Gateron Weightlessness vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can often come down to personal preference and typing style. The Gateron Weightlessness stands out as a tactile switch, offering users a subtle to moderate tactile feel that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke. Its balanced sound profile complements the tactile characteristics, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience without the distraction of excessive noise. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade is a linear switch celebrated for its unique metallic insert that creates a bright and resonant sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience. With a typing feel often described as creamy and smooth, the WS Jades also feature a light diffuser, making them a visually captivating choice for RGB enthusiasts. While the Weightlessness offers a more tactile and quieter experience, the WS Jade delivers on sound and visual flair. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Weightlessness and Wuque Studio WS Jade switches reveal distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles and typing experiences. The Weightlessness utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, a classic material known for its softer properties. This softness allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller typing sound that is characterized as duller and rounder. The uniformity in utilizing nylon for both components ensures that the sound experience remains consistent, enhancing the switch's overall acoustic signature.
In contrast, the WS Jade employs POM for both the top and bottom housings, which brings a unique auditory experience. While POM is also a relatively softer plastic compared to traditional materials, it generates a distinct sound profile that is pleasing yet more muted. The use of POM in both portions allows the WS Jade to maintain a deeper sound similar to that of the nylon switches but with a different tonal quality that can be described as more refined and smooth. This difference in materials between the Weightlessness and WS Jade, despite their similar sound traits, highlights the effect of varying plastic compositions on sound perception.
While both switches achieve a similar deeper and more muted sound profile, the contrasting materials lead to nuanced differences in typing feel and acoustics. The Gateron Weightlessness, with its nylon housings, emphasizes warmth and a rounded sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer typing experience. In comparison, the WS Jade's POM housings deliver a unique smoothness that may appeal to those seeking a more tranquil typing sound. Ultimately, it is the interplay of materials—nylon in the Weightlessness and POM in the WS Jade—that creates their individual identities, resulting in switches that can cater to varying preferences even as they share common auditory characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, both have an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This similarity in actuation force suggests that users will experience a comparable tactile response when it comes to initiating a key press on either switch. However, a notable contrast arises in their bottom out forces: while the WS Jade linear switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, the Weightlessness switch lacks a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to determine its behavior under full key travel. As a result, users who prefer a more pronounced feedback at the bottom of a key press may lean towards the WS Jade due to its additional resistance when bottoming out. Overall, the Gateron Weightlessness is the lighter option since its bottom out force is unknown, while the WS Jade offers a heavier feel, particularly for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, it's clear that the Weightlessness has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the WS Jade boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference may influence your typing or gaming experience significantly; the shorter Distance of the Weightlessness can provide quicker response times, appealing to those who favor a snappier feel, often preferred in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the WS Jade may be more suitable for users who desire a more pronounced tactile feedback, as it allows for greater depth in each keystroke. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Weightlessness is ideal for speed-oriented users, while the WS Jade is likely a better fit for those who appreciate a more substantial keypress.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 audio experience that complements their tactile nature, though specifics about their sound characteristics are not provided. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches are known for their bright metallic resonance, enhanced by a metallic insert in the stem base. This gives the WS Jades a distinctly clacky sound that is sharp and crisp, as well as a marbly quality that brings a clean and high-pitched auditory experience. The resonance adds depth to the sound, making every keystroke an engaging auditory event.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, creating a pleasant typing experience, though more detailed descriptions of their tactile feel are unspecified. The WS Jade switches, however, are characterized by their silky smoothness and creamy sensation, providing a luxurious typing experience that glides effortlessly with each keystroke. The combination of these properties helps minimize resistance during typing, resulting in a fluid, satisfying feel that’s hard to match.
Considering both the sound and feel qualities, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a balanced tactile experience that focuses on subtle feedback and sound, while the WS Jade switches excel in producing a bright, resonant auditory profile and a uniquely smooth typing experience. If you're aiming for a balanced yet tactile experience, Weightlessness could be the choice for you. However, if sound and an ultra-smooth feel are your priorities, the WS Jade is likely to deliver an enchanting typing experience. Ultimately, your selection should align with your personal preferences for both auditory and tactile feedback in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're seeking a balanced tactile experience with a subtle to moderate feedback that doesn’t overwhelm, the Gateron Weightlessness would be the ideal option. Its versatile nature and pleasing sound profile make it a great choice for those who value a quieter yet tactile typing experience, perfect for both gaming and writing. On the other hand, if you prefer a robust, smooth, and engaging typing experience with a distinctive sharp sound, the WS Jade linear switch stands out. Its 60-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance, and the metallic insert yields a resonant, clacky sound that brings a lively touch to your keystrokes. Furthermore, if aesthetics are important to you, the WS Jade’s light diffuser enhances your RGB lighting, adding flair to your setup. In summary, you should select the Gateron Weightlessness for a more subdued yet tactile feel, while the WS Jade serves better for those who relish a creamy, dynamic experience with auditory appeal.
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