Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch beloved by the community for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. It is characterized by its low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished qualities. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque are designed to elevate your office and work experience. These switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, effectively reducing switch noise while maintaining exceptional responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. Categorized as neutral, mild, muted, and subdued, these switches offer a distinct typing experience without silicone dampeners, ensuring a seamless blend of tranquility and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
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
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches have some similarities and differences. Starting with the top housing, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which produces a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. It is described as clacky and not overly sharp. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear's top housing is made of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Ink Black V2 offers a higher-pitched and clacky sound, the WS Silent Linear presents a deeper and fuller sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Black V2 features the same proprietary INK blend material, which contributes to its characteristic clacky sound when pressed. Meanwhile, the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound when the WS Silent Linear is pressed compared to the Ink Black V2. Therefore, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, with the Ink Black V2 being clacky and the WS Silent Linear offering a softer and more rounded experience.
When it comes to the release sound, the top housing of each switch is crucial. Since both the Ink Black V2 and the WS Silent Linear have different top housings, the sound when letting go of a key will vary. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 contributes to its pointed and high-pitched release sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear results in a deeper and fuller release sound. Therefore, the top housing's material determines the sound profile when releasing a key, giving a distinct characteristic to each switch.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches differ in terms of sound profile and feel. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend offers a pointed and clacky sound, while the WS Silent Linear's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Their bottom housings also contribute to the overall sound and feel, with the softer nylon bottom housing of the WS Silent Linear providing a rounder experience. Lastly, the top housing materials influence the sound when releasing a key, with the INK blend creating a higher-pitched sound for the Ink Black V2 and the nylon offering a deeper release sound for the WS Silent Linear.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are some noticeable similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Ink Black V2 is 60 grams, while the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is not specified. Both switches can provide a medium-heavy typing experience, which is favorable for those who prefer a more substantial push feel. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 requires 70 grams of force, whereas the WS Silent Linear demands a slightly lighter pressure of 63.5 grams. This makes the WS Silent Linear slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. The difference in weight may be important for individuals who appreciate a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. Ultimately, for those seeking a switch with a consistently medium-heavy force throughout both actuation and bottom out stages, either switch would provide similar results.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. 4.0 mm is a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, 3.5 mm is a shorter travel distance, favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. While both options offer a smooth linear experience, the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Linear may be more appealing for those seeking a quicker and more responsive typing experience. However, for individuals who prefer a deeper keypress, the Ink Black V2 with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 linear switch is best described as low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the bassy characteristic offers a deeper and richer sound profile resembling the depth of bass tones. The slight chirp sets these switches apart with a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch is known for its neutral, muted, and subdued sound. Being neutral means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. The muted characteristic ensures a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboard switches, minimizing the noise. Subdued switch offers a dampened sound but not completely silent, providing a more subtle sound signature. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches are described as mild. A mild mechanical keyboard switch provides a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as the qualities of these switches lie in a safe, middle-ground zone. The Ink Black V2 switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, characterized by a low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy acoustic signature. It offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch features ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts to reduce switch noise. The sound profile is described as neutral, muted, and subdued, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. The feel is also mild, providing a gentle typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. However, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience and prefer a more neutral sound profile, the WS Silent Linear switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a slightly louder and bassier sound with a smooth typing experience, the Ink Black V2 switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel that many enthusiasts enjoy. In terms of sound, it produces a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, which can be appealing if you prefer a deeper and more unique acoustic experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience while still maintaining responsiveness and precision, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch might be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it also offers a medium-heavy feel. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear does not use silicone dampeners, resulting in a distinct typing experience that is devoid of the usual cushioned sensation. Instead, it features ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts to reduce switch noise effectively. In terms of sound, it produces a neutral, muted, and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without compromising its performance.
Both switches offer a mild typing experience, ensuring a gentle and approachable feel during use. However, if you prefer a switch with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 might be more suitable, as it is described as having a polished feel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear will depend on your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you prioritize a classic linear switch with a rich clack or a silent switch that elevates your office and work experience, these switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
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