Gateron Luciola vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear are both linear switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The Luciola stands out for its visually striking feature as it glows in the dark. This switch possesses a medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing experience. Its sound profile resembles the shaking of a can of spray paint, giving it a distinctive touch. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear by Wuque focuses on enhancing office and work experiences with its unparalleled responsiveness and reduced switch noise. It achieves this by ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, eliminating the need for silicone dampeners commonly found in silent switches. The result is a typing experience that seamlessly blends tranquility and precision. The WS Silent Linear falls under the category of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Subdued' switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed choice based on your personal preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches differ in their housing materials. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This results in a satisfying thin and clacky sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Luciola.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Luciola also uses the proprietary INK blend. This contributes to the switch's pointed and high-pitched sound profile, adding to its clacky nature. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear features a nylon bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, diminishing sharpness and providing a rounder sound when bottoming out.
While the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear differ in their housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Luciola's INK blend housing materials contribute to its distinctive clacky sound profile, while the WS Silent Linear's nylon housing materials offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches excel in providing a unique auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. However, given the different housing materials, each switch has its own specific sound characteristics, allowing users to choose one that aligns with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of weight. On the other hand, the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Weight is an important factor to consider when selecting a switch, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, a switch with a lower actuation force is ideal, as it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke. This can be advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods, such as in a work or gaming setting. The Gateron Luciola switch, with its 55-gram actuation force, provides a relatively light typing experience, allowing for comfortable and prolonged use.
On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These users may prefer switches with heavier forces, as it provides a satisfying tactile feedback. The Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, with its bottom out force of 63.5 grams, falls into the medium-heavy category, making it suitable for those seeking a more robust typing experience.
While the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear switch remains unknown, it is likely that it falls within a similar range to the Gateron Luciola, as they are both linear switches. Linear switches typically have consistent actuation forces throughout their keypress, resulting in a consistent typing experience. Therefore, even though the specific actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is not disclosed, it is expected to deliver similar results to the Gateron Luciola in terms of actuation.
In summary, the Gateron Luciola switch offers a medium-weight typing experience with its 55-gram actuation force and 60-gram bottom out force. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch provides a slightly heavier feel, with its 63.5-gram bottom out force. While the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, it is expected to deliver similar actuation results as the Gateron Luciola. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences, with some favoring lighter switches for longer typing sessions, while others opt for a heavier feel for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Luciola has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While the difference may seem minute, it can have an impact on the overall feel and response of the switch. The Luciola offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a deeper and more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a hearty depth. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers or those who prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 Silent Linear 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 boasts a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, offering a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched tone. This sharp and snappy sound is characterized by crisp, bright, and percussive qualities that set it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer a more subdued and muted sound compared to regular or clacky switches. With a softer and quieter sound, these switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While not completely silent, the WS Silent Linear switches provide a more subtle and dampened sound signature. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola offers a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy typing experience. The switch is described as snappy, buttery, and polished, indicating a high level of responsiveness and a seamless, effortless, and uniform keystroke sensation. The longer or dual-staged springs in these switches contribute to their super responsive and lively feel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches provide a mild typing experience with a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These switches offer qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making the sound and feel approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switches provide a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound profile, along with a snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches provide a more subdued and muted sound, with a mild and gentle typing experience. While both switches offer unique qualities, it is important to consider individual preferences and the desired typing experience. If one prefers a sharp and snappy sound with a lively feel, the Luciola switches would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if a softer and quieter sound with a gentler typing experience is preferred, the WS Silent Linear switches would deliver similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a distinct sound profile, the Gateron Luciola linear switches would be a great choice for you. These switches are not only eye-catching with their glow-in-the-dark feature, but they also offer a satisfying bottom-out force of 60 grams, making them medium in terms of feel. The Luciola switches have a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound when pressed, giving you a crisp and bright typing experience.
On the other hand, if you value a quiet and precise typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switches would be the ideal option. These switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings that reduce switch noise while maintaining exceptional responsiveness. With a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, these switches are considered medium-heavy in terms of feel. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches do not use silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is devoid of the usual cushioned sensation. They are best described as having a neutral, muted, or subdued sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches depends on your preferences. If you prioritize a unique glowing feature, a bouncy typing feel, and a distinct sound profile, the Luciola switches would be a great fit. However, if you value a quiet and precise typing experience with reduced switch noise, the WS Silent Linear switches would be the better option. Both switches offer their own advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound.
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