Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Ink Black V2 is a long-standing favorite in the community, renowned for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack. Known for its low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, this switch offers a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its unique polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel. With a crisp and responsive feel and a neutral sound profile, these switches offer a deeply satisfying typing experience. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch, so you can make an informed decision about the best one for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Onion have distinct differences. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the WS Onion utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both materials contribute to a satisfying sound experience, the INK blend top housing creates a thinner and higher-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend material is responsible for the pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, just like the top housing. However, the WS Onion implements a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a well-known switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing will create a different auditory experience compared to the Gateron Ink Black V2's INK blend material.
It's important to note that when the top and bottom housings differ, the qualities of each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will highlight the characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the sound and feel of the bottom-out action. In contrast, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. In terms of similarities, if both switches feature the same type of housing material, such as the proprietary INK blend in the Ink Black V2, the results will be similar in terms of sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it's important to consider their weight as a factor. The Ink Black V2 has a slightly lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the WS Onion's unknown actuation force. Similarly, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the WS Onion's 63.5 grams. This makes the Ink Black V2 switch a medium-heavy option in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the WS Onion switch falls within the medium-heavy range in terms of bottom out force but has an unknown actuation force.
The weight of a switch is significant as it affects the typing experience and duration. Some users prefer lighter switches, like the Ink Black V2, as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, others may prefer a stronger push feel, which provides a more substantial typing experience. For these users, opting for a switch with a heavier actuation and bottom out force, like the Ink Black V2, would be more suitable.
While the WS Onion's actuation force is not specified, we can assume that its bottom out force is relatively comparable to the Ink Black V2, falling within the medium-heavy range at 63.5 grams. Therefore, users can anticipate a similar typing experience with both switches in terms of bottoming out. However, due to the difference in actuation force, the feel of triggering a keystroke may vary between the two switches, with the Ink Black V2 requiring a lighter force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a consistent experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring that users will get similar results when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
The Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. The low-pitched characteristic gives these switches a more mellow and bass-heavy tone during keystrokes, while the bassy nature adds depth and richness to the sound. Additionally, the Ink Black V2s have a unique chirpy quality, which adds a subtle squeak to the switch's acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion provides a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is moderate and suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic indicates that these switches provide a gentle and approachable typing experience, suitable for most users as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The polished feature adds to the overall smoothness of the switch, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches provide a buttery and polished feel. The buttery characteristic implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Ink Black V2, the polished quality of the WS Onion ensures a refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Black V2 stands out for its smooth downstroke, rich clack, low-pitched and bassy sound with a touch of chirpiness, as well as a mild and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the WS Onion excels in providing a buttery smooth keystroke feel, crisp and responsive typing experience, neutral sound profile, and a polished typing feel. While there are differences between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness, refined typing experience, and reduced friction due to the polished finishes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and rich clack with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be a great choice. This switch offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, giving you a mellow tone during key presses. It also provides a mild and polished feel, resulting in a gentle and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch is the way to go. With its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, this switch offers a crisp and responsive feel. Its neutral sound profile ensures a moderate sound without any particular emphasis, making it suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the WS Onion also provides a buttery and polished feel, giving you a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Onion depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a rich clack and a mellow sound, go for the Ink Black V2. If a buttery and uniform typing experience is more important to you, the WS Onion is the way to go. Both switches offer their own unique qualities and can provide an enjoyable typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
