Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Red, two popular mechanical keyboard switches that fall under the linear switch category. The Gateron Ink Black V2 is renowned for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack, making it a beloved choice within the community. Classified as 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished', this switch offers a unique typing experience that combines a smooth feel with a rich sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red stands out for its 22mm double-stage spring, providing a bouncy and responsive typing experience while retaining a familiar sound signature. Additionally, it offers a heavier actuation force, adding a touch of weight to each keystroke for a substantial and satisfying typing feel. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Red differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, while the WS Red utilizes nylon for both components. The INK blend in the Ink Black V2 creates a thinner and higher-pitched sound profile, often described as clacky. In contrast, the nylon housing of the WS Red produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer satisfying sound profiles, with the Ink Black V2 being clacky and the WS Red being deep and full.
The top housing of a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound when you release a key. In the case of the Ink Black V2, its proprietary INK blend top housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Red adds depth and fullness to the sound, as nylon is known for its ability to create a rounder sound. Despite their different materials, both switches provide distinct and pleasing sound profiles when the keys are released.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Ink Black V2's INK blend and the WS Red's nylon offer similar characteristics. Both materials contribute to a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile, which can be described as clacky. Additionally, the bottom housing of a switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Both the INK blend of the Ink Black V2 and the nylon housing of the WS Red create an impact that enhances the overall typing experience. Therefore, users can expect comparable results and a similar tactile feel from the bottom housings of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, both falling into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the exact actuation force for the WS Red switch is unknown, but it does have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which also falls into the medium-heavy category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Ink Black V2 may be more suitable as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods, such as during work or long gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial and pronounced typing experience, the WS Red switch could be a better option as it has a slightly higher bottom out force.
Overall, both switches provide a similar medium-heavy weight rating, making them suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Although the exact actuation force of the WS Red switch is unavailable, it is safe to assume that it will provide a comparable actuation force to the Gateron Ink Black V2. This ensures that users will achieve similar results in terms of typing experience, regardless of the specific force required.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Ink Black V2 falls within the traditional range of travel distances, while the WS Red is slightly more shallow. This difference may be insignificant to some, but to gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the WS Red may be preferred. On the other hand, those who appreciate a deeper and more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 more satisfying. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness for the user.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is best known for its low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy characteristics. These switches produce a deep and mellow sound with a touch of uniqueness due to their slight squeak. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red's sound characteristics are not specified in the available information. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used. While we don't have information on the WS Red's sound, it is possible to achieve similar results by selecting the appropriate keyboard and keycap combination to match the desired sound profile.
When it comes to the feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is described as having a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic suggests a gentler typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches results in smooth and refined key travel, with reduced friction. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Red.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is praised for its smooth downstroke, rich clack, low-pitched sound, and polished feel. The Wuque Studio WS Red, although lacking information on its sound and feel, does offer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, providing a satisfying and substantial feel to each keystroke. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, and the choice between them will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and potentially further information not provided here.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a classic linear switch that offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it provides a medium-heavy typing experience. The Ink Black V2 also has a low-pitched, bassy sound profile which adds a deeper and richer tone to your typing. In terms of feel, it is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Wuque Studio WS Red would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it also provides a medium-heavy feel. Its 22mm double-stage spring gives it a unique sound signature while maintaining a familiar sound profile. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the WS Red. However, if you enjoy a substantial typing feel, this switch would be a good fit for you.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Red depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth downstroke, rich clack, and a low-pitched, bassy sound, then the Ink Black V2 is the way to go. However, if you prefer a bouncy and responsive typing experience and don't mind the lack of specific sound information, then the WS Red would be a suitable option. Consider your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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