Gateron Aliaz vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz is ideal for quiet environments like offices, boasting a silent design and medium-heavy weight that provides a satisfying feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile maintains smoothness with a noticeable tactile bump and a neutral sound signature, making it a great option for those who enjoy a snappy typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that resonates well. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities, the switches differ in their bottom housing material. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the WS Light Tactile uses nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound.
The choice of housing material for a switch can impact both the sound and feel of typing on it. In the case of the Aliaz and WS Light Tactile switches, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and resonant sound profile associated with polycarbonate, while the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This difference in bottom housing material can lead to a noticeable variation in typing experience between the two switches.
Although both the Gateron Aliaz and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches feature polycarbonate top housing, their overall typing experiences can differ due to their bottom housing materials. While the top housing contributes to the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing are more pronounced during keypresses. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper sound profile, while the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Aliaz switch is heavier in both aspects compared to the WS Light Tactile switch. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, while the WS Light Tactile has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Aliaz switch requires more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out completely, making it better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of 4 mm is standard for tactile switches, providing a satisfying keypress experience without being too long or too short. In this case, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring that users can expect consistent results regardless of which switch they choose.
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 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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch provides a muted typing experience, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various settings and preferences. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth key presses with minimized resistance. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a stepped feel, offering a more distinct tactile feedback with gentle resistance and lower actuation force. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing unique sensations to the user, whether it be a smoother feel or a more defined tactile response.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Aliaz and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches differ in sound and feel qualities, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter typing session with a substantial feel or a more neutral sound signature coupled with a snappy tactile feedback, you can achieve similar results in terms of typing performance with either of these switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard and your personal preferences. If you are looking for a switch tailored for quiet environments like the office with a medium-heavy weight and a pronounced typing feedback, the Aliaz may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, smooth key travel, and a neutral sound profile, the WS Light Tactile switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as typing experience, noise level, and personal comfort. Choose the switch that aligns with your needs and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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