Gateron Melodic vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Melodic by Gateron is praised for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches are known for their medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort, offering a familiar and delightful auditory experience. While the Melodic excels in providing a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, the WS Brown switches focus on fatigue-free typing and a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both use different materials for their housing components, with the Melodic featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the WS Brown utilizes a nylon material for both its top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the WS Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While the Melodic's bottom housing shares the same nylon material as the WS Brown, both providing a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate material.
Although the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their respective housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic caters to those seeking a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Brown delivers a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a similar duller and rounder sound profile. These distinctions highlight how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, catering to different preferences for typing enthusiasts.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in shaping the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, influences the impact and bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, both switches ultimately provide a unique tactile and auditory experience for users, catering to a variety of preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch both have a medium actuation force, making them both easy to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Melodic requires 60 grams, while the WS Brown only needs 55 grams, making the WS Brown slightly lighter to press all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the WS Brown may be the better option. On the other hand, the Melodic provides a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the WS Brown has a slightly shallower press compared to the Melodic. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Melodic being slightly longer. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the WS Brown for its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more satisfying press may prefer the Melodic for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Wuque Studio WS Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy characteristics, offering a higher-pitched and clean sound profile that enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is not explicitly described, so it is hard to make a direct comparison. Both switches may offer a pleasant auditory experience depending on personal preference and the setup they are used in.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. The tactile feedback and actuation force of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch are not explicitly mentioned, making it difficult to compare the two switches directly in terms of feel. However, both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic switch is known for its resonant sound and buttery feel, the WS Brown switch may provide a different, yet equally satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If a user enjoys a clicky switch with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Melodic may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if a user values a tactile switch with a medium-light actuation force and a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, the WS Brown switch could be the better option.
Conclusion
Overall, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is important to consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a higher-pitched and clean sound profile with a crisp and immersive auditory experience, the Melodic switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, with a medium-light actuation force that allows for fatigue-free typing, the WS Brown switch might be more suitable. It ultimately comes down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. So, consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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