Gateron Weightlessness vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Brown offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Weightlessness switches are characterized by a subtle to moderate tactile feel, providing a balanced sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback without being overwhelming. They strike a nice balance for users who enjoy a tactile sensation while typing but still prefer a quieter sound. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches deliver a medium-light actuation force, marrying responsiveness with comfort, making them an excellent option for long typing sessions. Their unique nylon housing and POM stem contribute to a delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts have come to appreciate. Both switches have their own merits, with the Weightlessness leaning towards a softer tactile feedback and the WS Brown offering a more familiar and pronounced feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Brown both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, reflecting a commonality that significantly influences the sound and feel of these switches. In both switches, the nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound. This characteristic results in a duller and more rounded auditory experience when typing, creating a satisfying keystroke that many users appreciate. Consequently, when comparing the housing materials of both switches, it is clear they share a similar design philosophy, aiming to provide a smooth and acoustically pleasing typing experience.
While the use of nylon in both the Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Brown ensures a consistent sound profile, the distinct design features of each switch may still create nuanced differences in user experience. Given that the top and bottom housings are constructed from the same material, it means that both switches will exhibit comparable traits; however, the impact of each housing on the overall typing experience could be influenced by other factors, such as the specific design geometry or the switch's actuation mechanism. Yet, the primary shared characteristic remains: the overall typing experience would feature that hallmark deeper sound signature, reinforcing the notion that users of both switches will enjoy similar auditory satisfaction.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Weightlessness and Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize identical housing materials in the form of nylon, the interplay of these components will govern their auditory and tactile performance. The consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housings guarantees that users will experience a sound profile characterized by its warm and rounded quality. Thus, regardless of design tweaks or performance intentions behind each switch, the similarities in material choice ensure that both models deliver a comparable typing experience, making them appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking that lush, resonant keystroke sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we see notable differences. The Weightlessness switch features an actuation force of 50 grams, but its bottom out force information is unavailable, making it difficult to assess its performance during heavy key presses. In contrast, the WS Brown switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. This suggests that while it provides a defined resistance at the bottom, the actuation force remains a mystery. In terms of weight, the Weightlessness is comparable, if not lighter, due to its specified actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the WS Brown, with its bottom out force of 55 grams, may offer a more substantial push feel, catering to those who favor a heavier typing experience. Overall, users seeking a lighter option would likely lean towards the Gateron Weightlessness, while those preferring a firmer feel may find the WS Brown more to their liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Gateron Weightlessness has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Brown features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference means that the WS Brown offers a deeper, more pronounced tactile experience, which can be preferable for users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness switch could be more appealing to gamers or those who prioritize faster response times. Therefore, if you prefer a more immediate feedback and a quicker actuation, the Weightlessness is the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more traditional feel with deeper keystrokes, the WS Brown would suit you better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 Weightlessness switches deliver a balanced auditory profile that complements their tactile characteristics, though the exact details of their sound are less defined. The WS Brown switches, however, are celebrated for providing a familiar and delightful auditory experience. This stems from their nylon housing and POM stem combination, making them resonate with enthusiasts who appreciate that classic switch sound. Ultimately, both switches aim to deliver an enjoyable sound profile; however, the WS Brown offers a slightly more defined auditory experience rooted in familiar tactile switch design.
Regarding feel, the Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, making them well-suited for those who prefer a gentle reminder of actuation without overwhelming resistance. In contrast, the WS Brown switches provide a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort, which ensures that even extended typing sessions remain fatigue-free. While both switches cater to tactile enthusiasts, the Weightlessness may feel less pronounced compared to the more traditionally tactile experience of the WS Browns, which might appeal to those who favor a more definite tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Weightlessness and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches bring unique qualities to the table for tactile switch enthusiasts. While the Weightlessness offers a subtler tactile feedback and a balanced sound profile, the WS Brown delivers a more familiar auditory experience along with a medium-light actuation force that prioritizes comfort during prolonged use. Choosing between them ultimately depends on the desired level of tactile feedback and sound experience, but you can expect to enjoy a relatively satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches and Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switches, consider your typing style and preferences. If you're someone who enjoys a more subtle tactile response and values a quiet typing experience, the Weightlessness switches might be the ideal choice for you. Their lighter bottom-out force means you’ll find them easier to press, making them a good option for longer typing sessions where you want to maintain a balanced sound profile with a comfortable feel. However, if you lean towards a switch that offers more audible feedback and a stronger tactile sensation while still providing a medium-light actuation force, the WS Brown switches would be more suitable. They provide a familiar auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate, along with a comfort level that allows for extensive typing without fatigue. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches should be based on whether you prioritize subtlety and silence versus a more pronounced tactile experience and sound.
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