Gateron Luciola vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Luciola switches are well-known for their eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, but they also offer a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel. The sound profile of the Luciola switches can be described as a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken." On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio provide a remarkable tactile experience. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke is met with a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. These switches also offer a unique sound profile, with Wuque Studios' nylon housings contributing to a satisfying "thocky" resonance.

While these general pointers can give you an idea of what to expect from each switch, diving deeper into their specific characteristics and personal preferences will help you decide the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affects the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying clacky sound when typing, giving it a unique and distinctive feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile incorporates nylon for its top and bottom housings, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Luciola's INK blend housing offers a more pronounced clacky sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon housing delivers a deeper and fuller typing experience.

While their housing materials differ, both the Luciola and the WS Heavy Tactile offer similar qualities in their respective top and bottom housings. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches provide a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when you press down on any of these switches, the bottom housing will define the sound and tactile feedback that you experience. However, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their different materials, both the Luciola's INK blend and the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housings contribute to the overall sound profile upon key release, albeit with their unique characteristics.

In summary, the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile exhibit variations in their housing materials, leading to distinct differences in their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend housing offers a clacky sound and higher-pitched feel, characterized by its pointed nature. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. While both switches provide similar impact through their bottom housings upon pressing down, the top housing accounts for the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, some notable differences arise. The Gateron Luciola linear switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the exact actuation force of the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is unknown, but its bottom out force is comparatively lighter at 45 grams.

Weight is an important consideration for keyboard enthusiasts, as it can significantly impact the typing experience. Some individuals prefer lighter switches because they allow for extended typing sessions, making them ideal for tasks such as work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, those seeking a more substantial and satisfying typing experience may gravitate towards switches with heavier forces.

In terms of actuation force, the Gateron Luciola and Wuque Studio WS switches may yield different results due to the unknown actuation force of the latter. However, the Luciola being medium in actuation force implies a certain level of sensitivity, which could offer similar results to switches with lighter actuation forces.

Regarding bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Gateron Luciola's 60 grams. This means that typing on the WS Heavy Tactile switch may provide a more gentle and less impactful experience, which could be desirable for those who prefer a softer typing touch.

In summary, while the Gateron Luciola and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have differing actuation and bottom out forces, with the Luciola being medium and the WS Heavy Tactile being lighter, both switches offer unique characteristics for users to consider. Those who enjoy lighter switches for extended typing sessions may find the Luciola suitable, while those seeking a softer and less forceful typing experience may prefer the WS Heavy Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Luciola has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times, especially among gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile may appeal to those seeking enhanced responsiveness, while the Luciola's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for those who prefer a deeper sensation when pressing down on a key. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with the shorter option offering quicker input and the longer option delivering a more deliberate and substantial keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have similar qualities. They are both described as "clacky", producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the Luciola switches are also described as "chirpy" and "marbly", which means they have a unique acoustic signature with a little squeak and a resonant, high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches are described as "high-pitched" and "resonant", offering a clean and sharp sound profile. Overall, both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, although the Luciola switches might have a more unique sound profile with their "chirpy" and "marbly" characteristics.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola switches are described as "snappy", "buttery", and "polished". This means they offer a super responsive typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. Their polished finish results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are described as "accented", "bouncy", "invigorating", "sharp", and "snappy". This indicates that they offer a pronounced tactile bump and feedback, with a moderate to firm actuation force. They provide a lively and elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a bouncy feel. The sharp tactile bump is prominent and can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Overall, both switches offer an engaging and immersive typing experience, although the Luciola switches might have a smoother and more refined feel, while the WS Heavy Tactile switches provide a more pronounced and intense tactile feedback.

Based on the available information, the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have different subjective qualities. The Luciola switches have a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. They offer a unique and eye-catching glow in the dark feature. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches have a pronounced tactile bump, a satisfying resistance, and a "thocky" resonance sound profile. They provide an immersive and engaging typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, and the choice between them would depend on personal preferences. If you prefer a smoother and more refined feel with a unique sound profile, the Luciola switches would be a good choice. If you prefer a pronounced and intense tactile feedback with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switches would be a great option. Keep in mind that the overall typing experience can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, there are several factors to consider.

If you prefer a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel, the Luciola is a great choice. Additionally, the Luciola's eye-catching glow in the dark feature adds a unique visual element to your keyboard setup. As for sound, the Luciola offers a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched profile, depending on your preference.

On the other hand, if you value a pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying resistance in each keystroke, the WS Heavy Tactile is the way to go. With a tactile force of 70g, these switches provide an engaging and immersive typing experience. Furthermore, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, adding to the overall auditory feedback.

In terms of feel, the Luciola is described as snappy, buttery, and polished, while the WS Heavy Tactile is described as accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific preferences of your typing experience. Whether you prioritize smoothness, bounciness, pronounced tactility, or a specific sound profile, both the Luciola and the WS Heavy Tactile offer unique characteristics to cater to your personal taste. Consider experimenting with different switches to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more