Gateron Aliaz vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Jade offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Aliaz is a tactile switch known for its quiet design, making it ideal for office environments where noise may be a concern. With a medium-heavy weight, the Aliaz switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the WS Jade is a linear switch that stands out for its use of a metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the WS Jade features a light diffuser for an enchanting RGB display and offers a creamy smooth typing experience with a rock-solid bottom-out. While the Aliaz is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished', the WS Jade is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'Resonant', 'Silky', 'Creamy'. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, one clear difference is the use of polycarbonate in the Aliaz's housing versus POM in the WS Jade's housing. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, particularly suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Jade's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique auditory experience. Despite these differences, both switches focus on delivering a satisfying typing experience, with the choice of housing material impacting the sound profile and overall feel of the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing comparison, the Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile evident in this switch. Similarly, the WS Jade employs a POM bottom housing to create a more pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. While each housing material brings its own acoustic characteristics to the table, both the Aliaz and WS Jade aim to provide users with a tailored typing experience based on the qualities of their respective housing materials.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Gateron Aliaz and Wuque Studio WS Jade switches results in distinctive sound profiles and tactile experiences. The choice between polycarbonate and POM housing ultimately boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize delivering a satisfying typing experience, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall performance of the switches. Whether opting for the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted tones of POM, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their preferences with either the Gateron Aliaz or Wuque Studio WS Jade switches.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 75 grams to bottom out, making it a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Jade only needs 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, providing a lighter typing feel. The Aliaz would be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel, while the WS Jade would be favored by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, we can see that the Aliaz has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the WS Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Aliaz. The Aliaz, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional key press feel, ideal for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Jade's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a slightly quicker response time, which is favored by gamers seeking faster reaction speeds. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, catering to individuals with different preferences in key press depth.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is best suited for those seeking a quieter typing experience, as it produces a muted sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch offers a unique and bright metallic sound profile, described as clacky, marbly, and resonant. The WS Jade switch provides a more vivid auditory experience compared to the Aliaz, making it a preferable choice for those who enjoy a crisp and sharp sound when typing.
When it comes to feel, both the Aliaz and WS Jade switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, providing a refined and smooth feel with reduced friction during key presses. Similarly, the WS Jade switch is also labeled as silky, with an added descriptor of creamy, offering a buttery typing sensation that effortlessly glides across the keys. Both switches prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience, catering to users who value smoothness and ease of keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is ideal for users who prefer a medium-heavy weight switch for a pronounced typing feedback in quiet environments. With its muted sound and silky, polished feel, the Aliaz switch is excellent for office settings or those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch stands out for its bright metallic and resonant sound profile, providing a unique auditory experience with a creamy and smooth feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider your environment and preferences. If you value a quiet typing experience and enjoy a medium-heavy keypress with a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Aliaz switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique sound profile with a bright metallic resonance and a smooth, creamy typing feel, the WS Jade switches would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a quiet typing experience and a substantial keystroke feel or a distinctive sound profile and a smooth, buttery typing sensation. Consider your specific needs and preferences to find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for you.
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