Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown

Overview

Introducing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for users. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch that has long been a favorite within the mechanical keyboard community. Renowned for its smooth downstroke and satisfying "clack," this switch provides an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown is a tactile switch that strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. With its medium-light actuation force, it ensures fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. This switch also offers a delightful auditory experience, thanks to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches have their unique qualities and benefits, making them worth considering. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their housing materials, which results in distinct sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and higher-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. In contrast, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound.

Similarly, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Ink Black V2 employs the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in the same pointed and higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's ability to absorb sound effectively.

Despite their differences, both switches provide unique characteristics based on their housing materials. The Gateron Ink Black V2 delivers a satisfying, clacky sound profile with its proprietary INK blend, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon housing. However, it is important to note that the impact of the top and bottom housing materials may differ. The bottom housing tends to have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing mainly affects the sound when a key is released.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown exhibit distinctions in their housing materials, resulting in varying sound profiles. The proprietary INK blend of the Ink Black V2 creates a pointed and clacky sound, while the WS Brown's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide their own unique auditory experience, highlighting the significance of housing materials in keyboard switches.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The Ink Black V2 requires an actuation force of 60 grams and has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the WS Brown's actuation force is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light.

For those who prioritize lighter switches, the WS Brown offers a more comfortable typing experience. With its lower bottom out force, it provides less resistance and requires less effort to press the keys fully. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions, such as in office or gaming environments. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 caters to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Its higher actuation and bottom out forces give a more substantial typing experience, providing a satisfying tactile feedback.

Although the exact actuation force for the WS Brown is unknown, we can assume that it falls within a similar range as the Ink Black V2 linear switch, since they are both medium-weight switches. As a result, users can expect comparable results in terms of actuation force, ensuring consistency in their typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. If a lighter switch is favored for prolonged typing sessions, the WS Brown is the recommended option. However, for those seeking a more robust and tactile feel, the Ink Black V2 is the heavier switch that offers a satisfying typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Comparing the two, the Ink Black V2 offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, the WS Brown provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. Those seeking a more responsive and swift keystroke will appreciate the WS Brown's slightly shorter distance, while those desiring a more substantial and deliberate press can opt for the Ink Black V2's slightly longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is well-known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics. These switches provide a deep and mellow tone during key presses, giving them a rich and satisfying sound profile. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switches have a unique chirpy quality, adding a distinctive acoustic signature to the typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as mild and polished. Their mild characteristics make them suitable for a wide range of users, providing a gentle typing experience without any extreme qualities. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches ensures smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the overall typing feel. Unfortunately, there is no information provided about the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch.

Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a smooth downstroke, rich clack, low-pitched and bassy sound profile, as well as a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, there is limited information about the sound and feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch. Therefore, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches in terms of their subjective qualities. However, based on the available information, we can expect that the WS Brown switches offer a familiar and delightful auditory experience, thanks to their nylon housing and POM stem combination. It is also likely that they provide a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Brown will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel, as well as their specific typing needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a classic linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is the way to go. It offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound, making it a favorite among the community. With its low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, it provides a unique auditory experience. The Ink Black V2 is also described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing feel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Brown is an excellent choice. These switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. While there is no specific description of their sound profile, they are known for providing a familiar and delightful auditory experience.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences. If you value a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a distinctive sound profile, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is the switch for you. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, prioritizing comfort and fatigue-free typing, the Wuque Studio WS Brown is the way to go.

In closing, both switches have their unique characteristics and can enhance your typing experience depending on your preferences. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided, and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more