Durock Medium Tactile vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer a satisfying tactile experience are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Durock Medium Tactile is beloved for its distinct and balanced tactility, providing a satisfying keypress. Additionally, its jelly-like sound signature adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, making them a great choice for office and work environments. These switches feature smartly designed stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound while maintaining a crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Notably, unlike traditional silent switches that use silicone dampeners, the WS Silent Tactile switches offer a uniquely tranquil typing experience without the usual padded feel. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you determine the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, one notable difference lies in the top housing. The Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile employs a nylon top housing. The use of nylon results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. So, while the top housings of both switches contribute to the sound profile, they produce different characteristics.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Medium Tactile and WS Silent Tactile share the use of nylon as the housing material. This nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's relatively softer nature allows for better sound absorption compared to harder plastics. Consequently, both switches produce a similar duller and rounder sound when the keys are pressed. Thus, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, and in this aspect, they provide comparable results.
When considering the overall sound experience of pressing and releasing a key, both the top and bottom housings contribute to the final outcome. The Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing imparts a crisper and higher-pitched sound when keys are released, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing produces a rounder and duller sound. On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches, being made of nylon, offers a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed down. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings differ in material and resulting sound characteristics, the combination of the two in each switch allows for a varied auditory experience depending on the action taken with the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it's important to note that the exact values for the actuation force are unavailable for both switches. However, we do know that the Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, allowing them to type for longer periods without straining their fingers. For these users, the slightly lighter WS Silent Tactile switch may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, there are others who appreciate a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch.
Although the actuation force remains unknown for both switches, it's safe to assume that they are likely similar, given that they are both classified as medium tactile switches. While there may be slight variations in the actuation forces, the resulting typing experience between the two switches is expected to be comparable.
In conclusion, weighing the actuation force and bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is slightly heavier, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile switch is slightly lighter, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming. However, without specific information on actuation force, it is difficult to make a precise comparison between the two switches in terms of their triggering keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Durock Medium Tactile offers a slightly longer key travel distance compared to the WS Silent Tactile. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile falls within the traditional range, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile is on the shallower side, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a deeper and more substantial key travel, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a suitable option. Conversely, if you prioritize quicker response times and a slightly shallower key feel, the WS Silent Tactile would be a better choice. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer satisfactory travel distances for a tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium Tactile for $4.25.
The Wuque Studio WS Silent 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having a "jelly-like" sound signature, while the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as producing a "muted" sound. The Medium Tactile switch's sound profile is not explicitly defined, but it can be inferred that it is likely to have a more distinct and audible sound compared to the WS Silent Tactile switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the WS Silent Tactile switches are described as "accented," meaning they offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, both switches are categorized as having a "mild" typing experience, which implies that they provide a gentle and approachable feel to most users. The WS Silent Tactile switch is also described as "invigorating," suggesting that it offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This indicates that the WS Silent Tactile switch may provide a more immersive typing sensation compared to the Medium Tactile switch.
Taking all the available information into account, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is favored for its balanced and pronounced tactility, as well as its jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is praised for striking a delicate balance between medium tactile feedback and noise reduction. It features unique stem railings with small cutouts to minimize switch sound while maintaining a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. The WS Silent Tactile switch also stands out for its use of a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. If sound is a priority, the Medium Tactile switch may be preferred. However, if a quieter typing experience without compromising on tactile feedback is desired, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be a suitable choice. Overall, both switches offer their own distinct qualities, allowing users to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Durock Medium Tactile or the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and needs. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience.
If you prioritize a pronounced but balanced tactility and enjoy a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile is the switch for you. It is best suited for those who appreciate an accented and polished switch, offering a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile is a great choice. These switches offer an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback, while also minimizing noise without the use of silicone dampeners.
Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile is a great option for those seeking prominent tactility and a unique sound profile, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile is perfect for those who value a more muted typing experience without compromising on the tactile feedback. Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal preferences, whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both, in making your decision.
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