more dynamic. On the other hand, the WS POM+ switch is characterized by its buttery-smooth keystroke, delivering a soft and fluid typing experience that many typists find pleasurable. This switch excels at providing a consistent feel throughout the keypress, appealing to those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. While both switches score high on smoothness, the preference between the lively feedback of the Dash and the muted glide of the POM+ may vary depending on the user’s typing habits.
In summary, both the WS Dash and WS POM+ switch offer unique auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences. The WS Dash's bright and clacky sound combined with its silky smooth feel contrasts with the WS POM+'s deep "thock" sound and buttery smooth experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual taste, as users seek either an energetic, responsive feel or a more subdued, satisfying typing experience. Regardless of the selection, both options promise quality performance tailored to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the WS POM+ linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound along with a silky smooth keystroke, the WS Dash will likely appeal to you, making it a great option for both gaming and typing, particularly if you appreciate the tactility that comes with Hall Effect technology. On the other hand, if you seek a deep, satisfying "thock" sound and a buttery-smooth keystroke for a more muted resonant typing experience, the WS POM+ is your best bet. Both switches share a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, so consider your acoustic and tactile requirements when making a choice. In the end, whether you favor the energetic feedback of the WS Dash or the richer, quieter resonance of the WS POM+, either switch will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience in distinct ways.