Gateron Luciola vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

The Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Red are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique advantages for avid typists and gamers. The Luciola is best known for its eye-catching feature of glowing in the dark, making it a visually striking option. It provides a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Red stands out with its 22mm double-stage spring, resulting in a bouncy and responsive typing experience. While it maintains a familiar sound signature due to its classic material blend, it also offers a heavier actuation force, making each keystroke feel more substantial and satisfying. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches differ in terms of sound profile. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the WS Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Luciola. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the Luciola with its INK blend top housing would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper and fuller sound, the WS Red's nylon top housing would provide a more satisfying typing experience.

Similarly, the housing materials of the bottom portion of the switches also have distinct characteristics. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is often described as clacky. Meanwhile, the WS Red's nylon bottom housing aids in creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will vary depending on the housing material used. If you prefer a switch with a sharper and higher-pitched bottom-out sound, the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing would be preferable. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, the WS Red's nylon bottom housing would be a better choice.

When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material are more noticeable, while the sound when releasing a key is influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, if you want to focus on the bottom-out sound and feel, the choice of bottom housing material becomes more significant. Conversely, if you prioritize the sound when releasing a key, the top housing material will have a greater impact. In both cases, the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches provide different qualities in terms of sound and feel based on their housing materials, allowing users to tailor their typing experience according to their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are a few key differences to note. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force of the WS Red is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. In terms of bottom out force, the Luciola requires 60 grams of force, while the WS Red is slightly heavier at 67 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Luciola may be the preferred option as it has a lower actuation force. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS Red. Its heavier bottom out force provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience.

While the different actuation forces and bottom out forces provide varying experiences, it is important to note that both switches fall into the category of medium actuation and medium-heavy bottom out forces. Therefore, regardless of the specific force values for the WS Red, it can be assumed that the two switches will provide similar results in terms of overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Red will depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Comparatively, the Luciola offers a slightly shorter travel distance. The difference between the two switches may seem small, but it can still have an impact on the typing experience. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, with 3.0 mm being the most shallow. However, more recently, shorter travel distances have become prevalent, particularly favored by gamers seeking faster response times. If quick responsiveness is your preference, the Gateron Luciola switch would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke depth, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch with its longer travel distance may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is best described as having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, they have a unique chirpy characteristic, adding a little squeak to their sound. Furthermore, the Luciola switch is known for its marbly sound, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a distinct and sharp sound profile, the Luciola would be a great choice. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a smooth and bouncy typing experience. They are often described as snappy, indicating their super responsive nature. This responsiveness is achieved through the use of longer or dual-staged springs, which make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, the Luciola switch can be characterized as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Furthermore, it is often referred to as polished, indicating a refined and smooth finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubrication, which reduce friction and result in smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch.

In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its distinctive sound profile, offering a clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound. It provides a smooth and bouncy typing experience, with a snappy, buttery, and polished feel. On the other hand, information on the sound and feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is currently unavailable. It is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as board and keycaps when choosing between these switches. Ultimately, by selecting the Luciola switch, one can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a medium heft switch with a unique glowing feature, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a hollow sound profile, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force that adds weight to each keystroke, along with a familiar sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Red will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and typing feel. Consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more