Gateron Melodic vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that best fits your typing style, the Gateron Melodic and the Gateron Weightlessness present two appealing yet distinct options. The Gateron Melodic is designed for enthusiasts who cherish the nostalgic clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory and tactile stimulation while typing. Its innovative features, such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, elevate the traditional clicky experience, resulting in a buttery, resonant, and invigorating keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness caters to users who prefer a more subtle tactile experience. With its balanced sound profile and moderate tactile feel, this switch provides a comfortable and refined typing experience that some might find less distracting. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Melodic targeting those who love pronounced feedback and sound, while the Weightlessness appeals to those who seek a gentler tactile response. 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
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Melodic and Gateron Weightlessness switches, a significant distinction lies in the materials utilized for the top housing. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate's relative stiffness, allowing for a clearer and more resonant acoustic experience. Its translucency also enhances compatibility with RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option for keyboard enthusiasts seeking an illuminated aesthetic. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, a classic switch material renowned for its ability to create deeper, more rounded sound profiles. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a duller and fuller auditory experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a unified auditory experience when bottoming out. This commonality enhances the depth and fullness of the sound, as nylon's inherent properties contribute to sound absorption and dampening. Consequently, while the top housings present distinct sound profiles—polycarbonate offering clarity and brightness, and nylon contributing warmth—the bottom housings of both switches align closely in their acoustic characteristics. The impact of the bottom housing on the overall typing experience is critical, shaping how the switch feels when pressed down and the resultant sound upon bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combined effect of these differing top housings and similar bottom housings creates a unique typing experience for each switch. Users of the Gateron Melodic will notice a brighter, more resonant sound when releasing the key due to the polycarbonate top, while the Gateron Weightlessness will provide a more subdued auditory feedback during key release, attributed to its nylon top housing. However, both switches will deliver a consistent, fuller sound when bottoming out, thanks to the nylon bottom housing. Therefore, while the overall auditory profile will differ largely due to the top housings, bottom-out experiences will inherit a level of auditory depth and warmth from the shared nylon material.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic switch has an actuation force that is unspecified, while its bottom out force is measured at 60 grams, indicative of a medium feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch features a known actuation force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option in this comparison, as its force is significantly lower than the Melodic's bottom out force. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is not available, leaving a gap in our understanding of how it feels when fully depressed. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Weightlessness would likely be more comfortable for extended use, while the Melodic’s heavier bottom out force caters to users seeking a more substantial tactile feedback. Overall, while the Weightlessness has a clearly defined actuation force, the lack of information on the Melodic's actuation force and the Weightlessness's bottom out force makes a complete assessment challenging.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Melodic offers a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference highlights the contrasting design philosophies of the two switches. The Melodic, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more traditional typing experience that some users might find more satisfying due to the added depth. In contrast, the Weightlessness, being the shorter switch, may appeal to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, often favored by gamers. Consequently, while the Melodic is better suited for those who enjoy a more tactile, extended feedback, the Weightlessness is ideal for users seeking quicker actuation and less resistance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 Melodic clicky switch stands out with its resonant and crunchy auditory profile. Typing on the Melodic provides an immersive experience, characterized by a clean and sharp higher-pitched sound that can evoke the sensation of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This makes each keystroke not only satisfying but also enjoyable for those who appreciate pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch does not specify its sound profile; therefore, you can expect a different auditory experience, likely less pronounced, but its balanced sound is designed to complement its tactile characteristics.
In the realm of feel, the Melodic excels with its buttery and invigorating sensations. The buttery descriptor indicates a smooth keystroke experience, allowing for effortless, fluid typing that is pleasing to the fingers. This is enhanced by its invigorating feedback, creating a snappy and reactive feel that makes each keystroke engaging. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch does not have a defined tactile feel to compare, suggesting that while it may offer a subtle to moderate tactile experience, it lacks the elaborate characteristics that the Melodic provides.
In summary, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch impresses with its well-rounded sensory attributes, showcasing both a vibrant sound and a satisfying tactile feel, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch appears to be more subdued in both aspects. The Melodic is designed for those who relish auditory and tactile responsiveness, making it a stand-out choice for clicky switch enthusiasts, while the Weightlessness may be more suited for users seeking a gentler tactile experience with a balanced sound. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can serve different needs within the mechanical keyboard realm, and your choice will ultimately dictate your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, your choice will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more traditional typing experience characterized by a distinct auditory feedback and tactile sensation, the Melodic is an excellent choice. Its clicky sound is not only resonant and crunchy, adding an engaging element to your keystrokes, but also features a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a satisfying level of resistance without being too heavy. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate the lively feedback while typing, often found in typing games, coding, or everyday use. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler experience with a balanced sound profile and a more moderate tactile feedback, the Weightlessness switches may be your go-to. These switches are designed for users who want a smoother and quieter typing experience without the pronounced click. While the specifics of their bottom out force are not readily noted, they are optimized for a seamless feel, making them a great option for extended typing sessions or environments where noise needs to be minimized. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, so consider how much you value sound and tactile feedback when making your choice.
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