Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, there are key differences to consider. The Lunar Probe is well-known for its stable and consistent keypresses, thanks to Gateron's dual rail mechanism. This switch offers an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches from Wuque Studio boast a fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering, offering a satisfying bounce with a 22mm double-stage spring at its core. These switches are lightweight and provide effortless keystrokes, ensuring a smooth and fluid typing experience. While the Lunar Probe excels in stability and consistency, the WS Yellow stands out for its delightful typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is shared by both switches, as the nylon bottom housing helps to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon typing. However, despite this similarity, the difference in overall sound experience may vary due to other factors such as keycap materials and switch design.
On the other hand, the top housing of the Lunar Probe features polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the WS Yellow's nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. This contrast in materials showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard. While both switches may offer a satisfying typing experience, the specific qualities brought by the polycarbonate and nylon housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound experience of a keyboard switch, it becomes apparent that the qualities of each material are distributed accordingly. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing the key. This division of qualities highlights the importance of selecting the right combination of housing materials to achieve the desired sound profile and typing experience. In this case, the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a unique blend of sharpness and fullness in sound, while the WS Yellow's nylon top and bottom housing provide a deeper and rounder sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch are 45 grams and 50 grams, respectively, making it a lighter option compared to the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch with a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. The actuation force of the WS Yellow is not specified, so it is unknown how it compares in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Lunar Probe for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the WS Yellow with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Lunar Probe being lighter and the WS Yellow falling into the medium-light category. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lunar Probe for faster reactions during gameplay. However, those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may opt for the WS Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
The Wuque Studio WS Yellow comes in at $3.50 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, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches offer a subtle and familiar sound signature that many enthusiasts enjoy. The Lunar Probe provides a smooth linear sensation with a subtle sound, while the WS Yellow offers a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce and a familiar sound that users adore. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider the overall setup when choosing a switch based on sound preference.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch is praised for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation that ensures stable and consistent keypresses. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch offers a creamy, mild, and polished typing experience with a smooth and buttery sensation, gentle characteristics, and refined finish for sleek key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and effortless typing experience, with the Lunar Probe focusing on stability and consistency, while the WS Yellow emphasizes a delightful bounce and smooth keystrokes.
Considering the available information, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Lunar Probe guarantees stable and consistent keypresses with an incredibly smooth linear sensation, the WS Yellow provides a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce and familiar sound signature. Depending on whether you prioritize stability and consistency or a satisfying bounce and smooth keystrokes, either switch can provide a high-quality typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing feel. It's essential to experiment and find the switch that best suits your individual needs and preferences to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light linear switch with a stable and consistent keypress, the Gateron Lunar Probe may be the ideal choice for you. It offers a smooth and pre-lubed typing experience with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch that provides a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow could be more suited to your preferences. Crafted with a 22mm double-stage spring and a material blend that offers a familiar sound signature, the WS Yellow ensures effortless keystrokes for a smooth and fluid typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel when choosing between these two exceptional linear switches.
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