Gateron Luciola vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer unique features for different preferences. The Gateron Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark design and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switches focus on maintaining smoothness while offering a snappy and perceptible tactile bump, with a neutral sound signature. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that make it appealing to different types of users. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it is evident that they differ in terms of the materials used. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the WS Light Tactile uses polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The Luciola's INK blend top housing provides a clacky sound profile, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Light Tactile offers a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Light Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The use of INK blend in the Luciola's housing results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Light Tactile offers a similar sharp and high-pitched sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Light Tactile may provide a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Luciola, but both switches aim to offer an enjoyable sound experience for the user.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While the Luciola's INK blend housing may offer a distinct clacky sound, the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate and nylon housing combination provides a sharper and fuller sound profile. Whether one prefers a higher-pitched sound with the Luciola or a crisper sound with the WS Light Tactile, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the user's desired typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch. The Luciola requires 55 grams of force for actuation and 60 grams for bottom out, while the WS Light Tactile only needs 45 grams for actuation and 50 grams for bottom out. The Luciola provides a more medium feel, while the WS Light Tactile offers a lighter touch. This difference in weight may appeal to different preferences among users. Some may enjoy the lighter feel of the WS Light Tactile for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier push of the Luciola for a more substantial typing experience. It is important to consider one's preference for actuation and bottom out force when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch. The shorter travel distance of the Luciola switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the WS Light Tactile switch may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing down on the keys. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Luciola linear switch is known for its clacky and chirpy sound profile, reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a more neutral sound signature, making it a versatile option for various settings. The Luciola switch provides a more distinct and unique sound experience with its sharp and percussive characteristics, while the WS Light Tactile switch offers a more moderate and adaptable sound profile suitable for different environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired auditory experience during typing.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is applauded for its smooth and bouncy typing feel, giving users a snappy and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a stepped tactile feel, providing a more subtle tactile bump with pre-travel and post-travel sensations. The Luciola switch delivers a buttery and polished typing sensation, allowing for effortless and uniform key presses, while the WS Light Tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance and light actuation force. The decision between these switches will depend on whether the user prefers a more pronounced tactile feedback or a smoother typing experience.
Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Luciola switch stands out for its distinctive clacky sound and snappy typing feel, while the WS Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile and a more stepped tactile sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users will find a suitable option based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you desire a medium heft with smooth and bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a clacky, chirpy, or marbly sound profile, the Luciola switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a snappy tactile bump, neutral sound signature, and easy-to-press feel, the WS Light Tactile switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you wish to have.
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