Gateron Aliaz vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, both options are tailored for quiet environments such as the office. The Aliaz switches offer a medium-heavy weight, providing a substantial feel to each keystroke and a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque Studio provide a medium tactility with superior noise reduction, thanks to their precision-engineered stem railings that ensure a silent yet crisp typing experience. While the Aliaz switches are described as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the WS Silent Tactile switches are categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted'. Each switch brings its unique characteristics to the table, catering 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, it is clear that they both have distinct characteristics. The Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which creates a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon top and bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile provide unique sound profiles, they also share some similarities. Both switches have clear housing options, with the Aliaz using polycarbonate and the WS Silent Tactile utilizing nylon. The translucency of these materials is beneficial for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing experience. Additionally, regardless of the housing material differences, the overall typing experience of both switches is enhanced by the specific qualities each material brings to the table. Whether it be the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switch.
In considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the typing experience, it is evident that each material brings its own unique characteristics to the switch. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz or the nylon bottom housing of the WS Silent Tactile, affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, influences the sound when a key is released. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch, users can make informed decisions based on their preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Aliaz has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the WS Silent Tactile's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Aliaz requires 75 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile needs 63.5 grams. This makes the Aliaz a heavier switch overall. Weight is a vital factor to consider when choosing a switch, as lighter switches are better for longer typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Aliaz would be suitable for those who prefer a heavier typing feel, while the WS Silent Tactile would offer a slightly lighter touch. Despite the differences in force requirements, both switches offer a tactile typing experience that may result in similar results in terms of typing satisfaction.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Aliaz offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper press compared to the WS Silent Tactile. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Gateron Aliaz. Both options offer a tactile feel, but the difference in travel distance may provide a varying experience based on personal preference. Overall, the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile may result in quicker keystrokes, while the longer travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz may offer a more satisfying key press for some users.
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 Silent 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 switch offers a muted typing experience, perfect for those looking to minimize noise in quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile along with muted characteristics, ensuring a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the crisp feedback of a tactile switch. Both switches aim to provide a more subdued typing sound compared to traditional mechanical switches, making them ideal choices for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined keypress that minimizes resistance and enhances overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch provides an accented and invigorating feel, combining medium tactility with a snappy and reactive typing sensation. While the Aliaz switch focuses on a smooth and polished keystroke, the WS Silent Tactile switch aims to deliver a balance of tactile feedback and comfortable typing experience, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feel without compromising smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch excel in providing a quiet typing experience suitable for office environments. While the Aliaz switch emphasizes a medium-heavy weight and a silky, polished feel, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers superior noise reduction and a balance of medium tactility with a snappy typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics, but users can expect similar results in terms of noise reduction and overall typing comfort with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, noise level, and typing feel. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a more pronounced typing feedback in a quiet environment like the office, the Aliaz switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium tactility with superior noise reduction and a silent yet crisp typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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