Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches. The Glory Yellow, known for its heavier feel within the Glory lineup, offers a smooth keystroke that is both satisfying and enjoyable, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a linear switch that prioritizes fluidity in typing. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a unique blend of tactile feedback and smoothness, featuring a noticeable bump that enhances typing precision while maintaining a neutral sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy a mix of response and subtle auditory feedback. Each switch caters to distinct preferences: choose the Glory Yellow for a seamless, uninterrupted typing experience or the WS Light Tactile for a firmer, more engaging touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their sound profiles during typing. The Glory Yellow's top housing is made from nylon, a classic switch material known for its softer, more absorbent qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound that can feel more muted, making it ideal for users who prefer a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, offering a clearer resonance that many typists find appealing. Therefore, while both switches serve the purpose of providing tactile feedback, their sound characteristics diverge markedly due to the differences in their top housing materials.
Regarding the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon material, which leads to a similarity in the acoustic experience they provide during use. Nylon is recognized for its sound absorption capabilities, combining to create a deeper bottom-out sound and feel in both switches. This can provide a cohesive typing experience when transitioning between the two, as the tactile feel and depth of sound when pressing the keys will feel familiar. This uniformity may appeal to users seeking a consistent experience, especially if they switch between the two types of switches frequently.
When considering the overall typing experience, it is important to note how the combination of housing materials influences the final performance of these switches. The Glory Yellow's nylon top and bottom housings yield a uniform sound profile characterized by softness and warmth, while the WS Light Tactile’s polycarbonate top brings in brighter notes contrasted by its nylon bottom. The latter allows the sound qualities of both materials to coexist in a balanced manner, with the polycarbonate elevating the high end while the nylon provides depth. Consequently, while the bottom housings create a familiarity between the two, the unique top housing arrangements ensure distinct auditory experiences when using each switch type, appealing to different preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the WS Light Tactile, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users of the Glory Yellow may experience a more substantial push feel, potentially appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile's 45-gram actuation force makes it more suitable for longer typing sessions, as the lighter feel can help reduce fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, while the WS Light Tactile has a distinct bottom out force of 50 grams. Therefore, while both switches offer unique typing experiences, the Glory Yellow is the heavier option overall, and the lighter WS Light Tactile is better for extended use without strain.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users can expect comparable key feel and actuation depth when pressing down on either switch, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch type. Consequently, both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback during use, making them suitable for individuals who appreciate uniformity in their keyboard setup. Since their travel distances are identical, users can enjoy the benefits of either switch without concern for variations in travel depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is generally regarded for its quiet operation, which helps create a more subdued typing experience. The WS Light Tactile switch, on the other hand, features a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a balanced sound profile. This neutrality makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. While both switches aim for a quieter experience, the WS Light Tactile might produce a slightly more noticeable sound due to its tactile bump, but neither is excessively loud, allowing for a pleasing auditory experience overall.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow is praised for its smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, providing an overall satisfying typing experience. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile offers a tactile bump that is snappy and perceptible. This bump provides a sense of feedback during typing, making it easier to recognize actuation. Additionally, its stepped design differentiates it from more hypertactile switches, creating a two-stage feel that may offer a more controlled typing experience. The WS Light Tactile is also described as easy to press, requiring minimal force and reducing finger fatigue during extended use, while the Glory Yellow itself offers smoothness without specific details provided about its resistance or tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Glory Yellow excels in providing a smooth and quiet keystroke, making it ideal for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch combines a gentle tactile bump with an easy-to-press feel, appealing to those who desire feedback without excessive resistance. Ultimately, your choice between them will depend on whether you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch or the touch feedback of a tactile one, but either option promises a refined typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, both the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch bring unique attributes to the table, catering to different preferences and use cases. If you value a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and enjoy the feel of a light touch while typing, especially for long durations, the Glory Yellow would be your go-to choice. Its effortless travel distance ensures that you can maintain a fluid typing rhythm, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where precision and quick response times are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback experience with a noticeable bump that provides you with physical confirmation of your key presses, the WS Light Tactile switch would be more suitable. Its moderate actuation force contributes to a pleasant typing experience with enough resistance to avoid accidental presses, making it a good fit whether you are typing reports at work or enjoying a leisurely writing session at home. Overall, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in typing feel and sound, along with the specific tasks you aim to accomplish with your keyboard.
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