Gateron Beer vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are both excellent options to consider. The Gateron Beer, with its mesmerizing translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, offers a unique and lightweight typing experience. Its stepped tactility provides a subtle tactile feedback, along with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile from Wuque Studio maintains smoothness with a snappy tactile bump and a neutral sound signature. Both switches are easy to press and offer a pleasant 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through. Both switches offer a visually appealing clear housing that is a signature characteristic of polycarbonate, giving them a modern and sleek look.
While the Beer and the WS Light Tactile share the same polycarbonate top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Beer utilizes polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, maintaining a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout the switch. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This contrast highlights how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, demonstrating the importance of considering all components when selecting a switch for a specific keyboard setup.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile will depend on the desired sound profile and feel that the user is looking to achieve. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a distinct sound that is sharp and crisp, while the different bottom housing materials offer varying levels of depth and resonance. Whether prioritizing a clear and resonant sound or a deeper and fuller tone, both switches provide options for users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences. Ultimately, the compatibility with RGB lighting and the overall aesthetics of the switches also play a role in the decision-making process.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a relatively light actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Light Tactile has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that both switches provide a light and comfortable typing experience, making them suitable for prolonged use. The slight difference in actuation force may provide a slightly different tactile feel, but overall, users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of force required for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly lighter touch with the Gateron Beer or a slightly firmer feel with the WS Light Tactile.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Beer's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the WS Light Tactile's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keyboard feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate sound level that is suitable for a variety of uses. Both switches will provide satisfying auditory feedback, but the Beer will give a more distinct and lively sound, while the WS Light Tactile will be more subtle and versatile depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Beer and the WS Light Tactile switches are described as easy-to-press and feature a stepped tactility. The easy-to-press nature of these switches offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in a comfortable and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The stepped tactility of the switches provides a more nuanced typing feel, allowing for a two-stage keystroke experience that is not as harsh as some other tactile switches. Overall, both switches offer a responsive and low-impact typing feel that will enhance the user's typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer provides a distinct clacky sound signature and an effervescent typing feel, while the WS Light Tactile offers a neutral sound profile and a smooth, tactile typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a similar level of typing satisfaction, offering a choice between a more lively or a more neutral typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a switch with a unique design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, a lighter bottom out force, and a distinctive clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer tactile switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a smooth tactile bump, a neutral sound profile, and an easy-to-press feel with a stepped tactility, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of advantages, so it boils down to personal preference and typing style when making your decision.
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