Gateron Weightlessness vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Gateron Weightlessness and the Wuque Studio WS Red provide enthusiasts with distinct options tailored to their typing preferences. The Gateron Weightlessness stands out as a tactile switch, offering a subtle to moderate tactile feel that enhances typing feedback without overwhelming the user. Its balanced sound profile enhances the overall typing experience, making it suitable for both casual and professional environments. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red is a linear switch characterized by its bouncy and responsive typing experience, facilitated by a 22mm double-stage spring. This switch delivers a heavier actuation force, lending a satisfying weight to each keystroke, which can be particularly appealing for those who relish a more substantial typing sensation. While the Weightlessness caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback, the WS Red is geared towards users who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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 Wuque Studio WS Red both feature nylon as their housing material, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon as a classic switch housing material is a commonality shared by both switches, leading to similar auditory experiences. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs more sound than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic output. This shared characteristic contributes to a consistent typing experience between the two switches, where users can expect a satisfying sound that enhances the overall tactile feel of their mechanical keyboards.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Weightlessness and WS Red again utilize nylon, reinforcing the sonic properties established by the top housing. The uniformity in material facilitates a coherent balance between the keypress feel and sound output. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the nylon construction in both switches allows for a smoother transition during typing. The combination of nylon housings in both switches ensures that typists will perceive a similar depth of sound and tactile sensation, regardless of which switch is employed.
While the top and bottom housings of these switches are the same, the integration of nylon throughout improves synergy in their sound profiles. Each switch will magnify the soft and absorbing qualities of nylon, leading to an overall experience where sound quality feels robust and damping is maximized. Therefore, whether using the Gateron Weightlessness or the Wuque Studio WS Red, typists can expect a cohesive experience marked by a rich auditory signature and satisfying keystroke feedback, ultimately resulting in a typist's delight irrespective of the specific switch chosen.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Weightlessness has a specified actuation force of 50 grams, indicating it is designed to allow users to trigger keystrokes with relatively light pressure, which is beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, its bottom out force is unknown, making it challenging to assess how it feels when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the WS Red switch has an unknown actuation force, but it boasts a bottom out force of 67 grams, classified as medium-heavy, suggesting that it requires a more forceful push to fully engage and may provide a more substantial typing experience. As a result, while the Weightlessness is lighter in actuation force, the WS Red's heavier bottom out force might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced feedback during use. Overall, the Weightlessness is ideal for users who prioritize speed and comfort, whereas the WS Red caters to those who favor a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, the Gateron Weightlessness features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Gateron Weightlessness allows for a more responsive keystroke, which may be beneficial for gamers looking for quicker actuation. Conversely, the WS Red's longer travel distance provides a deeper feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you're prioritizing responsiveness and speed, the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness might be the better choice; however, if you favor depth and a more pronounced tactile experience, the WS Red would be the ideal option.
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 Red 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
The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch produces a balanced sound profile that is generally pleasing and unobtrusive, complementing its tactile characteristics. This switch is designed to deliver a subtle thock on keystrokes, providing a clean auditory experience that enhances typing without being overly distracting. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offers a familiar sound signature that is more subdued but still retains a gentle thump when pressed. Both sound profiles can be influenced by the specific keycaps and keyboard used, ensuring that users can potentially achieve similar auditory results depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Weightlessness switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, allowing typists to experience a gentle nudge at actuation without overwhelming resistance. This design creates a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that is suitable for prolonged use. On the other hand, the WS Red switch features a bouncy and responsive feel due to its 22mm double-stage spring. The heavier actuation force contributes to a more substantial typing sensation, making each keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying. While both provide enjoyable tactile sensations, they cater to slightly different preferences, with the Weightlessness being more understated and the WS Red providing a heavier, more pronounced engagement.
In conclusion, the Gateron Weightlessness and Wuque Studio WS Red switches offer distinct yet complementary experiences for typists. While the Weightlessness excels in providing a balanced sound and a moderate tactile feel, the WS Red impresses with its heavier actuation and bouncy feedback. Depending on one's personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can lead to a satisfying typing experience, with the right choice ultimately reflecting individual tastes and typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, your choice should align with your typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a more subtle typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback that enhances but doesn't dominate your keystrokes, the Weightlessness may be your best option. Its balanced sound profile and moderate tactile feel make it ideal for quieter environments or for individuals who prefer a less obstructive typing experience. However, if you crave a more dynamic and responsive feel under your fingers, especially one that offers a heavier actuation force, then the WS Red switch would be a better fit. Its bouncy and substantial typing experience accommodates those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke, making typing both satisfying and engaging. Ultimately, consider your usage scenarios—whether you prioritize a smoother, less tactile feel or a robust, engaging typing experience—when making your decision.