Gateron Aliaz vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Gateron Aliaz is designed with a focus on quiet environments like offices, featuring a muted design that excels in providing a pleasant typing experience without causing distractions. With a medium-heavy weight, these switches deliver a substantial keystroke feel, ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback while maintaining a serene atmosphere. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches introduce a lively clacky sound signature, paying homage to the beloved Magnetic Jade, and are designed for those who crave a more expressive auditory experience during typing. The silky smooth keystrokes of the WS Dash add an element of refinement, making them a captivating choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike. While the Aliaz emphasizes a peaceful work environment, the WS Dash invites a more dynamic interaction with your keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profile and aesthetic appeal. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making both switches resonate clearly when activated. The transparency of the polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through brilliantly, enhancing the visual experience for users and making these switches particularly suitable for backlit keyboards. In terms of sound characteristics, the similarity in top housing material between the two switches means that users can expect a comparable auditory experience when typing or gaming, with an emphasis on clarity and definition in each keystroke.
However, the differences become pronounced when examining the bottom housing material. The Aliaz employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which further reinforces the brighter sound profile established by its top housing. As a result, the overall sound produced is consistent and resonant, allowing the switch to maintain a cohesive auditory quality. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is recognized for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer texture. This leads to a rounder, deeper sound profile that creates a distinct contrast to the sharper tones of the Aliaz. The differing bottom housing materials will provide a varied tactile experience, with the WS Dash offering a more muted sound upon bottoming out, while the Aliaz maintains a higher-pitched clarity.
Ultimately, the combination of materials at both ends of the switch will influence the user's overall experience. While the shared polycarbonate top housing results in similar sound qualities during key releases across both models, the contrasting bottom materials of polycarbonate for the Aliaz and nylon for the WS Dash shape their respective keystroke feedback and sound profiles when pressed down. Consequently, those seeking a brighter, sharper auditory feedback may lean towards the Aliaz, while users preferring a deeper, more rounded sound might favor the WS Dash. Therefore, this distinction in materials underlines the subjective nature of switch preferences, where users can choose based on personal auditory and tactile desires.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash has a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those seeking a softer and less fatiguing feel during extended typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, the Aliaz is the heavier switch, while the WS Dash stands out as the lighter option. This disparity means that users can expect a considerably different typing experience between the two, with the Aliaz providing a more pronounced tactile feedback and resistance, while the WS Dash allows for quicker, less strenuous keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there is a notable difference that may influence a user's choice based on their preferences. The Aliaz features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional distance preferred by many users who enjoy a deeper profile when typing. In contrast, the WS Dash offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to those who favor swift and responsive key presses, often favored by gamers for quicker reaction times. While the Aliaz provides a hearty depth, the WS Dash's shorter travel distance can feel more abrupt, which might not be ideal for everyone. Ultimately, depend on whether you prefer a more profound tactile experience or quicker response times to decide between the two switches.
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 Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 switches are designed for quiet environments, producing a muted audio profile that significantly reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them particularly suitable for office settings or other situations where loud keystrokes may be disruptive. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches provide a bright and clacky sound signature, which adds an engaging auditory component to the typing experience. This clackiness can be a delightful aspect for users who appreciate the characteristic acoustic feedback of mechanical switches. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound will also depend on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch offers a luxurious tactile experience characterized by its silky smoothness and polished finish. This design minimizes resistance during key presses and releases, allowing for an effortless typing experience that many users find appealing. The substantial weight of the Aliaz adds to the typing feedback without the noise, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. In comparison, the tactile and smooth qualities of the WS Dash switches are yet to be described but are generally expected to provide a different typing sensation due to their Hall Effect mechanism. This could mean a unique response or feedback that contrasts with traditional mechanical switches.
Overall, the Aliaz and WS Dash switches cater to different preferences, especially regarding sound and feel. The Aliaz excels in quiet environments, delivering a smooth and refined experience with a muted sound that’s ideal for professional settings. On the other hand, the WS Dash captivates users with its bright, clacky sound and potential for a unique tactile feedback, suitable for those who enjoy a more traditional auditory feedback from their typing. Making a choice between these will depend on individual preferences in sound and typing experience, but both options present distinct characteristics that can fulfill different user needs effectively.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you work in a quiet office or shared space, the Aliaz offers a heavy but muted typing experience that minimizes sound while still providing tactile feedback. Its smooth and polished feel is perfect for long typing sessions where you desire noticeable, yet discreet, keystrokes. Conversely, if you prefer a more dynamic and lively typing experience, the WS Dash could be your go-to choice. With its medium-light actuation force and bright, clacky sound signature, the WS Dash delivers a fun and engaging feel, especially suited for gaming or creative work where auditory feedback enhances your performance. Ultimately, consider the noise level of your surroundings and the tactile feedback you enjoy when selecting the switch that best fits your needs.
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