Gateron Aliaz vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl present two distinct options tailored for varying preferences. The Aliaz is designed for quiet environments, making it an ideal choice for office settings, where its subtle tactile feedback and medium-heavy actuation weight provide a satisfying, yet muted typing experience. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate a pronounced feel with minimal noise, categorized by its silky, muted, and polished characteristics. In contrast, the WS Pearl offers a completely different tactile experience; its innovative use of ball-bearings significantly reduces friction during keystrokes, resulting in an extraordinarily smooth typing experience. The medium-high pitched sound signature of the WS Pearl adds an engaging auditory element, appealing to those who prioritize a fluid keystroke action. Both switches cater to different needs and environments, with the Aliaz focusing on discretion and feedback, while the WS Pearl emphasizes smoothness and a unique sound. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches stand out for their distinct housing materials, each influencing the acoustic profile and tactile feel of the switches in unique ways. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, characterized by its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material's translucency makes it particularly suitable for setups utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant visual effects. Consequently, users can expect a clear and resonant auditory experience when typing, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of their keyboards.
In contrast, the WS Pearl integrates nylon for both its top and bottom housings, fostering a different sound characteristic. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb sound rather than reflect it, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile. This acoustic quality can create a more cushioned typing experience, allowing for a comfortable, muted feel when the key is pressed. While it lacks the sharpness associated with polycarbonate, the WS Pearl's nylon construction provides a richer auditory experience that some users may prefer for extended typing sessions.
Despite the differences in materials, the interplay between the top and bottom housings means that switches with varying materials can still deliver complementary performance outcomes. For instance, the Aliaz’s polycarbonate components ensure a clear sound on release while the overall auditory profile remains crisp throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the WS Pearl relies on its nylon housings to deepen and soften the sound during both key presses and releases. Thus, while their sound signatures diverge—one being bright and incisive and the other warm and rounded—both switches provide distinct yet satisfying experiences based on how the materials interact when keys are actuated.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Gateron Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, paired with a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS Pearl offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming. This means that for users seeking less finger fatigue during prolonged use, the WS Pearl would be the ideal choice, while individuals who enjoy a more forceful push may gravitate towards the Aliaz. Overall, with the Aliaz being the heavier option and the WS Pearl the lighter one, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, it's clear that the Aliaz features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Pearl has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in design caters to various user preferences; those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may find the Aliaz's depth more satisfying, while gamers and users seeking quicker response times might gravitate towards the WS Pearl's shorter travel distance, which allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, if you value a more substantial and hearty typing experience, the Aliaz would be the preferable choice, while the WS Pearl serves well for those who prioritize rapid key presses.
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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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 character, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices. The design minimizes typical mechanical keyboard noise, allowing for a softer and more restrained sound profile. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch produces a medium-high pitched sound signature. While not overly loud, this sound can be slightly more pronounced than the Aliaz, depending on the choice of board and keycaps. Therefore, if you seek a discreet typing experience, the Aliaz stands out, while the WS Pearl might offer a slightly more melodic tone without being overly disruptive.
Regarding the feel, the Aliaz tactile switch provides a medium-heavy weight and a very smooth typing experience characterized as silky and polished. This balance contributes to a substantial and satisfying keystroke, making it appealing for users who appreciate a tactile bump alongside fluidity. The feedback is pronounced without being jarring, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Pearl linear switch incorporates ball-bearings designed to reduce friction during keystrokes, resulting in a wonderfully smooth sensation with each press. This unique feature can make the Pearl feel exceptionally refined and effortless, appealing to those who favor seamless key travel without any tactile feedback.
In summary, if you prioritize a quieter and more muted typing experience with notable tactile feedback, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch would be an excellent choice. However, if your preference leans toward an exceptionally smooth and nearly frictionless key feel, the WS Pearl linear switch is worth considering. Each switch offers distinct qualities—whether it is the sound dampening of the Aliaz or the silky smoothness of the WS Pearl—allowing you to select the switch that best aligns with your typing needs and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typical usage environments. If you find yourself in a quiet office setting or simply prefer a more muted typing experience, the Aliaz is the way to go. Its heavier bottom-out force of 75 grams provides a more substantial and tactile feedback on each keystroke, allowing for a satisfying typing experience that minimizes noise disruption. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth and effortless key press, especially for gaming or extended typing sessions, the WS Pearl's medium bottom-out force of 58 grams offers a delightful, friction-reducing experience thanks to the innovative ball-bearing design. The Pearl's unique sound signature, though more pronounced than the Aliaz, still maintains a level of smoothness that can enhance your overall productivity and enjoyment. Ultimately, consider your typing style, preferred sound level, and the environments where you'll be using your keyboard to make the best decision for your needs.
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