Gateron Luciola vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options are the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow. The Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, which adds a touch of uniqueness to your keyboard setup. Along with this visual appeal, they offer a satisfying medium heft, a smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a distinct sound profile reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches boast a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. With a 22mm double-stage spring at their core, they provide a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. Enthusiasts particularly admire the familiar sound signature brought by their material blend. These switches are also crafted to be lightweight, ensuring effortless and fluid keystrokes. Both options have their own strengths, making it ultimately a matter of personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you the most.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Wuque Studio WS Yellow Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches differ significantly. Starting with the top housing, the Luciola utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Yellow employs a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its relatively softer plastic composition. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a duller and rounder sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Luciola retains the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing. As mentioned before, this contributes to a thin and higher-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky. Conversely, the WS Yellow features a nylon bottom housing. Similar to its top housing, this softer plastic material absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. It creates a noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.

Although the top and bottom housings of these switches differ, they both possess unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. The Luciola's INK blend top housing creates a satisfying clacky sound profile, while the WS Yellow's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Luciola contributes to the clacky sound and feel, while the nylon bottom housing of the WS Yellow enhances the bottom-out sound experience. Therefore, though the specific characteristics may differ, both switches provide enjoyable and distinctive sound profiles that can elevate the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the WS Yellow's actuation force is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force in the medium range, with the Luciola at 60 grams and the WS Yellow slightly lighter at 53 grams.

Considering weight is important when choosing a switch as it can greatly impact typing comfort and gaming performance. Those who prefer a lighter feel may find the WS Yellow more suitable, as its bottom out force is lighter than that of the Luciola. This lighter force allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue and is ideal for long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired, the Luciola may be a better choice. With its slightly heavier actuation force, it provides a more substantial typing experience.

It is worth noting that even though the actuation force of the WS Yellow is not available, the combination of its lighter bottom out force suggests that it may offer a similar typing experience to the Luciola. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force, which means they offer a satisfying tactile feedback without being too heavy.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch depends on individual preferences. Those who prioritize a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might prefer the WS Yellow, while others seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Luciola with its slightly heavier actuation force.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it can be observed that the Luciola has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in recent times. This is especially favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. Opting for the Luciola would provide a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance. However, for individuals who prefer a deeper key press, the WS Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better choice. It is important to consider personal preference and the desired typing experience when selecting between these two switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola switch is best described as having a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. This unique sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, giving it a clacky and chirpy characteristic. It also has a marbly quality, with a resonant and high-pitched sound similar to tapping on a piece of solid marble or the collision of billiard balls. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches lack a specific description of their sound qualities. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you're looking for a similar sound experience to the Gateron Luciola, the WS Yellow switches may offer comparable results in terms of crispness and brightness.

Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Luciola switch is known for its medium heft and smooth and bouncy typing feel. It is described as having a snappy quality due to its super responsiveness. This can be attributed to the longer or dual-staged springs used in the switch, which make the typing experience feel more alive. Additionally, it offers a buttery sensation, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing experience. The switch is also considered polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches are described as creamy and mild, offering a gentle typing experience in a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. They also share the polished characteristic, indicating a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Overall, while the Gateron Luciola switch provides a slightly heavier and bouncier typing feel, the WS Yellow switches may deliver a smooth and buttery experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.

Considering all the available information, the Gateron Luciola and Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola switch has a unique and distinctive sound profile, with descriptors like clacky, chirpy, and marbly. It delivers a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, with a snappy and buttery sensation. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches lack a specific sound description but are known for their creamy and mild feel. Both switches share the polished characteristic, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the qualities of the WS Yellow switches may not be explicitly described, they offer a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering, ensuring a satisfying bounce and a smooth and fluid typing experience. Ultimately, the final choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a unique aesthetic and snappy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy typing experience. Additionally, they have a distinctive hollow sound profile that resembles a can of spray paint being shaken. Plus, the glow-in-the-dark feature adds an eye-catching element to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a delightful bounce and a familiar sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches offer effortless keystrokes and a smooth, fluid typing experience. Their lightweight design, coupled with a 22mm double-stage spring, ensures a satisfying bounce while typing. Additionally, the WS Yellow switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and Wuque Studio WS Yellow depends on your preference for weight, typing feel, and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Yellow Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more