Gateron Aliaz vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a tactile mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and Wuque Studio WS Brown are both popular options to consider. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet environments such as the office, offering a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke, which is great for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches provide a medium-light actuation force, striking a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort for fatigue-free typing during long sessions. The WS Brown switches also offer a familiar auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish. 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
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, one key difference is that the Aliaz features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate material in the Aliaz switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more crisp typing experience. In contrast, the nylon material in the WS Brown switch produces a deeper and fuller sound, making it a great choice for those seeking a softer typing feel. This difference in housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
A similarity between the Aliaz and WS Brown switches is that they both feature different materials for their top and bottom housings. This means that the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound and feel of typing in different ways. For the Aliaz, the polycarbonate top housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound when releasing a key, while the polycarbonate bottom housing influences the sharpness of the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the WS Brown's nylon top housing creates a rounder and duller sound upon releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing affects the depth and fullness of the typing experience. These differences in housing materials help to tailor the typing experience to the user's preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Brown will depend on the individual's typing preferences. Those looking for a sharper and crisper sound profile may prefer the Aliaz with its polycarbonate housing, while individuals seeking a deeper and fuller sound may opt for the WS Brown with its nylon housing. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the materials used in their housings, showcasing how the materials can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Additionally, the Aliaz requires a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a more substantial typing experience compared to the WS Brown, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a lighter feel. The difference in weight between the two switches provides options for users based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Those looking for a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the WS Brown, while users wanting a more significant push feel may opt for the Aliaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aliaz being slightly longer than the WS Brown. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Brown for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Aliaz. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for its muted typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to other switches. This makes it a great choice for those who work in shared or quiet environments where loud typing can be disruptive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch does not have specific sound descriptors available, but enthusiasts appreciate its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, which likely contributes to a pleasant auditory experience. Overall, both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, with the Aliaz emphasizing quietness and the WS Brown emphasizing familiarity and harmony in typing sounds.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a satisfying and comfortable typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a sleek feel when typing. Unfortunately, specific feel descriptors for the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch are unavailable. Nevertheless, based on its medium-light actuation force and harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, it can be inferred that this switch offers a comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and ease of use.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Aliaz excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing experience with its muted sound and silky, polished feel, ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch offers a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, with a focus on comfort and responsiveness that ensures fatigue-free typing. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are sure to deliver satisfactory results based on their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you value a heavier keystroke with a more pronounced feedback and a quieter typing experience, the Aliaz switches would be ideal for office settings or places where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light keypress that offers a familiar auditory experience and fatigue-free typing during long sessions, the WS Brown switches would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for keypress weight, typing feel, and sound output.
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