Wuque Studio WS Dash vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Dash and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and the Wuque Studio WS Dash and WS Red are excellent examples of this dichotomy. The WS Dash, a hall effect switch, stands out with its unique bright and clacky sound profile, offering a refined touch reminiscent of the celebrated Magnetic Jade. Users can expect a silky smooth keystroke that's perfect for those who appreciate a more dynamic auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the WS Red, with its 22mm double-stage spring, provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience marked by a heavier actuation force. This switch caters to typists who favor a substantial feel to their keystrokes, delivering a familiar sound signature bolstered by its classic material composition. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on whether you prefer the clatter of hall effect switches or the weighted tactile feedback of linear switches. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Wuque Studio WS Dash and WS Red switches exhibit notable differences that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The WS Dash features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This material enhances the resonance of the sound when the key is released, providing a clear and crisp auditory feedback that is particularly synergistic with RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the WS Red is equipped with a nylon top housing, a classic material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a muted yet rounded acoustic signature, which is markedly different from the heightened frequencies produced by polycarbonate.
Both the WS Dash and WS Red utilize nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring that they share in the acoustic qualities that this material provides. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel more so than the top housing. When typing on either switch, the sound produced is subdued and rounded, creating a satisfying tactile experience. This commonality in bottom housing material means that while the two switches might differ in the top housing's impact on sound when releasing a key, they will deliver a somewhat similar bottom-out experience due to the properties of the nylon.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the WS Dash and WS Red creates a unique yet complementary auditory experience for users. While the WS Dash’s polycarbonate top offers a clear resonance that enhances RGB lighting effects, the WS Red’s nylon top absorbs sound to produce a warmer tone. The shared nylon bottom housing ensures both switches maintain a consistent base sound profile, resulting in an overall pleasant typing experience regardless of the switch chosen. The resulting sound dynamics illustrate how the interplay between these distinct materials can create a range of auditory experiences based on their hierarchical placement within each switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the WS Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The WS Dash features an actuation force of 30 grams, making it relatively light, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the WS Red does not have a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is higher at 67 grams, positioning it in the medium-heavy category. This higher bottom out force contributes to a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. With the WS Dash's bottom out force of 55 grams being lighter than the WS Red's, users can expect a softer feel when bottoming out with the Dash. Overall, while the WS Dash caters to those seeking a lighter touch, the WS Red is better suited for users who prefer a more robust keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the WS Red linear switch, the WS Dash measures 3.5 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the WS Dash the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and higher sensitivity during gameplay. Conversely, the WS Red, with its greater 3.8 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you're looking for snappier keystrokes, the WS Dash would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress might find the WS Red more satisfying.
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 Red 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
The WS Dash switch produces a bright and clacky sound signature, adding a lively character to each keystroke, making it an engaging choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This sound profile is likely enhanced by its design and materials, which work harmoniously to deliver a refined auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switch maintains a more classic sound signature, providing a less pronounced auditory feedback compared to the WS Dash, while still ensuring that each keystroke is discernible. Both switches' final sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard they are used with and the choice of keycaps, but the inherent characteristics of each switch give users distinct auditory experiences.
When it comes to feel, the WS Dash offers a silky smooth keystroke, promoting a fluid typing experience that is enjoyable for extended use. This smoothness is complemented by the switch’s unique design which enhances its responsiveness and overall satisfaction. Conversely, the WS Red switch features a bouncy and responsive typing experience, bolstered by its heavier actuation force, which gives each keystroke a weighty feel. This substantiality can enhance typing precision, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile and deliberate engagement with their keyboard.
In summary, both the WS Dash and WS Red switches cater to specific preferences regarding sound and feel. The WS Dash is ideal for users who appreciate a brighter auditory feedback and a smooth keystroke, while the WS Red will satisfy those who enjoy a traditional sound profile combined with a firmer, more bouncy typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two excellent switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory engagement or a more tactile feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use case. If you lean towards a lighter, more effortless keystroke with a bright, clacky sound and a silky smooth feel, then the WS Dash is likely the better option for you. This switch excels in providing a refined and enjoyable typing experience, making it ideal for tasks requiring frequent key presses, such as gaming or rapid typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a heavier actuation force that gives you feedback and a satisfying bounce on each press, the WS Red might be your best choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force and familiar sound signature give a robust typing experience, perfect for long writing sessions or where precision is paramount. Thus, consider what aspects resonate more with your typing style when deciding between these two excellent options.