Gateron Glory Red vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular linear options are the Gateron Glory Red and the Wuque Studio WS POM+. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their lightweight feel and smooth keystroke, providing users with a pleasurable typing experience thanks to their well-proportioned travel distance. In contrast, the WS POM+ switches, crafted entirely from POM material, are known for their deep, satisfying "thock" sound and buttery-smooth action, which can enhance both typing and gaming experiences. While the Glory Reds may appeal to those seeking a lighter touch and quick response during rapid typing, the WS POM+ can attract those who prioritize acoustics and a more tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red switches and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, we find that both utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings. The Gateron Glory Red employs nylon for both the top and bottom housings, a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This characteristic leads to a sound that is more muted and rounded, appealing to users who prefer a softer typing experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings, which also contributes to a unique and pleasing sound profile. However, while both materials result in deeper sound profiles, POM is slightly firmer than nylon, which can influence the tactile feedback and acoustics in different ways.
As a result of these differences, the impact of the housing materials can be nuanced. The Gateron Glory Red's nylon top and bottom housings work together to produce a more uniform sound that is distinctly smoother upon typing and releasing keys. Users often describe this type of sound as more consistent and stable due to the material's ability to absorb sound waves effectively. On the other hand, the WS POM+ offers a sound experience that, while also muted, may present a different sensation during key presses and releases due to the firmer nature of POM. This means that while both switches provide a deeper sound profile, the feel and response during key actuation can vary distinctly, leading to unique emotional experiences for typers or gamers.
Despite these differences, users may find that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit through different means. If one were to evaluate the overall audibility and feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches would emphasize softness and a rounded sound, while the WS POM+ would lean towards a more direct, yet still muted, feedback profile. Both may ultimately achieve a similar result in providing pleasing auditory feedback, but the sensation during typing can significantly diverge based on the interplay of materials. Therefore, individuals seeking a specific typing experience may want to test both to determine which alignment best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience similar trigger resistance when typing or gaming. This weight allows for a comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for extended use, whether at work or during long gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force diverges significantly between the two switches; the Glory Red's bottom out force is unavailable while the WS POM+ has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. This indicates that the WS POM+ requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Glory Red, which may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the Gateron Glory Red can be considered the lighter option in terms of overall feel, while the WS POM+ offers a heavier bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in a consistent keypress feel across both switches. This equal travel distance means that users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and actuation when pressing down on the keys. Consequently, whether one is using the Gateron Glory Red or the Wuque Studio WS POM+, the tactile experience during typing or gaming will be comparable, making either switch a solid choice for those who prefer linear switches with uniform travel distance.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch produces a sound profile that is typically characterized as soft and muted, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ features a deep, satisfying "thock" sound that's more pronounced, which can enhance the auditory satisfaction during typing. This noticeable difference in sound can significantly influence the overall typing experience. However, it’s important to note that both switches can vary in sound characteristics depending on the board and keycaps used, so individual setups will play a significant role in the final auditory result.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth keystroke with a pleasant travel distance, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. This linear switch ensures that there’s a consistent pressure without any tactile bump or click, leading to a swift and quiet actuation. On the other hand, the WS POM+ is described as buttery-smooth, further enhancing the feeling of fluidity throughout the typing experience. Both switches provide a linear feel, which means they allow for unhindered actuation, making them suitable for fast typists or gamers who prioritize rapid key presses.
Combining all these aspects, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Glory Red leans towards a softer sound with a smooth keystroke, the WS POM+ provides a more resonant auditory feedback with a similarly fluid typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound profile and the subtle nuances of feel, you may find either switch satisfying, especially if you seek to tailor your mechanical keyboard setup further with specific boards and keycaps.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter feel and a smoother keystroke, the Glory Red is an excellent option. Its lack of a bottom-out force specification suggests it is designed for ease of usage, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who benefit from reduced actuation resistance. However, if you find yourself gravitating towards a more robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory feedback, you might lean towards the WS POM+. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and deep "thock" sound, it offers a more substantial tactile sensation that can enhance your overall experience, particularly when typing for extended periods. So, consider whether you value a lighter, slicker experience or a more pronounced, tactile one, and make your choice accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
