Gateron Melodic vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves debating between the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a tactile switch. The Gateron Melodic stands out for its smooth factory lubrication and dual-railed stems, providing users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while ensuring smoothness. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile from Wuque Studio offers a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and a captivating "thocky" sound from nylon housings, making typing engaging and satisfying. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the Melodic stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Melodic's top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top housing, which is considered a classic switch housing material. While still providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, the nylon top housing on the WS Heavy Tactile may not offer the same sharpness and clarity in sound as the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing. Both switches give users a different tactile and auditory experience, with the Melodic emphasizing a clear and resonant sound profile, while the WS Heavy Tactile focuses on a more traditional and rounded sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Melodic and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and aesthetic. Those who prefer a crisper and higher-pitched sound with the option for RGB lighting may lean towards the Melodic with its polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, users looking for a deeper and fuller sound profile with a more classic switch housing material may find the WS Heavy Tactile more appealing with its nylon top housing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we see that the Melodic has an actuation force of None grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter. However, the Melodic has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it heavier in this aspect. Both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, with the Melodic being lighter on actuation force and the WS Heavy Tactile being heavier on bottom out force. This difference in force provides users with options depending on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Melodic allowing for longer typing sessions and the WS Heavy Tactile providing a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Melodic has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Heavy Tactile, which might provide a slightly fuller key press experience. However, both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances and should offer a satisfying typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the shorter or longer travel distance will depend on personal preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that provides a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a clacky, high-pitched sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, creating an engaging typing atmosphere. Both switches offer different sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and setup.
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. Conversely, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, and sharp tactile sensation that is both responsive and immersive. The tactile feedback on each switch is unique, catering to users who prefer a variety of tactile experiences during typing sessions.
Considering both sound and feel qualities, the Gateron Melodic switch excels in providing a resonant and buttery typing experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch stands out for its clacky and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinctive qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience. With careful consideration of individual preferences and setup configurations, newcomers can choose between these two switches to achieve similar typing results with different auditory and tactile experiences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force, a resonant and crunchy sound profile, and a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Melodic switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, and an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, or snappy feel, then the WS Heavy Tactile switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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