Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, delivering a clacky, high-pitched sound signature akin to the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. This linear switch offers a polished typing experience that appeals to those who prioritize smooth keystrokes and a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the WS Dash, a hall effect switch, stands out with its captivating design and refined performance. These switches produce a bright and clacky sound while maintaining a silky smooth keystroke, making them an excellent choice for users who enjoy a lively typing experience combined with the benefits of advanced magnetic technology. While both switches offer their unique attributes—smoother linear action versus a refined clack—each one caters to specific typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, it is evident that both switches utilize different approaches to achieve their sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is designed to produce a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky yet satisfying. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. While both materials aim to deliver a pronounced sound, the INK blend provides a more nuanced auditory experience that is delicate and less harsh, making the Ink Box Black stand out for users seeking a specific tonal characteristic.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a stark contrast between the two switches. The Ink Box Black employs the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which maintains a similar sound profile to its top housing—lending it a thin and higher-pitched sound. Conversely, the WS Dash opts for a nylon bottom housing that is recognized for its ability to create a deeper, full-bodied sound. The softer characteristics of nylon serve to absorb more sound and produce a rounder auditory experience, making the WS Dash better suited to users who prefer a more muted and rich sound profile when bottoming out. This difference underscores how material choices fundamentally influence the overall auditory and tactile sensations pivotal to a user's typing experience.
Ultimately, the interaction of top and bottom housings can generate distinct sound outcomes even with varied materials. For example, while the Ink Box Black blends the characteristics of its INK blend top and bottom housings to create a consistent high-pitch sound dynamic throughout the switch, the WS Dash’s combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a more complex auditory experience, highlighting the differences between sharper notes and fuller tones. In both cases, users can achieve satisfying sound experiences; however, those opting for the Ink Box Black might find it more conducive to a bright and clacky typing experience, while the WS Dash may allure those seeking a deeper auditory journey.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch with the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces arise, which may influence user preference based on typing habits and comfort. The Ink Box Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash switch boasts a much lighter actuation force of only 30 grams, with a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch that enables prolonged typing sessions with less fatigue. Consequently, the Ink Box Black is the heavier option, while the WS Dash is the lighter one, providing different experiences to cater to diverse user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Ink Box Black features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Dash has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Ink Box Black offers a more pronounced travel feel, which could be ideal for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke and a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the WS Dash's travel distance is marginally shorter, making it a better choice for those seeking faster response times, particularly gamers who benefit from rapid actuation. In summary, if you prefer a switch that provides a more substantial depth, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be more suitable, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash would cater to those who favor a quicker, more responsive typing experience due to its shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we can observe distinct differences. The Ink Box Black is marked by a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, which lends itself to a crisp and high-pitched profile. Its clacky nature produces sharp, bright auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, while the specific sound qualities of the WS Dash haven't been detailed in the provided information, we do know it offers a bright and clacky sound signature. This suggests that users may experience a lively auditory sensation, though the precise tonal qualities remain unknown. Overall, while both switches promise engaging sound profiles, the Ink Box Black leans more toward a precise and high-pitched tone, potentially differing in emphasis when compared to the WS Dash.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black stands out with its silky and polished tactile feedback. The smooth typing experience minimizes resistance, allowing for seamless keystrokes that many users appreciate. This polished sensation enhances the overall experience, making each keystroke feel effortless and refined. In contrast, the feel of the WS Dash remains unspecified, leaving a gap in comparability. If you're looking for a switch that guarantees a consistent and smooth experience, the Ink Box Black excels in that regard, while the tactile qualities of the WS Dash need further exploration to determine how they might compare.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provides a distinct auditory experience with its high-pitched, clacky sound and luxurious feel marked by its silky smoothness and polished finish, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch remains somewhat of a mystery in terms of feel. The WS Dash does offer a bright and clacky sound, suggesting it may have engaging auditory features similar to the Ink Box Black. However, the undefined characteristics of the WS Dash's tactile feedback make it challenging to assess how it compares in the overall typing experience. If sound quality and a smooth feel are your primary considerations, the Ink Box Black stands out more decisively, while the WS Dash offers intriguing possibilities deserving further investigation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, your preferences and typing style will play a crucial role. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile feel with a bottom-out force of 70 grams, coupled with an exceptionally smooth and creamy typing experience, the Ink Box Black is likely your best bet. Its clacky, high-pitched sound signature might also appeal to you if you prefer a sharper auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, if you tend to prefer a lighter keystroke with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, the WS Dash switches are designed for you. Featuring a bright and clacky sound, they also provide a silky smooth keystroke, making them ideal if you're looking for a refined typing experience that emphasizes subtlety and grace. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal taste in both sound and feel; whether you lean towards the robust and powerful characteristics of the Ink Box Black or the elegant smoothness of the WS Dash, both options offer unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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