Durock Dolphin vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Brown mechanical keyboard switches, a clear distinction can be made between their characteristics. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch known for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quiet office environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it provides a tactile feel that balances precision with a satisfying press. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that offers a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ideal for fatigue-free typing during long sessions. While the Dolphin is polished, muted, and low-pitched, the WS Brown offers a delightful auditory experience with its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for linear vs. tactile switches, as well as the level of actuation force that suits your typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, we can see that the Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing while the WS Brown has a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. Despite these differences, both materials excel in bringing out unique sound characteristics to each switch, catering to different preferences for sound profiles.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Dolphin and the WS Brown feature a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. With the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the nylon material in both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience for users. Although the top and bottom housings of the two switches differ, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound quality in terms of resonance and impact.
In summary, the Durock Dolphin and the Wuque Studio WS Brown showcase the unique characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in their design. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, the WS Brown's nylon top housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housing, contributing to a consistent typing experience across the keys. Whether one prefers a brighter sound profile or a deeper tone, both switches offer distinct sound qualities to cater to diverse preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch both have a medium actuation force, with the Dolphin having an unspecified amount and the WS Brown having none specified. However, the Dolphin has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it slightly heavier than the WS Brown, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the WS Brown, as it requires less force to bottom out, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dolphin provides a more substantial push feel due to its heavier bottom out force, which may appeal to those seeking a stronger typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.8mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. It is convenient that both switches have the same travel distance, as it eliminates the need to choose between a shorter or longer travel distance. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dolphin or the WS Brown switch, you can expect a consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 3.8 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown 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 Durock Dolphin linear switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great option for those looking for a quieter typing experience. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience with its nylon housing and POM stem combination. When it comes to feel, the Dolphin switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, details about the feel of the WS Brown switch are not provided.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is recommended for users who prioritize a silent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, ideal for precision and resistance. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch caters to those who seek a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with a medium-light actuation force, perfect for fatigue-free typing during long sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider your typing needs and preferences when selecting between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a silent and medium-heavy switch with a satisfying press for your office environment or workspace, the Durock Dolphin linear switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light actuation force that provides a balance between responsiveness and comfort for fatigue-free typing during extended sessions, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch would be a great option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and the typing experience you are looking for.
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