Gateron Luciola vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Luciola, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile, a tactile switch. The Gateron Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, providing a unique touch to your keyboard setup. With a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel, the Luciola switch offers a satisfying and immersive typing experience. In terms of sound profile, it produces a distinct "can of spray paint being shaken" hollow sound. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile by Wuque is the perfect choice for those needing a quieter office or work environment. These switches strike a delicate balance between tactile feedback and noise reduction. Crafted with precision, the WS Silent Tactile switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, minimizing switch sound while maintaining a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike most silent switches that use silicone dampeners, these tactile switches provide a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel, offering an unparalleled blend of tranquility and tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile Tactile

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$4.20 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches differ significantly. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying, thin, and clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches also demonstrate distinct characteristics. The Luciola's INK blend bottom housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, complementing the top housing. When pressing down on the Luciola switch, you feel the impact and experience the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by this bottom housing. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile switch's nylon bottom housing adds to its deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a cushioned and rounded feel upon bottoming out.

Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique typing experiences. However, if you desire a switch that elicits a clacky and higher-pitched sound, the Gateron Luciola's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile's nylon top and bottom housings would provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, providing a medium level of resistance necessary to trigger a keystroke, while the WS Silent Tactile's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Luciola requires a force of 60 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the WS Silent Tactile's bottom out force of 63.5 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category.

Considering weight, lighter switches like the Luciola can be beneficial for individuals who prefer typing for extended periods of time, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for switches with heavier forces. Both the Luciola and WS Silent Tactile fall within the medium-range, but the latter provides a slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, while the actuation force for the WS Silent Tactile is unknown, the Luciola is lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in terms of bottom out force when compared to the WS Silent Tactile. Therefore, those seeking a medium typing experience can achieve a similar result with either switch, but those desiring a slightly heavier bottoming out feel may find the WS Silent Tactile more suitable.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial depth to their keystrokes might lean towards the Gateron Luciola with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and the feeling of the keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola switches have a unique and attention-grabbing sound profile. These switches are characterized as clacky, meaning they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, they are described as chirpy, with a slight squeak to their sound. They are also referred to as marbly, producing a resonant, high-pitched, and clean sound similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or the sound of billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are described as having a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. They are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, the sound of both switches is also influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. That being said, if you prefer a sharper and more pronounced sound, the Luciola switches would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a quieter and more subtle sound, the WS Silent Tactile switches would be a better option.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola switches offer a smooth and bouncy typing experience. They are described as snappy, indicating their super responsiveness due to longer or dual-staged springs. These switches provide a typing sensation that feels more alive. They are also referred to as buttery, which implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. With these switches, typing becomes seamless, effortless, and uniform. Additionally, the Luciola switches are described as polished, meaning they have a refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This is due to the use of high-quality materials and often includes factory lubing, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches are described as offering a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction. They are referred to as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches have a moderate to firm actuation force and deliver a snappy and reactive feel. They create an immersive typing sensation that is invigorating. Alternatively, these switches are also described as mild, offering a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Overall, if you prefer a typing experience that is responsive and alive, the Luciola switches are a great option. If you prefer a balance between tactile feedback and a smoother typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switches would be more suitable.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Luciola and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switches are known for their clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound. They offer a snappy and buttery typing feel, characterized by their super responsiveness and smooth keystroke experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches have a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. They offer an accented or invigorating typing feel, striking a balance between tactility and smoothness. These switches provide a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out, responsive return, and an impressive silent profile. While the Luciola switches may provide a more pronounced sound and bouncy typing feel, the WS Silent Tactile switches offer a quieter and more balanced experience. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences. The choice between the two ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a distinct sound profile and snappy feel or a quieter and more balanced experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is a great choice. Additionally, if you desire a switch that stands out with its glow in the dark feature and produces a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound, the Luciola is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, all while maintaining an impressively silent profile. They are distinguished from conventional silent switches by forgoing silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is devoid of the padded feel found in most silent switches. Moreover, if you prefer a switch with a neutral or muted sound and an invigorating, mild, or accented feel, the WS Silent Tactile is the switch you should consider. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and aesthetic features.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile Tactile

$4.20 per 10

Learn more