Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile

Overview

Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Ink Black V2, a classic linear switch beloved by the community, offers a smooth downstroke and a satisfying clack. This switch is known for its low-pitched, bassy sound profile that is both mild and polished. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque strike a delicate balance, providing a medium level of tactility while reducing noise to create a perfect companion for office and work environments. These switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound, resulting in an impressively silent profile. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches forgo the use of silicone dampeners, delivering a typing experience that is crisp and tactile. With an accented, invigorating sound profile that is subtly muted and neutral, these switches offer an unrivaled blend of tranquility and tactility. 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 Silent Tactile Tactile

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$4.20 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches provide distinct characteristics in terms of sound profile. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon material absorbs more sound, producing a duller and rounder sound profile. While both switches offer pleasing sound experiences, the Ink Black V2 leans towards a sharper tone, while the WS Silent Tactile offers a more rounded and pronounced sound.

In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Ink Black V2 employs the proprietary INK blend, which contributes to the switch's overall sound profile. Similar to the top housing, this results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound when bottoming out. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which again enhances the switch's sound experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder and duller sound profile. Consequently, the bottom housing material of each switch affects the bottom-out sound and feel, with the Ink Black V2 offering a sharper tone, while the WS Silent Tactile adheres to a deeper and more resonant sound.

While the top and bottom housings differ between the Ink Black V2 and the WS Silent Tactile, they both play significant roles in shaping the overall sound of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend creates a pointed and clacky sound, while the WS Silent Tactile's nylon material elicits a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. The INK blend in the Ink Black V2 delivers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, whereas the nylon top housing in the WS Silent Tactile emphasizes a rounder and more resonant tone. Thus, although the switches may differ in terms of their housing materials, they both provide a distinct and enjoyable auditory experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams, indicating that it requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is not available. However, both switches have a bottom out force that falls within the medium-heavy range. The Ink Black V2 has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams.

Considering weight, some individuals may prefer lighter switches, like the WS Silent Tactile, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing or extended gaming sessions. This can be especially beneficial when using a keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. Alternatively, others may opt for switches with a heavier actuation force, like the Ink Black V2, as it provides a more substantial push feel, resulting in a more substantial typing experience.

Overall, while the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unknown, users can expect a similar medium-heavy bottom out force from both switches. Those seeking a lighter switch may find the WS Silent Tactile more suitable, while those desiring a heavier push feel may be drawn to the Ink Black V2.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that they have different distances. The Ink Black V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a traditional and slightly deeper distance. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it more suitable for those who prefer a quicker response time. Gamers especially tend to favor shorter travel distances for increased speed and responsiveness. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. In that case, opting for the Ink Black V2 with its longer travel distance would be a more suitable choice. Overall, personal preference and specific needs will determine which switch is the better option for an individual.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack sound. It has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which provides a mellow and deep tone during key presses. Additionally, this switch has a chirpy characteristic that sets it apart from others. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is designed to strike a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. It offers a medium level of tactility without sacrificing on noise reduction. These switches have ingenious stem railings with small cutouts to minimize switch sound while still delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. The WS Silent Tactile switches are distinguished from conventional silent switches as they do not use silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience without the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. They create an unrivaled blend of tranquility and tactility, offering a muted sound profile.

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch provides a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The WS Silent Tactile switch, on the other hand, has a neutral and muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The sound produced by both switches, however, is also influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. It falls into a safe, middle-ground zone with its gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The WS Silent Tactile switch is described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It offers a pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel, creating an invigorating typing sensation. Similar to the Gateron switch, the WS Silent Tactile switch also falls into the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch stands out with its smooth downstroke, rich clack sound, low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, as well as its mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offers a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, with a muted sound profile, accented feel, and invigorating typing sensation. Despite their differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. If you are looking for a linear switch with a deeper and richer sound, along with a milder feel, the Ink Black V2 switch would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with reduced noise and a balanced level of tactility, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be a suitable option.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, you should choose the Gateron Ink Black V2. With a bottom-out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience without compromising on tactility, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile is the switch for you. With a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it strikes a delicate balance between tactile feedback and noise reduction. Crafted with precision and featuring ingenious stem railings, it minimizes switch sound while delivering a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. The WS Silent Tactile is distinguished from conventional silent switches as it forgoes the use of silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth linear feel with a classic sound (Gateron Ink Black V2) or a quiet and tactile typing experience (Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile).

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile Tactile

$4.20 per 10

Learn more