Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your preferences, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Ink Box Black is renowned for its incredibly smooth and creamy keystrokes, evoking the sensation of using a spray paint can. Its sound signature leans towards being clacky and high-pitched, offering a distinctive auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, delivering a buttery smooth keystroke feel that is undeniably satisfying. These switches offer a crisp and responsive typing experience accompanied by a neutral sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities, providing a polished feel that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Onion provide distinct sound profiles when used in keyboards. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, allows for a more clear and resonant sound. While both materials contribute to a higher-pitched sound, the Ink Box Black's INK blend offers a more well-rounded and less sharp tone compared to the WS Onion's polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Ink Box Black features the same proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound when pressed. In contrast, the WS Onion utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, the bottom housing of the Ink Box Black provides a clacky sound, while the WS Onion's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and more resonant typing experience.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. As a result, the Ink Box Black with its INK blend offers a satisfying and less sharp bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Here, the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Onion creates a distinct, crisp sound. However, if you enjoy a clackier and well-rounded sound when releasing a key, the Ink Box Black with its proprietary INK blend top housing will deliver similar results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it can be observed that they have some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the lighter option would be the Gateron Ink Box Black, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of typing or extended gaming sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Onion's actuation force is not provided, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Gateron Ink Box Black. Both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the actuation force of the WS Onion is unknown, it can be assumed that it will be in a similar range to the Gateron Ink Box Black, resulting in comparable results. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option. The Ink Box Black falls on the shorter side of the traditional travel distance spectrum, while the WS Onion leans towards a more standard distance. Shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers, as they provide faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more profound depth in their keystrokes may find the longer travel distance of the WS Onion more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for either a more responsive or a more tactile typing experience.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 Box Black switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch provides a neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use it at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used. It is likely that you will get similar clacky and high-pitched results with the WS Onion switch, but with a neutral profile overall.
When it comes to the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Onion switch is described as buttery and polished. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The polished finish, just like the Ink Box Black, ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches possess similar subjective qualities. They both offer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a polished finish. The sound profile of the Ink Box Black is clacky and high-pitched, while the WS Onion provides a neutral sound. In terms of feel, both switches are described as silky and polished, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. If you are looking for a switch with a clacky sound and a high-pitched profile, the Ink Box Black may be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound and a buttery feel, the WS Onion is a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision may also be influenced by other factors such as personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are known for their incredibly smooth and creamy feel, offering a satisfying typing experience. They also produce a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which can add some liveliness to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly lower bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch would be a suitable option. These switches offer a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile, making them versatile and suitable for various use cases. With their polished finish, you can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Onion comes down to personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. Both switches offer their own unique features that can enhance your typing experience.
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