Gateron Glory Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and Wuque Studio WS Jade both provide unique typing experiences, albeit with different characteristics that cater to distinct user preferences. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their smooth keystrokes and lighter actuation, making them an ideal choice for typists who prioritize a fluid and effortless feel with a pleasing travel distance. On the other hand, the WS Jade switches stand out with their distinct metallic insert in the stem base, resulting in a bright and resonant sound profile that adds a layer of auditory delight. Additionally, the WS Jade provides a creamy typing experience complemented by its visually striking RGB display and a rock-solid bottom-out feel. While both switches fall under the linear category, their differing attributes may appeal to varied audiences—whether one seeks the gentle touch of the Glory Red or the immersive audio-visual experience of the WS Jade. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, offering a cohesive sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound, contributing to a duller and rounder acoustic quality. This characteristic reinforces the overall sound experience with each keystroke—both when pressing down and releasing the key. As a result, users can expect a consistent performance in terms of sound and tactile feedback that enhances their typing experience, allowing for an enjoyable and immersive auditory environment.
In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches feature POM (Polyoxymethylene) material for both their top and bottom housings, which also aims to produce a unique sound profile. POM is known for its rigidity, yet it too creates a deeper and more muted sound, albeit with a different tonal characteristic compared to nylon. The utilization of POM contributes to a pleasing sound quality while maintaining a distinctive typing experience favored by enthusiasts. Unlike nylon, the harder nature of POM impacts the way the sound travels through the switch, providing clarity that complements its muted quality.
When comparing these two switch types, while the housing materials differ, both switches are designed to produce a deeper, more muted sound profile. The Gateron Glory Red's nylon housing and the WS Jade's POM housing both absorb sound effectively, creating an acoustically pleasant typing experience. Consequently, despite their differing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of overall sound and feel when typing—primarily because both switches leverage their respective materials' intrinsic properties to achieve a muted auditory feedback. Ultimately, whether opting for the smoother nylon of the Glory Red or the robust POM of the WS Jade, users are likely to appreciate the satisfying sound and feel each switch delivers.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch features a higher actuation force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Glory Red is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less force to actuate. In contrast, the WS Jade's actuation provides a slightly heavier feel, which some typists might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. When it comes to bottom out force, the Glory Red’s value is unknown, whereas the WS Jade has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the actuation forces differ, allowing for a varied typing feel, the WS Jade will have a notably firmer resistance when bottoming out, potentially appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Overall, users looking for a lighter and smoother experience may lean towards the Glory Red, while those who favor a heavier touch might choose the WS Jade.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in terms of the distance traveled when a key is pressed. This equal travel distance means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation depths from both switches, creating a comparable typing experience. With both switches measuring the same, enthusiasts who appreciate linear switches will likely find their performance and feel to be strikingly similar.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 Glory Red linear switch offers a more subdued auditory presence, characterized by a smooth and unobtrusive keystroke that is pleasant, though less pronounced than other switches. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch stands out with its bright metallic and resonant sound profile, enhanced by a metallic insert that generates a clacky and crisp auditory experience. The sound of the WS Jade is particularly engaging, making it a favorable choice for those who appreciate a more expressive keypress. While the Glory Red provides a quieter experience, the WS Jade will be more impactful, but it's important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the Glory Red linear switch is known for its smooth keystroke, which is designed for an enjoyable typing experience, although specific descriptors of its texture are not provided. On the other hand, the WS Jade excels in the feel department, being described as silky and creamy. The silky nature suggests an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance, while the creamy quality indicates a buttery, effortless sensation when pressing the keys. This could be due to factory lubrication or specific material choices in the construction of the switch, resulting in a notable tactile advantage over the Glory Red's admittedly smooth yet less defined characteristics.
In conclusion, when comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, the WS Jade offers a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience with its clacky, resonant sound and silky, creamy feel. The Glory Red provides a smoother typing experience with a quieter sound profile, making it a solid choice for someone seeking a more understated keypress. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, with both capable of delivering enjoyable typing experiences tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch fundamentally depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you favor a light and smooth keystroke with an unknown bottom-out force that enhances the overall typing experience, the Glory Red switch may be your best option. This switch is ideal for those who type quickly and prefer a gentle touch, making it excellent for both gaming and extended typing sessions without tiring your fingers. On the other hand, if you desire a more pronounced auditory experience combined with a rock-solid bottom-out feel, the WS Jade switch would be better suited for you. Its metallic insert enhances sound resonance, providing a clacky and bright pitch that many users find satisfying, while the creamy typing feel ensures a soothing experience as you glide across the keys. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lightweight and smooth typing experience or a somewhat more tactile, responsive, and sonically engaging one. Assess your typing style, sound preferences, and the atmosphere in which you’ll be using the keyboard, and choose accordingly.