Wuque Studio WS Red vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Wuque Studio WS Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Wuque Studio WS Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The WS Red is a linear switch that boasts a 22mm double-stage spring, providing a bouncy and responsive feel while maintaining a classic sound signature. With a heavier actuation force, each keystroke feels substantial and satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is also a linear switch that stands out for its silent typing experience, thanks to its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. This switch offers unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
Overall, the main difference between the Wuque Studio WS Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° lies in their housing material. The WS Red features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. Aesthetically, the Zero Degree 0°'s clear polycarbonate housing allows for better RGB lighting visibility compared to the WS Red's opaque nylon housing.
Both switches share a common nylon bottom housing material, which leads to a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on either switch. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, providing a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the WS Red and the Zero Degree 0°. However, the differences in their top housing materials result in distinct sound profiles when pressing down and releasing keys on each switch.
In conclusion, the choice between the Wuque Studio WS Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preference. The WS Red's nylon housing offers a softer and more absorbing typing experience, while the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and clearer sound output. Whether one prefers a deep and full sound or a crisp and resonant sound, both switches offer top-tier performance with their housing material playing a critical role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences. The WS Red has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of pressure needed to fully press down the key. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more responsive typing experience. While the actuation force for the WS Red is not specified, it can be assumed to be heavier than the Zero Degree 0° due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, while those seeking a more substantial feel may opt for the Wuque Studio WS Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is clear that the WS Red has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.8 mm compared to the Zero Degree's 3.6 mm. This means that the WS Red offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Zero Degree. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the WS Red. Both switches fall within the range of preferred travel distances for many users, with the difference of 0.2 mm likely not being significantly noticeable to most typists or gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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
When it comes to sound, the WS Red and the Zero Degree 0° switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The WS Red switches are known for providing a familiar typing sound with a bouncy and responsive feel, while the Zero Degree 0° switches focus on delivering a silent typing experience by absorbing sound and reducing noise. Depending on your preference for a classic typing sound or a quieter typing experience, both switches can provide satisfactory results when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the WS Red linear switches are praised for their heavier actuation force that adds a substantial weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° linear switches offer unparalleled smoothness and stability with a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound. Whether you prefer a heavier tactile experience or a smoother, silent typing feel, both switches provide distinct sensations that can enhance your overall typing experience based on your personal preferences.
In conclusion, the WS Red and Zero Degree 0° linear switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the WS Red switches provide a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Zero Degree 0° switches focus on delivering a silent typing experience with unparalleled smoothness and stability. Depending on whether you value a classic typing sound with a satisfying weight to each keystroke or a silent, smooth typing experience that absorbs sound, both switches can provide excellent results when paired with the right setup. Ultimately, the choice between the WS Red and Zero Degree 0° switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, you should consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier actuation force and a bouncy and responsive typing feel with a substantial touch, the WS Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more stable typing experience with innovative self-padding design for reduced noise, the Zero Degree 0° could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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