Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Red are two popular options to consider. The Smoothie Silver is known for its lightning-fast actuation thanks to its short travel distance, along with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a 22mm double-stage spring, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing feel. While the Smoothie Silver provides a light and smooth typing experience, the WS Red offers a heavier actuation force for those who prefer a bit of weight to each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Red both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Smoothie Silver utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deep and muted sound. In contrast, the WS Red uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasing typing experience with their chosen housing materials.

However, when comparing the top housing materials specifically, the POM of the Smoothie Silver produces a more pleasing and unique sound compared to the nylon of the WS Red. The softer nature of POM allows for a deeper sound profile that is more muted, while the nylon housing of the WS Red absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This highlights how different housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound of a switch.

In terms of the bottom housing, both switches offer similar qualities with their respective POM and nylon materials. The deep and muted sound profile of the POM bottom housing in the Smoothie Silver is mirrored in the fuller and rounder sound produced by the nylon bottom housing of the WS Red. This shows that despite differences in top housing materials, the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of a switch. Ultimately, whether you prefer the unique sound of POM or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a quality typing experience with their distinct housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the WS Red's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the WS Red has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver, which has an unavailable bottom out force. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Smoothie Silver due to its lower actuation force, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the WS Red for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the WS Red. The 0.4 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but for those who are particular about their keyboard switches, it can make a noticeable impact on the typing experience. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Smoothie Silver for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the WS Red for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the Smoothie Silver is known for its thocky sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the WS Red offers a more classic sound signature due to its material blend, ensuring a familiar typing sound that many users appreciate. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, making it ideal for fast and precise typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Red boasts a bouncy and responsive typing experience thanks to its double-stage spring design, offering a more substantial and satisfying feel with a heavier actuation force. Each switch provides a unique tactile experience, catering to different preferences in typing feel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Smoothie Silver excels in providing a thocky sound and a smooth, light touch for quick actuation, while the WS Red delivers a classic sound and a more substantial typing feel with a heavier actuation force. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these switches to enhance your typing experience. Keep in mind that factors like keyboard and keycaps will also contribute to the overall typing experience, so consider these elements when selecting a switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize lightning-fast actuation with a feather-light touch and a thocky sound, opt for the Smoothie Silver. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force for a satisfying and substantial feel, go for the WS Red. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value speed and smoothness or a more tactile and substantial typing experience. Choose wisely based on your preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more