Gateron Weightlessness vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Weightlessness stands out with its subtle to moderate tactile feel, providing a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more understated feedback. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offers a snappier and perceptible tactile bump, along with a neutral sound signature, catering to users who prioritize a lively yet smooth typing experience. While both switches fall under the category of tactile switches, the Weightlessness caters to those seeking a gentler tactile experience, whereas the WS Light Tactile appeals to those who enjoy a bit more tactile responsiveness and ease of actuation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, distinct differences arise in their top housings. The Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This characteristic of nylon contributes to a more muted auditory feedback, creating a rounder sound that many users may find satisfying and rich. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and thus produces a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, making it visually appealing while maintaining a bright and resonant sound that stands out.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the Weightlessness and the WS Light Tactile share a nylon composition. This similarity in materials leads to comparable results, as both switches will evoke a deep and full sound profile as one bottoms out the keys. Although both switches employ nylon in their bottom housings, the overall auditory experience will be significantly influenced by their differing top housings. Therefore, while the bottom-out sounds may exhibit similarities due to the soft characteristics of nylon, the initial sound produced on key release will diverge based on whether one is typing on a nylon or polycarbonate top housing.
The combination of these materials results in a distinctive feel and sound for each switch type. The Weightlessness’s uniform nylon construction in both the top and bottom housings leads to a more cohesive and deeper auditory experience, while the WS Light Tactile’s differing materials create a more nuanced sound profile that can appeal to users looking for brightness and clarity. Selecting between these two switches ultimately boils down to personal preference: the softer, muffled tones of the Weightlessness versus the sharp and lively sounds of the WS Light Tactile, illustrating how foundational materials in switch design play a crucial role in the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, the actuation forces present an interesting distinction. The Weightlessness has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the WS Light Tactile, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This difference indicates that users may find the WS Light Tactile more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions due to its lower force requirement. However, the bottom-out force is where the Weightlessness lacks specificity, as its figure is currently unavailable. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile has a bottom-out force of 50 grams, confirming a firmer press when fully engaged. Consequently, while the Weightlessness might offer a more gradual keyboard experience given the unknown bottom-out force, the WS Light Tactile provides a well-defined tactile feedback with a clear distinction between actuation and bottoming out. In summary, for those preferring a lighter touch, the WS Light Tactile is the evident choice, while the Weightlessness offers a heavier actuation promoting a more substantial feel, though its full capability remains partly uncertain.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Gateron Weightlessness features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Light Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that those who choose the Weightlessness switch will experience a slightly shorter distance as they press down, which can provide a more responsive feel, ideal for gamers seeking quick reaction times. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and deliberate keypress, offering a sensation that some might find more satisfying. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Gateron Weightlessness with its 3.4 mm travel distance is the better choice, whereas if you favor a deeper keystroke, the WS Light Tactile at 4 mm would be more suitable.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 tactile switch features a balanced sound profile that pairs well with its tactile characteristics. This design choice both dampens and enhances the typing experience, making it suitable for various environments without being overly loud or distracting. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is characterized by a neutral sound signature. This neutrality allows it to be versatile enough for different settings, whether you’re working in an office or gaming at home. Both switches are likely to produce a sound that aligns with their descriptions, though individual results may vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Weightlessness switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile sensation that is noticeable without being overwhelming. This tactile feedback allows for a satisfying typing experience while maintaining a level of comfort that is not too intrusive. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch is described as "stepped," indicating that it possesses two distinct stages in its tactile response. This design makes it feel somewhat less aggressive compared to hypertactile switches, offering a mild bump during key presses. Additionally, the WS Light Tactile is characterized as being easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate, which contributes to pleasant, low-impact typing. In essence, while both switches exhibit tactile feedback, the Weightlessness leans towards a more subtle experience, while the WS Light Tactile offers a pronounced, yet gentle sensation.
In summary, both the Gateron Weightlessness and Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Weightlessness excels with its balanced sound and moderate tactile feel, creating an enjoyable typing experience. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile offers a neutral sound profile combined with a stepped and easy-to-press tactile feedback that enhances comfort during prolonged use. When it comes to selecting a switch, the choice between these two ultimately depends on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback; either selection can provide an excellent typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you appreciate a subtle to moderate tactile feel without the constraint of a specific bottom-out force and prefer a sound profile that is balanced and unobtrusive, the Weightlessness switch would be an ideal choice for you. This makes it especially suitable for quieter work environments or gaming sessions where distractions should be minimized. On the other hand, if you favor a more pronounced tactile response combined with a light actuation force, the WS Light Tactile is likely the better fit. Due to its snappy tactile bump and neutral sound signature, it provides an engaging typing experience without overwhelming your auditory senses—perfect for both beginners and seasoned typists alike. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you want that subtle, smooth feel of the Weightlessness or the more pronounced and easily activated experience of the WS Light Tactile, ensuring your selection enhances your overall typing enjoyment.
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