Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

Overview

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch that has gained popularity within the keyboard community due to its smooth downstroke and rich clack. It falls under the categories of 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile is a tactile switch that offers a profound and pronounced tactile bump. With a tactile force of 70g, every keystroke provides satisfying resistance, creating an immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Wuque Heavy Tactile Switches produce a captivating sound profile, often characterized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Invigorating', 'Resonant', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. While these generalities provide a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make the best decision based on your individual preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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 Heavy Tactile differ in their housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the absorption of more sound by the relatively softer nylon plastic. While the Ink Black V2 offers a higher-pitched clacky sound, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a duller and rounder sound with its nylon top housing.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend again offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, creating a consistent sound profile with its top housing. Similarly, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile provided by its nylon top housing. In both cases, the qualities brought by the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of pressing down on the switches.

While the sound profiles may differ, the top and bottom housing of both switches play a crucial role in the overall sound when a key is released. The top housing of the Ink Black V2, with its INK blend, delivers a satisfyingly thin and higher-pitched sound. Comparatively, the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile absorbs more sound, resulting in a slightly rounder and duller sound when keys are released. Thus, whether using the Ink Black V2 or the WS Heavy Tactile, the sound upon releasing a key will have distinct characteristics based on their respective top housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we can see significant differences. The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams, which means it requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force for the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is unavailable, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Black V2 has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a slightly heavier touch required when fully pressing down. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter in comparison. Therefore, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the WS Heavy Tactile switch to be more suitable.

Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that some individuals may prefer lighter switches for extended typing durations or long gaming sessions. In this regard, the Gateron Ink Black V2 may be beneficial due to its slightly lighter actuation force. However, others may seek a more substantial typing experience, which necessitates a stronger push feel. For such individuals, the WS Heavy Tactile switch may not meet their desired level of force.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have different actuation and bottom out forces. While the Ink Black V2 requires a moderate amount of force for actuation and a slightly heavier touch for bottoming out, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is lighter in both aspects. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on an individual's preferred typing experience, whether they value a lighter touch or a more substantial push feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Ink Black V2 falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, providing a familiar feel for users when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.2 mm, catering to the growing trend of shorter travel distances for faster response times, which is favored by gamers. Those looking for a more responsive typing experience may prefer the WS Heavy Tactile due to its shorter travel distance. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper key press, the Ink Black V2's longer travel distance may be the better choice. Ultimately, the travel distance of both switches will provide similar results in terms of key press functionality, but the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched and bassy profile. These switches produce a deep and rich tone during key presses, creating a mellow sound that resonates with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches have a clacky and resonant sound profile. These switches produce a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. The unique nylon housing of the WS Heavy Tactile switches also contributes to a "thocky" resonance, adding to the satisfying sound feedback. Although the two switches have different sound characteristics, both offer captivating sound profiles that enhance the typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 provides a mild and polished typing experience. These switches have a gentle feel and a smooth finish, resulting in comfortable and slick key travel. The WS Heavy Tactile switches, on the other hand, offer an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback. With a prominent tactile bump, these switches provide a snappy and reactive feel during typing, creating an immersive sensation. Furthermore, the WS Heavy Tactile switches are described as accented, indicating a moderate amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Ink Black V2 focusing on a safe and approachable feel, while the WS Heavy Tactile switches provide a more pronounced and engaging tactile feedback.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches are known for their smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switches boast a profound tactile bump and a captivating sound profile. The Ink Black V2 switches offer a low-pitched and bassy sound, along with a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches provide a clacky and resonant sound, accompanied by an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique and immersive typing experiences, with the Ink Black V2 focusing on a smoother and more approachable feel, while the WS Heavy Tactile switches provide a more pronounced and engaging tactile sensation. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between the two switches to achieve your desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be a great choice. It offers a satisfying typing experience with a rich clack sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a pronounced tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch would be more suitable for you. These switches provide a captivating tactile experience and a "thocky" sound profile. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound, the Ink Black V2 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be more appealing. In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides an accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more