Gateron Smoothie vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Gateron Smoothie and the Wuque Studio WS Onion, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Gateron Smoothie is highly regarded for its all-POM construction, providing users with a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a light touch. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out for its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, delivering a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a crisp, responsive touch. While the Smoothie offers a low-pitched and subdued typing experience, the WS Onion provides a neutral sound profile along with a buttery feel. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron Smoothie and Wuque Studio WS Onion offer contrasting options. The Smoothie utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Onion features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound profile. This stark difference in material composition leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing on these switches.
Aesthetically, the choice of housing material also plays a significant role - especially when it comes to switches with clear housings. The WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing is particularly useful for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie's POM housing may not offer the same level of visual appeal, but it does contribute to a unique sound profile with its deeper and more muted tones. While both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience, their housing materials cater to different preferences in terms of sound and visual aesthetics.
Ultimately, the difference in housing materials between the Gateron Smoothie and Wuque Studio WS Onion results in varied typing experiences. While the POM housing of the Smoothie offers a unique sound profile with its muted tones, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the WS Onion provides a sharper and fuller sound. The impact of the bottom and top housing materials on the overall typing experience is notable, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper typing experience, the choice of housing material in these switches caters to different preferences and priorities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that the Smoothie has a lighter actuation force at 40 grams compared to the Onion, which is unknown. However, the Onion has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams while the Smoothie's bottom out force remains unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Smoothie may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Onion with its heavier bottom out force. In both cases, users can expect a smooth linear switch feel, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of which option they choose.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gateron Smoothie has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Onion. The difference between the two may not seem significant, but for some users, it can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the WS Onion. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of feel that each user is looking for in a switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch boasts a neutral sound profile, perfect for those looking for a versatile switch that can be used in various settings without being too loud or too quiet. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so your choice will ultimately depend on your personal auditory preferences and the setup in which the switches will be used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as providing a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, thanks to its smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. The Wuque Studio WS Onion switch also offers a buttery feel, along with a polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience. Both switches prioritize a seamless and uniform typing sensation, ensuring that each keystroke is comfortable and satisfying. Whether you prefer a slightly more luxurious typing experience with the Smoothie or a refined feel with the WS Onion, both switches deliver exceptional tactile feedback that will elevate your typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Smoothie and Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches both have their unique strengths in terms of sound and feel. The Smoothie excels in providing a deep and rich thocky sound, accompanied by a buttery and creamy typing sensation, while the WS Onion offers a neutral sound profile and a polished, buttery feel that is equally satisfying. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound characteristics or typing feel in your mechanical keyboard setup. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience that will enhance your overall productivity and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you value a lightweight touch, a thocky sound signature, and remarkable smoothness, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a buttery smooth keystroke feel, crisp responsiveness, and a neutral sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preferences, and overall typing experience that you are seeking.
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