Gateron Weightlessness vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing their options between tactile feedback and the smoothness of keystrokes. On one hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a tactile experience that ranges from subtle to moderate, allowing typists to feel a gentle feedback on each press without being overly disruptive. Its balanced sound profile further enhances the typing experience, making it a great choice for users who appreciate a moderate tactile sensation paired with a satisfying auditory response. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches, a stunning reinterpretation of the Magnetic Jade, feature a unique Hall Effect mechanism that delivers a bright, clacky sound signature with a silky smooth keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a refined feel and sound, making it perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing. While both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, choosing between them ultimately depends on your typing style and needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches, the most notable difference lies in the top housing. The Weightlessness features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's relative softness compared to harder plastics; its ability to absorb sound results in a more muted auditory experience, creating a duller and rounder tonal quality. In contrast, the WS Dash employs a polycarbonate top housing that yields a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate produces more defined acoustics, allowing for a clearer and more resonant experience, particularly when used in setups featuring RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to an identical acoustic experience in that component. The nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile shared between both switches, as the material's sound-absorbing properties influence the bottom-out sound and key feel. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users tapping on either switch can expect a consistent tactile response, particularly when bottoming out, which is essential for typing feedback. The shared nylon material in the bottom housing underscores the importance of that aspect in determining the overall sound and feel of both switches.
In summary, while the Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Dash differ significantly in the material used for their top housings—nylon for the former and polycarbonate for the latter—the use of nylon in both switches' bottom housings creates a matching depth to their acoustic profiles. This combination allows typists and gamers to experience two distinct yet complementary auditory landscapes. Users can appreciate a rich, resonant sound from the Weightlessness for a more subdued experience, while the WS Dash offers a brighter and clearer tone during play, demonstrating how the differing materials affect sound while retaining some commonality in feel and performance due to their shared nylon bottom construction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Weightlessness switch features an actuation force of 50 grams, which provides a firmer typing experience that may be preferred by those who favor a stronger push feel. In contrast, the WS Dash switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it reduces finger fatigue. While the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is unavailable, the WS Dash has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a slightly heavier resistance when fully pressed down. Overall, the Weightlessness is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, while the WS Dash is the lighter, providing a more nuanced typing experience for those who appreciate a medium-light feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we find a slight difference in their travel distances. The Gateron Weightlessness has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Dash measures at 3.5 mm. This means that the WS Dash offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth in their key presses, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback during use. Conversely, the Weightlessness is the shorter option, catering to those who favor quicker, more responsive key presses, particularly beneficial for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Users looking to emphasize responsiveness should consider the Weightlessness, while those who appreciate a deeper travel experience might lean towards the WS Dash. Overall, the difference, though minor, could influence personal preferences based on how one interacts with their keyboard.
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 Dash comes in at $7.49 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch is noted for its balanced sound profile, which pairs well with its tactile characteristics. This means that the sound produced is neither too harsh nor too muted, providing a pleasant auditory experience that many users appreciate when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound signature. This distinct auditory feedback may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response, making every keystroke feel lively and engaging. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the Weightlessness switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, making it suitable for individuals who enjoy a gentle tactile response without overwhelming resistance. This design promotes a more understated typing experience that can be comforting for long sessions. In contrast, the WS Dash switch emphasizes a silky smooth keystroke, removing any noticeable friction throughout the press. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, making it ideal for users who favor quick, fluid keystrokes over the tactile bump.
Overall, both switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Weightlessness switch is a great choice for those who favor a balanced sound and mild tactile feedback, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash offers a more vivacious sound profile and a fluid feel. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a refined auditory experience with mild tactile feedback or a brighter sound mixed with a smoother keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you favor a more nuanced tactile experience with a balance of sound and feel, the Weightlessness is an excellent choice. Its subtle to moderate tactile feedback combined with a sound profile that complements its characteristics makes it suitable for both typing and gaming without being overly noisy. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a vibrant and lively typing experience, the WS Dash is the way to go. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, it delivers a bright and clacky sound signature that can enhance the overall engagement with your keyboard. Furthermore, the silky smooth keystroke quality of the WS Dash may appeal to those who enjoy a seamless typing experience. Ultimately, weigh your priorities, whether it’s the tactile satisfaction and sound control of the Weightlessness or the lively feedback and aesthetic flair of the WS Dash, to find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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