Gateron Mars vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between different types can have a significant impact on your typing experience. The Gateron Mars switch is a linear switch known for its innovative design that features a unique POK stem housed in a blend of Nylon and POM, resulting in a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers who favor quick, uninterrupted presses and prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a completely different experience with its pronounced 70g tactile bump and engaging "thocky" sound, enhancing the tactile feedback that typists often seek for a more satisfying keystroke. With its nylon housing, the WS Heavy Tactile promises a bouncy and resonant feel, making it a favorite among those who relish a more expressive typing sensation. Thus, while the Mars excels in smoothness and speed for gaming scenarios, the WS Heavy Tactile shines in delivering a rich tactile experience for typists. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, the similarities in the top housing are noteworthy. Both switches utilize nylon for their top housing, contributing to a typing experience characterized by a deep and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic stems from nylon’s inherent properties as a softer plastic that dampens sound better than harder materials. Therefore, users can expect a rounder and more muted acoustic profile from both switches when typing, leading to a satisfying tactile response whether using the Mars or the WS Heavy Tactile.
In contrast, the bottom housings present a divergence in material choice between the Gateron Mars and the WS Heavy Tactile. The Mars employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for its bottom housing, a material renowned for creating a unique and pleasing sound signature that leans towards deeper and more muted tones. Meanwhile, the WS Heavy Tactile also opts for nylon in its bottom housing, further reinforcing the deeper sound profile typical of the nylon material. This decision impacts the overall typing experience differently; the Mars's POM bottom adds distinctive sound qualities that enhance the typing experience compared to the uniform characteristics provided by nylon in both housings of the WS Heavy Tactile.
Ultimately, the interplay of the top and bottom housing materials results in varying sound dynamics and tactile feedback. While both switches have nylon tops that lend themselves to a similar auditory experience, the Gateron Mars’s POM bottom housing introduces a different acoustic dynamic. Users can expect a pronounced difference in bottom-out sound due to the POM material’s properties, whereas the WS Heavy Tactile will maintain a consistent sound profile due to the dual use of nylon. Such variations allow for a unique experience with each switch, despite the similarities in their top housing.
Weight
The Gateron Mars linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience a similar light touch required to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it easier to type for extended periods or during long gaming sessions. However, the difference arises with the bottom out force: while the bottom out force for the Mars switch is not available, the WS Heavy Tactile features a bottom out force of 70 grams, denoting a medium-heavy resistance when pressing the key fully down. This heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing sensation that some users may favor. Therefore, while both switches offer a similar actuation feel, the WS Heavy Tactile ultimately provides a heavier overall experience, particularly when it comes to bottom out resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, the Gateron Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Mars switch provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, offering a deeper engagement preferred by those who appreciate a hearty feel. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile switch may appeal to gamers or users who favor quicker response times and a more abrupt feel. Hence, if you are looking for a responsive experience, the WS Heavy Tactile would be the better choice, while the Gateron Mars would cater to those valuing a more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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, the Gateron Mars switch's characteristics are not explicitly available, making its acoustic profile somewhat of an unknown. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch produces a captivating "thocky" sound that is characterized by a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant auditory experience. This combination lends itself to a crisp, bright sound when pressed, which many users find engaging. The auditory experience can be further influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used, but the WS Heavy Tactile clearly stands out for those seeking a distinctive and immersive sound profile.
When considering the feel of these switches, again, the Gateron Mars lacks specific tactile descriptions. Conversely, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a well-defined tactile experience characterized by a 70g bump that makes each keystroke feel invigorating and robust. The switches are designed with a bouncy feedback sensation, providing a lively rebound effect that contributes to an engaging typing experience. Their prominent tactile feedback is accentuated, offering a snappy response that ensures each press is crisp and satisfying without being overly taxing.
In conclusion, while the subjective qualities of the Gateron Mars switch remain largely undefined, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a clear auditory and tactile experience that can cater to a multitude of preferences. For notable sound and a tactile sensation that is both pronounced and invigorating, the WS Heavy Tactile is an excellent choice. If a user appreciates these characteristics and the Mars switch aligns similarly in sound and feel, they would likely enjoy a comparable mechanical typing experience, although the specifics for the Mars remain undisclosed.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a lighter touch, the Gateron Mars switch would be an excellent fit for you. Its innovative design and unique materials create a seamless typing experience that is ideal for fast-paced gaming or continuous typing sessions without the distraction of tactile feedback. However, if you seek a more engaging and tactile experience, especially for typing, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would serve you better. Its 70g bottom-out force and pronounced tactile bump deliver a satisfying feedback that can enhance your typing rhythm, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile’s "thocky" sound adds an auditory pleasure to your typing, providing a rich and immersive experience. In summary, your choice should align with whether you value a smooth, linear feel or a strong tactile engagement in your mechanical keyboard.
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