Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth and creamy feel. It offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, making each keystroke satisfyingly crisp. On the other hand, the WS Red is also a linear switch, but with a 22mm double-stage spring. This unique design provides a bouncy and responsive typing experience, while still offering a familiar sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches have different housing materials for both the top and bottom housing. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the WS Red uses a nylon top housing. The Ink Box Black's INK blend top housing provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. In contrast, the WS Red's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft plastic properties that absorb more sound. While the sound profiles differ, both switches produce satisfying results with unique characteristics.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Box Black and the WS Red once again utilize different materials. The Ink Box Black employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which delivers a thin and higher-pitched sound, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the WS Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in sound profiles can provide users with a distinct typing experience, depending on their preference for sharper or fuller sounds.

When comparing the overall impact of the top and bottom housing materials, it becomes evident that they play distinct roles in shaping the switch's sound and feel. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed. Conversely, the top housing plays a more prominent role in determining the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the combination of different housing materials in these switches allows for a balanced typing experience, with a range of sound profiles to suit individual preferences. Regardless of the materials used, both the Ink Box Black and the WS Red switches deliver satisfying and unique typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the WS Red's actuation force is unavailable. Both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making them medium-heavy in terms of resistance when pressing all the way down.

Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Gateron Ink Box Black, as it allows for longer periods of typing without excessive strain. This is especially useful for those who use their keyboard for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience might gravitate towards the Wuque Studio WS Red or other options with heavier forces.

In summary, while the specific actuation force of the WS Red is unknown, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and WS Red have a similar bottom out force of 67 grams, which gives them a medium-heavy resistance level. Users looking for a lighter switch can opt for the Gateron Ink Box Black, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may consider the WS Red or other options with heavier forces.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, it is clear that the Ink Box Black has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm while the WS Red has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. The Ink Box Black would be an ideal choice for those seeking a more responsive feel. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with a bit more depth. In such cases, the WS Red with its longer travel distance would be a suitable option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, providing an exceptional typing experience. It offers a clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, which may appeal to those who prefer a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is not specifically described in terms of sound, so its sound signature remains unknown. 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 chosen.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They are also described as polished, indicating a switch with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to either the materials used or the factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. The Wuque Studio WS Red switch, however, is not described in terms of feel, so its tactile experience remains unknown.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches have differing subjective qualities that should be taken into consideration. The Gateron Ink Box Black provides a clacky sound signature, characterized by its sharp and snappy sound, while offering a silky and polished feel that ensures a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch's sound and feel remain unknown based on the provided information. If one desires a similar result to the Gateron Ink Box Black, it may be wise to choose an alternative switch with a clacky sound signature and a silky, polished feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with a smooth and creamy feel, and a clacky and high-pitched sound, then the Gateron Ink Box Black would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncier and more responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force, and you don't mind the lack of sound description, then the Wuque Studio WS Red would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. So, take into consideration what you prioritize and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Red Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more