Durock Sea Glass vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offer distinct characteristics for different typing preferences. The Sea Glass switch series from Durock is renowned for its captivating pastel colors and unique typing experience characterized by dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and produce a hollow sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches from Wuque Studio maintain smoothness with a snappy tactile bump and a neutral sound profile. While the Sea Glass provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, the WS Light Tactile offers a stepped and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for linear or tactile feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Sea Glass and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Sea Glass features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which provides a pleasant and bright sound profile. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the Sea Glass's top housing offers a more balanced sound, the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate material enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting for aesthetic appeal.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Sea Glass and WS Light Tactile switches also differ in their compositions. The Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing contribute to a bright sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. These differences in bottom housing materials create distinct typing experiences for users of each switch, with the Sea Glass offering a brighter sound compared to the WS Light Tactile's deeper and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Durock Sea Glass and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Sea Glass utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a balanced and pleasant sound, the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and clearer sound profile, complemented by a nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it can be seen that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Sea Glass has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the lighter 50 grams of the WS Light Tactile. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to activate a keypress, the Sea Glass provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions or gaming, the WS Light Tactile would be the better choice. On the other hand, those looking for a more solid and substantial feel may lean towards the Durock Sea Glass. Ultimately, the weight difference between the two switches can cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sea Glass has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Light Tactile switch. The difference may seem minimal, but it can affect the typing or gaming experience for some users. Those who prefer a faster response time may opt for the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the WS Light Tactile switch. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
The Wuque Studio WS Light 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 Sea Glass linear switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a level of auditory interest to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of typing environments. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, these descriptions give a general idea of what to expect in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Sea Glass linear switch from Durock is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless feel with a weightlessness that defies its actuation force. Additionally, the feathery nature of these switches makes them comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile tactile switch is described as having a stepped feel, providing a more subtle tactile bump compared to other switches. This, along with its easy-to-press nature, allows for a comfortable and responsive typing experience while reducing finger fatigue.
Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a switch with a distinct sound signature like the Sea Glass linear switch or a more neutral sound profile like the WS Light Tactile tactile switch, both options provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing habits, you can achieve a similar level of typing satisfaction with either switch despite their differences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch comes down to personal preference and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom-out force and a unique typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch may be the perfect choice for you. With its captivating pastel colors, distinct dry and airy feel, and frictionless nature, the Sea Glass switches offer a weightless and smooth typing experience that defies expectations. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a snappy tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch might be more suitable for you. With a neutral sound profile and a smooth feel with a noticeable tactile bump, the WS Light Tactile switches provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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