Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown

Overview

Choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch can greatly enhance your typing or gaming experience. Two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a tactile switch. The Ink Box Black is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a satisfying typing or gaming experience. Its clacky and high-pitched sound signature adds a unique and stylish touch. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. With a medium-light actuation force, it ensures fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. The WS Brown switch also offers a delightful auditory experience, thanks to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Both switches have their own unique attributes that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches differ significantly, with the former featuring a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the latter utilizes nylon for both. In terms of sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black's INK blend top housing produces a pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the WS Brown's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to the relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Consequently, when pressing down on the switches, the bottom housing of the Gateron Ink Box Black will mainly contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing of the WS Brown will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key.

While the top housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches yield different sound profiles, the bottom housings in both are the same proprietary INK blend by Gateron. This means that when pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be similar, resulting in a shared impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. However, it's worth noting that the top housing of the Gateron switch may create a slightly higher-pitched sound when releasing a key compared to the WS Brown's nylon top housing.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches differ in their housing materials. The Gateron switch features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of the plastic. While the bottom housings are the same for both switches, the top housing of the Gateron switch may have a slightly higher impact on the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Ink Box Black is 60 grams, while the WS Brown's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to determine a direct comparison. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is 70 grams, which is heavier than the WS Brown's 55 grams bottom out force, indicating that the Ink Box Black requires a slightly stronger push during typing.

Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter switch may gravitate towards the WS Brown, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Ink Box Black due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

In terms of similarities, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. This means that users can expect a comparable level of responsiveness and feedback from both switches, although the specific force required for actuation in the WS Brown is unknown. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of force and typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference. The Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Ink Box Black with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with a more substantial travel distance. In this case, the WS Brown with its slightly longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black can be described as clacky and high-pitched. The sharp and snappy sound produced when pressing the keys gives a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches have no specific sound descriptors mentioned, so it is unknown how they sound exactly. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is renowned for its silky and polished typing experience. These switches offer exceptional smoothness, enhancing the overall feel and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish further contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, there is no specific feel description mentioned for the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches.

Considering all the available information, it is clear that the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provides a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, there is limited information available about the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, as there are no descriptors provided for sound or feel. However, it can be inferred that the WS Brown switches offer a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Based on this information, it is possible to expect a familiar and delightful auditory experience with the WS Brown switches, thanks to its familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. If a newcomer is looking for switches with similar smoothness and creaminess to the Ink Box Blacks, as well as a balance between responsiveness and comfort, opting for the WS Brown switches might yield similar results.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. The Ink Box Black is best known for its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a satisfying amount of weight when typing. The sound signature of the Ink Box Black is described as clacky and high-pitched, providing a crisp and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Additionally, the Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished in terms of feel, guaranteeing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, the WS Brown stands out with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, striking a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. Although there is no specific sound description for the WS Brown, it is mentioned that enthusiasts cherish the familiar and delightful auditory experience provided by its nylon housing and POM stem combination. In terms of feel, there is no specific description provided for the WS Brown.

Therefore, if you prioritize a medium-heavy typing force, crave a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and appreciate a silky and polished feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium-light typing force, enjoy a pleasing auditory experience without specific sound descriptors, and are comfortable with an unspecified tactile feel, then the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preferences and the specific typing experience you desire.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more