Gateron Aliaz vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, personal preferences play a pivotal role in enhancing the typing experience. The Gateron Aliaz switches stand out as a fantastic choice for users in quiet environments, such as offices, due to their silent design. They provide a medium-heavy resistance, which delivers a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke, appealing to those who appreciate a robust yet discreet typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches offer a different allure, featuring an all-POM construction that ensures a buttery-smooth key press combined with a deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature. While the Aliaz excels in muted environments where noise is a concern, the WS POM+ might attract users who crave a more dynamic auditory feedback during their typing sessions. 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
45g
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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz switches feature a polycarbonate housing that is designed to provide a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to clearer and more resonant acoustics, which are especially noticeable during both key presses and releases. The aesthetic appeal of the Aliaz is amplified by its translucency, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. This housing structure allows a vivid display of colors and enhances the overall visual experience. Furthermore, the consistency of the polycarbonate material in both the top and bottom housings ensures a unified acoustic profile, yielding a crisp sound during actuation and a bright response upon release.
In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches use POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings. This material is known for its durability but imparts a very different sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The POM housing contributes to a sound that is deeper and more muted, which can create a more subdued typing experience. This differentiation offers a unique auditory characteristic, appealing to users looking for a sound that may feel warmer and less piercing than that of switches like the Aliaz. The aesthetic aspect of the POM housing may not resonate in the same way with RGB lighting as polycarbonate, but it offers its own distinct look and feel.
Although the Gateron Aliaz and Wuque Studio WS POM+ utilize different materials, the overall sound qualities and tactile experiences are still influenced by their respective housings. With both switches having contrasting acoustic signatures, users may find varying preferences based on their typing styles and sound preferences. If you were to switch between the two, you would notice the sharper clarity of sound from the Aliaz compared to the muted depth of the WS POM+. However, if both switches were engineered with similar dimensions and switch designs, they might still provide cohesive performance experiences despite their differing material characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aliaz switch has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, categorizing it as a heavier option, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light choice, suitable for users who favor ease of typing over the tactile feedback. Consequently, the Aliaz will likely be better for users seeking a heavier switch for a more deliberate keystroke, while the WS POM+ will be preferable for those looking for a lighter feel, ideal for prolonged usage during work or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the Aliaz features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS POM+ has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm highlights the Aliaz as the switch providing a more substantial tactile feel, making it preferable for users who enjoy a deeper key press. In contrast, the WS POM+, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers or those who favor rapid response times and less abrupt transitions. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch that feels more generous and cushioned under your fingers, the Gateron Aliaz would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you value speed and agility in your keystrokes, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ would be more suitable.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 switch produces a notably muted auditory profile that makes it ideal for quiet settings like offices, where excessive noise can be disruptive. This design minimizes the clacky sounds typically associated with mechanical switches, allowing for a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ is characterized by its deep, satisfying "thock" sound signature, which many users find pleasing and impactful during use. The auditory experience offered by the WS POM+ contrasts sharply with the Aliaz, catering to users who appreciate a more resonant feedback while typing. However, it should be noted that sound can be influenced by various factors, including the type of keyboard housing and keycaps used, meaning that ideal sound profiles may vary.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is noted for its silky and polished sensations, creating an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This is due to the refined materials and likely factory lubing, which reduces friction and enhances key travel smoothness. Users can expect a medium-heavy actuation that provides a satisfying weight to each keystroke. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the WS POM+ linear switch is currently unknown. This lack of detail about the tactile feedback of the WS POM+ does leave some uncertainty in comparison to the tactile reassurance embodied by the Aliaz, particularly for those who prioritize a tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz and Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches offer distinct experiences tailored to differing preferences. The Aliaz excels in providing a quiet, silk-like typing experience with a significant tactile response, making it well-suited for office environments. The WS POM+, with its rich "thock" sound, will likely appeal to users who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. While sound and feel can vary widely based on external factors, these switches cater to diverse typing needs, allowing users to find a switch best suited to their environment and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Aliaz tactile switches and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you work in a quiet office or shared space where noise could be a distraction, the Aliaz switches are an excellent option, offering a muted sound profile and a medium-heavy weight that provides a pronounced feel while minimizing auditory disruption. Their silky and polished feel enhances the overall typing experience, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort and feedback are paramount. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, more fluid typing experience with a satisfying "thock" sound, the WS POM+ switches would be the better choice. With a lighter actuation force, they allow for quicker typing with less finger strain, making them suitable for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks where speed and ease are crucial. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only your typing style and ergonomics but also your specific scenario, balancing the tactile feedback of the Aliaz with the silky smoothness of the WS POM+ for the best experience.
Mentioned in this article
