Durock Light Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Red, a linear switch. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is highly regarded for its gentle tactility, providing a pleasant typing experience that contrasts with sharper tactile switches in the market. Along with its smooth tactile feel, this switch also produces a jelly-like sound signature, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Red switch from Wuque Studio boasts a unique feature- a 22mm double-stage spring, resulting in a bouncy and responsive typing experience. The classic material blend used in these switches also contributes to a familiar sound signature. It's worth noting that the WS Red switch carries a heavier actuation force, adding a substantial weightyness to each keystroke, creating a satisfying typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the WS Red features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches' top housings are designed to accommodate RGB lighting due to their translucency. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a clear housing that supports RGB lighting, both options can provide similar results.
Both the Light Tactile and the WS Red switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, it creates a duller and rounder sound. Although the bottom housing may not have as significant of an impact on the sound and feel as the top housing, it still contributes to the overall typing experience. In terms of sound, both switches will offer similar characteristics due to their shared nylon bottom housing material.
In summary, the Durock Light Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in their top housing materials, with the former utilizing polycarbonate and the latter featuring nylon. This leads to distinct sound profiles, with the Light Tactile producing a sharper and crisper sound, while the WS Red offers a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar and more absorbent sound. When choosing between these switches, it is crucial to consider the desired sound profile and the compatibility with RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Light Tactile switch is lighter with an actuation force of 52 grams, while the WS Red switch has an unavailable actuation force. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Light Tactile switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation force, it allows for easier triggering of keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the WS Red switch falls into the category of switches with a heavier push feel. While the actuation force is not specified, the shared bottom out force of 67 grams suggests a comparable typing experience to the Light Tactile switch in terms of heaviness.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference. Those who value a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, such as the WS Red switch. Meanwhile, individuals desiring a lighter touch for increased endurance might lean towards the Light Tactile switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distance, the Light Tactile falls within the standard range, while the WS Red is slightly shallower. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, tend to prefer shorter travel distances. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive switch, the WS Red may be the better option. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. In this case, the Light Tactile with its longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, which adds a unique and pleasant element to typing. It is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. The sound of the Light Tactile switch may also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, similar to the Light Tactile switch, the sound of the WS Red switch will also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Light Tactile switch provides a gentle and mild typing experience. It falls in the middle ground in terms of its characteristics, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, it is described as having a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities contribute to a sleek typing experience.
Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the WS Red linear switch, so a direct comparison cannot be made. However, based on the description of the Light Tactile switch, which offers a gentle and refined typing experience, it is possible that the WS Red switch may also provide a satisfying and substantial typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, jelly-like sound signature, and polished feel. While specific information about the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is lacking, it is reasonable to expect that it provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience, along with a familiar sound signature. Both switches offer unique subjective qualities that can enhance the typing experience, and by considering factors like personal preferences, keyboard board, and keycaps, users can achieve similar results with these switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you if you prefer a switch with gentle tactility and a softer sound profile. These switches provide a pleasant typing experience with a jelly-like sound, which can be quite pleasing. Additionally, they have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a substantial typing feel. Furthermore, the Light Tactile switch falls under the category of a mild switch, providing a more gentle typing experience, making it suitable for most users. The polished finish of these switches also ensures smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch with its bouncy and responsive typing experience would be the better choice for you if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a more substantial keystroke. With its double-stage spring and classic material blend, these switches offer a satisfying and substantial typing feel. Although information regarding the WS Red's sound and feel is not provided, the WS Red switch may appeal to users who enjoy a heavier switch and a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style.
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