Gateron Aliaz vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and Wuque Studio WS Yellow offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Aliaz switches excel in quiet environments, such as the office, with their silent design and medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. This makes them an ideal choice for those seeking pronounced typing feedback without the noise, categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished'. On the other hand, the WS Yellow linear switches by Wuque Studio offer a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. With a 22mm double-stage spring for a delightful typing experience and a lightweight design for effortless keystrokes, they provide a smooth and fluid typing experience with a familiar sound signature loved by enthusiasts, categorized as 'Creamy', 'Mild', 'Polished'. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches feature distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Aliaz switches use polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the WS Yellow switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder compared to the Aliaz switches. While both switches offer different sound profiles due to their housing materials, they both provide a satisfying typing experience.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Gateron Aliaz switches allows for a clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In comparison, the nylon top housing of the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. However, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz switches also contributes to their sharp and crisp sound profile during keypresses, while the nylon bottom housing of the WS Yellow switches adds to the overall rounder sound profile of the switches. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with varying sound characteristics.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches, it is clear that each housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switches. The impact of the bottom housing is more prominent during keypresses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Although the Aliaz switches with polycarbonate housing offer a sharper sound profile, and the WS Yellow switches with nylon housing provide a deeper sound profile, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in achieving a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch are quite different. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the WS Yellow's unknown actuation force, making the Aliaz require more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Aliaz is also heavier at 75 grams compared to the WS Yellow's 53 grams, indicating that the Aliaz switch will result in a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. Those looking for a lighter switch to type on for extended periods may prefer the WS Yellow with its lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Aliaz for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the Aliaz offers a slightly deeper press compared to the WS Yellow. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the WS Yellow with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Gateron Aliaz to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Yellow comes in at $3.50 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 switch is known for its muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch offers a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts appreciate, without being too loud. Both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience with their respective sound characteristics, ultimately depending on personal preference and other factors such as keycaps and keyboard build.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Aliaz switch is described as offering a silky and polished typing experience, enhancing smoothness and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Conversely, the WS Yellow switch is known for its creamy and mild feel, providing a buttery typing sensation that glides effortlessly with each keystroke. Both switches aim to offer a refined typing experience with their unique characteristics, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and smoothness.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Gateron Aliaz and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch excels in providing a medium-heavy weight and a quieter typing experience, ideal for those seeking a pronounced tactile feedback without the noise. Meanwhile, the WS Yellow switch focuses on a lightweight construction and a satisfying bounce, along with a smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. However, both switches are designed to offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, consider the environment you will be using your keyboard in and your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you need a switch for a quiet setting like an office and prefer a medium-heavy weight with a more pronounced typing feedback, the Aliaz tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, buttery typing experience that is effortless and fluid, the WS Yellow linear switch would be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing style and the specific requirements of your workspace.
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