Gateron Mars vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences and typing habits play a crucial role in determining the best fit for your needs. The Gateron Mars switch stands out as a linear switch, renowned for its innovative design that combines a POK stem with a robust housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM. This construction lends itself to a smooth keystroke, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prefer an uninterrupted and fluid typing experience without audible feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch offers a different typing experience, as it features a snappy and perceptible tactile bump while maintaining a neutral sound signature. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the feedback of a tactile response without the clickiness of traditional tactile switches. Each switch has its merits, with the Gateron Mars appealing to those who seek speed and fluidity, while the WS Light Tactile caters to users who appreciate tactile sensations without excessive noise. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches, we observe a fundamental difference in their top housing construction. The Gateron Mars utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a rounded auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, a material recognized for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound, making it an excellent choice for users who value a pronounced auditory feedback, especially in setups with RGB lighting where the translucency of the material can showcase vibrant colors.
Looking at the bottom housings of the two switches, we find a notable shift in their materials that culminates in an intriguing interplay of sound profiles. The Gateron Mars employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which contributes to a more muted and deeper sound, enhancing the switch's overall auditory experience. This material's unique properties further accentuate the softer tones associated with the Mars. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, a material similar to that used in its top housing. This similarity means that it, too, provides a fuller sound profile. However, the differences in the top housing materials between the two switches create an interesting dichotomy in the typing experience—while both switches will have a deep sound quality, the Mars will have a different auditory character than that of the WS Light Tactile.
In conclusion, the differences in housing materials lead to distinct auditory profiles when typing, but they also highlight how the combination of materials can affect overall sound and feel. The Gateron Mars, with its nylon top and POM bottom, delivers a fuller and more muted sound, while the WS Light Tactile, with a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, provides a crisper auditory experience. This contrast demonstrates how the interplay between top and bottom housings influences the switch's performance, with the top housing significantly affecting the acoustics when releasing a key, while the bottom housing contributes to the sound and feel upon bottoming out. Users can expect to achieve different results with each switch despite some overlapping characteristics due to the diverse properties of their materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences that can influence user experience. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will have a consistent experience in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is unknown, while the WS Light Tactile has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly heavier force to fully depress the switch. This difference could impact users who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel when typing, as the WS Light Tactile may provide a more pronounced feedback at the end of its travel. Therefore, for those seeking lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Mars would be the preferred option, while those who enjoy a firmer typing experience might lean towards the WS Light Tactile.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mars linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the WS Light Tactile switch provides a more substantial press, which some users may find more satisfying for tactile feedback, while the Mars offers greater responsiveness for quicker key presses, appealing to those who prefer a faster gaming experience. With 4.0 mm typically regarded as the standard travel distance and 3.6 mm being relatively shallow yet still deeper than 3.0 mm, the Mars could be more suitable for users who feel that shorter distances sometimes translate to an abrupt sensation. Ultimately, for those seeking a quicker response, the Gateron Mars linear switch would be the better choice, whereas the WS Light Tactile would cater to those who enjoy a more traditional, deeper feel.
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 Light Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mars switch remains somewhat enigmatic, as its acoustic profile isn't definitively outlined. However, it can be assumed that the switch may produce sound typical of linear switches, which is generally quieter compared to tactile or clicky options. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate sound profile that strikes a balance suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. This makes the WS Light Tactile versatile in various environments, whether at home or work, without drawing undue attention during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Mars switch is designed with a unique POK stem and a housing blend that suggests a smooth typing experience, although specific tactile characteristics are not explicitly described. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a notable stepped feel, delivering a distinct tactile bump without being overly pronounced, allowing for a mild two-stage sensation during keystrokes. Additionally, it boasts an easy-to-press mechanism, requiring little force to actuate and thus enhancing comfort during prolonged use. This low actuation force can alleviate finger fatigue, making it an appealing choice for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars linear switch may not have an explicitly defined sound or feel in the provided context, it is likely to offer a more subdued auditory experience typical of linear switches. Meanwhile, the WS Light Tactile excels in providing a balanced auditory and tactile feedback, appealing to users seeking a responsive yet less obtrusive typing experience. When choosing between these options, different intended uses and personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound will ultimately guide your decision-making process.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes without the tactile feedback that some users crave, the Gateron Mars may be your best bet. Its innovative design, characterized by a unique combination of materials, encourages a fluid typing experience that can be particularly appealing for gaming or fast-paced typing where you don't want any bumps in your key presses. Moreover, if sound dampening is a priority for you, the Mars stands out as a simpler, quieter option. However, if you appreciate a bit of tactile feedback during your typing, the WS Light Tactile switch is tailored to enhance that experience. With its light actuation force and discernible tactile bump, it offers a more engaging typing feel while still managing to be easy on the fingers over long periods, making it suitable for writing or office work. Ultimately, both switches have their distinct strengths, so consider what feels best for you: an effortless glide with the Mars or the satisfying feedback of the WS Light Tactile.