Gateron CM vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CM and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The CM switch breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, promising a richer and deeper sound signature. With an impeccable factory lube job, these switches offer an effortlessly smooth typing experience, evoking a sensation of gliding gracefully with each keystroke. Furthermore, the lengthened, dual-staged spring of the CM switch provides a bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch from Wuque Studio captivates users with its remarkable tactile bump. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke offers a satisfying resistance, making typing engaging and immersive. The WS Heavy Tactile switches also boast a captivating sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' take on nylon housings, contributing to a "thocky" resonance and providing satisfying auditory feedback. However, beyond these generalities, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are both made of nylon, making them similar in terms of their material composition. Both switches are designed to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is attributed to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a comparable sound experience from both the Gateron CM and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches due to their shared nylon housing material.
However, an important distinction between the switches lies in the distribution of the housing materials. In switches where the top and bottom housings are different, the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, if the Gateron CM and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have different housing materials for the top and bottom, the overall sound and feel of the switches may differ even though they both utilize nylon.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CM and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches share nylon as their housing material, there may still be variations in their performance depending on the distribution of the top and bottom housing materials. However, users can expect similar results in terms of a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on both switches, thanks to the absorbent nature of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Gateron CM linear switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of only 45 grams, which is considered light. This means that the CM linear switch requires a slightly heavier initial force to trigger a keystroke compared to the WS Heavy Tactile switch. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gateron CM switch requires a greater force to fully press down compared to the WS Heavy Tactile switch.
Considering weight, preferences may vary. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the WS Heavy Tactile switch with its lower bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work or longer gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Gateron CM switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a more robust typing experience for those who appreciate it. While the exact actuation force for the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unknown, it is safe to say that it is lighter than the Gateron CM switch, which can provide similar results for those seeking a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have differing travel distances. The CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered the most common, while 3.0 mm is categorized as the most shallow. However, with the increasing demand for faster response times, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers. If quick responsiveness is your priority, opting for the CM would be a suitable choice due to its 3.6 mm travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience may find the WS Heavy Tactile with its slightly longer 3.2 mm travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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 CM linear switch is best described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched. These switches offer a deep and rich sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound produced can be characterized by a lower frequency range, resulting in a satisfying auditory feedback that resembles a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound. The sound profile of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is crisp, bright, and percussive, giving it a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. While the CM linear switch provides a soothing, bass-heavy sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a more vibrant and sharp auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a buttery, polished, and creamy typing experience. When typing on these switches, you can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The CM switches provide seamless, effortless, and uniform key presses, giving a consistent and sleek typing sensation. The WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, on the other hand, offers an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy typing experience. These switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. They offer a lively feel with rebound when pressed, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The strong and crisp tactile bump in the WS Heavy Tactile switch can be distinctly felt with each keypress, resulting in an immersive and reactive typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CM switch provides a deeper, richer sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a sharper, crisper sound profile with higher pitch. In terms of feel, the CM switch delivers a smooth, polished, and creamy typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a pronounced, tactile, and invigorating typing sensation with rebound and strong feedback intensity. Both switches promise a satisfying and immersive typing journey, but the choice between them ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smoother and more buttery typing experience with a deeper and richer sound profile, the Gateron CM linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, this switch promises effortless gliding and a bouncy typing experience. Additionally, the CM switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile that adds to the overall satisfying typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactile bump and a lighter typing feel, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. With its tactile force of 70g, this switch provides satisfying resistance and an invigorating typing sensation. The WS Heavy Tactile switch also boasts a "thocky" resonance and a clean, sharp, and higher-pitched sound profile, which creates an immersive auditory experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch will depend on whether you value a smoother typing experience with a deeper sound profile or a pronounced tactile feel with a lighter typing force. Consider your preferences for sound and feel as you make your decision, and enjoy the exceptional typing experience that these switches offer.
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