Gateron Glory Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, two standout options are the Gateron Glory Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Gateron Glory Red, known for its linear design, offers a smooth keystroke with a lighter touch, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize speed and minimal resistance in their typing experience. Its pleasant travel distance allows for comfortable, prolonged use, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a unique Hall Effect switch, boasts a bright and clacky sound signature combined with a silky smooth keystroke, giving it a distinct auditory and tactile experience. This switch appeals to those who appreciate a more refined typing feel and the innovative technology behind Hall Effect switches. While both options have their merits, the decision ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. 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
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When considering the Gateron Glory Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, one of the most notable differences lies in their top housing materials. The Glory Red employs a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer composition that tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience during typing. This characteristic creates a more muted and rounded sound profile, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffer and more resonant properties. This difference means that while the WS Dash produces a sharper and crisper sound, the Glory Red offers a warmth that can cater to those who enjoy a more subdued auditory feedback.
Interestingly, both switches feature the same bottom housing material: nylon. This congruence means that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches will exhibit similar sound characteristics when it comes to the impact of the bottom-out sound. The nylon bottom housing’s inherent softness ensures that both switches provide a deep and full sound profile during actuation, maintaining a consistent auditory experience. Thus, while the overall sound dynamics may differ when the keys are released, the grounded performance of both switches during key press actions will share a common quality, likely appealing to users who enjoy the tactile feel associated with nylon.
Overall, the interaction between the distinct top housing materials and the uniform bottom housing in both the Gateron Glory Red and the Wuque Studio WS Dash creates a complex but fascinating comparison. Keying on the Glory Red yields a softer, more rounded sound upon release, appealing to users seeking a muted experience. In contrast, the WS Dash serves up a crisper, more piercing sound, enriching the auditory feedback that typists experience. Nonetheless, since both incorporate nylon in their lower housings, users can expect a consistent, deeper sound dynamics when keys bottom out, making both switches well-suited for different user preferences in terms of sound profile while still sharing commonalities where it matters most.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Glory Red features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Dash is lighter at 30 grams. This difference means that the WS Dash is easier to press, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, while the WS Dash has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light. This means that the WS Dash provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out compared to the unspecified value of the Glory Red. Consequently, for users seeking a softer overall experience, the WS Dash stands out, while those favoring a firmer feedback when typing may lean towards the Glory Red, even without complete bottom out information.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.1 mm difference makes the Glory Red the better option for those who enjoy a more pronounced depth when pressing down on a key, providing a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the WS Dash’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and typists seeking quicker response times for enhanced performance. Ultimately, if you prefer more feedback with each keystroke, the Gateron Glory Red would be the preferable choice, while those who lean towards rapid execution might favor the WS Dash.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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
The sound produced by the Gateron Glory Red linear switch is generally characterized as relatively muted and smooth, aligning with the linear switch philosophy that emphasizes a quiet experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch features a bright and clacky sound signature, adding a more pronounced auditory element to each keystroke. This difference in sound can significantly affect the typing experience; while the Glory Red is more subdued and suited for environments where noise is a concern, the WS Dash caters to users who appreciate an audible feedback that enhances their awareness of each keypress. However, it's important to note that the overall sound quality is also influenced by the keyboard's build and the keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth and seamless keystroke that promotes a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. Similarly, the WS Dash is also described as providing a silky smooth keystroke, suggesting that both switches prioritize a fluid typing feel. The primary distinction lies in the additional refinement found in the WS Dash, likely attributed to its hall effect technology, which can offer a more consistent actuation. In both cases, users can expect a pleasant tactile experience, though the nuances in actuation and performance may appeal differently depending on individual preferences.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Red and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches both deliver smooth keystrokes, they present distinct sound profiles with the former being quieter and the latter offering bright auditory feedback. The feel of both switches aligns in their smooth typing experience, catering to users who prioritize fluidity and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound and the specific auditory experience one seeks, while both ensure a satisfactory typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash Hall Effect switch ultimately depends on your preferences and the type of experience you seek in your typing or gaming sessions. If you value a lightweight, smooth keystroke and an enjoyable typing experience with a more muted sound profile, the Glory Red would be an excellent choice for you. It’s particularly suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment or for long typing sessions where fatigue might be a concern. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly higher actuation force and a bright, clacky sound signature that adds an auditory dimension to your keyboard, the WS Dash could be the better option. This switch offers a blend of refinement and responsiveness, making it ideal for users who enjoy tactile feedback and a more robust sound while gaming or typing. Ultimately, your decision should align with how much you value lighter keystrokes versus a stronger tactile response, as well as your preferred auditory experience.
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