Gateron Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Gateron Smoothie is a linear switch beloved for its smooth actuation and thocky sound signature. It offers a lightweight touch and is known for being buttery, creamy, and low-pitched. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch stands out for its 70g tactile bump, immersive resistance, and captivating sound profile. It provides an engaging and satisfying typing experience with its bouncy and sharp feel. While the Smoothie excels in smoothness and subtlety, the WS Heavy Tactile impresses with its tactile feedback and snappiness. 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 Linear

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both utilize unique housing materials to create a distinct typing experience. The Smoothie features POM top and bottom housings, leading to a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile uses nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound due to nylon's softer nature and ability to absorb more sound. While the Smoothie's POM material provides a pleasing sound, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon material offers a classic switch housing experience.

One key difference between the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile is their choice of housing materials. The Smoothie utilizes POM for its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile opts for nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound. The POM housing of the Smoothie gives it a unique sound experience, while the nylon housing of the WS Heavy Tactile offers a classic typing feel with its softer plastic and sound absorption capabilities.

Although the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile use different housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The POM top and bottom housings of the Smoothie give it a distinctive sound profile that is deep and muted. Similarly, the nylon top and bottom housings of the WS Heavy Tactile contribute to a fuller and rounder sound. While the materials may differ, both switches offer a unique sound and feel that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

In comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 45 grams. On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the WS Heavy Tactile has a significantly heavier force of 70 grams in comparison to the unknown bottom out force of the Smoothie. The lighter actuation force of the Smoothie may make it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, providing a gentler touch. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the WS Heavy Tactile switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the WS Heavy Tactile has the shorter travel distance compared to the Smoothie. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Generally, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for quicker responses, while a longer travel distance provides a more satisfying keypress for some users. Both switches offer a different feel and response due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between them depends on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying tone with a more mellow and bass-heavy quality. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, providing a sharp, crisp, and immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. While the Smoothie offers a more subdued and low-pitched sound, the WS Heavy Tactile delivers a sharper and higher-pitched sound experience, catering to different preferences in typing acoustics.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, offering a smooth, fluid, and uniform keystroke experience that feels effortless and seamless. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is known for its accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a prominent amount of tactility with a spring-like rebound sensation and a strong, crisp tactile bump that is distinctly felt with each keypress. The Smoothie focuses on a silky and buttery typing experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile emphasizes a more pronounced and responsive feedback with a lively bounce.

Overall, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Smoothie provides a thocky and buttery typing sensation with a subdued and low-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a smooth and mellow typing experience. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a clacky and sharp tactile feedback with a high-pitched and resonant sound, perfect for users seeking a more invigorating and responsive typing feel. Both switches excel in their respective attributes, providing users with a range of choices to suit their personal preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Smoothie linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a lightweight touch with a thocky sound and smooth keystrokes, the Smoothie may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile experience with a satisfying bump, immersive resistance, and a "thocky" sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be more up your alley. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound, as well as the bottom out force that suits your typing style best. Experimenting with both switches may help you determine which one truly enhances your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more