Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear 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 Silent Linear are two popular options to consider. The Ink Box Black is widely recognized for its smooth and creamy feel, providing an enjoyable typing experience. Its sound signature resembles that of a spray paint can being shaken, giving it a clacky and high-pitched nature. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque aim to enhance office and work environments. These switches cleverly reduce switch noise through ingeniously designed stem railings, ensuring a quieter typing experience. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches do not use silicone dampeners, resulting in a more neutral and subdued feel. While these general characteristics may help guide you in your decision-making process, let's now delve deeper into the specifics of each switch, allowing you to make a more informed choice based on your preferences.
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
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear have different housing materials that result in distinct sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This creates a clacky sound that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials provide unique auditory experiences, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black offers a more sharp and pointed sound compared to the WS Silent Linear's nylon top housing.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear also differ in material. The Ink Box Black utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile. The bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, enhancing the overall typing experience. In comparison, the WS Silent Linear features a nylon bottom housing, which adds to the switch's sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switch. Therefore, while both switches have distinct bottom housings, they contribute to the overall sound profile in their own unique ways.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable as it impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black will result in a different sound profile upon key release compared to the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Linear. These subtle differences in housing materials allow users to fine-tune their typing experience based on their preference for sharp and clacky sounds or deeper and fuller tones.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience. The Gateron Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the exact actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Silent Linear may be the better option as its bottom out force is slightly lighter than the Ink Box Black. However, it should be noted that the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial and pronounced typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be the preferred choice. With its higher actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a stronger push, resulting in a more impactful typing experience.
Ultimately, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch depends on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a medium-heavy feel, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer a relatively short travel distance. The Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the WS Silent Linear which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. However, for some individuals, these shorter travel distances can feel abrupt and unsatisfying. In such cases, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance, in this case the Gateron Ink Box Black, may provide a more satisfying keystroke depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 per 10 switches.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black is well-known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Pressing these switches produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear offers a neutral sound profile that is muted and subdued. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. While not completely silent, they provide a more subtle and dampened sound signature. It's important to note that the actual sound of the switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is known for its silky and polished typing experience. These switches offer exceptional smoothness and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The overall typing feel is enhanced, thanks to the smooth and refined finish of the switch. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear provides a mild typing experience. It offers a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most users, as they fall in a safe, middle-ground zone.
Given the available information, it's clear that the Gateron Ink Box Black and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear offers a muted and subdued sound profile, along with a mild typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these switches to suit your needs. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a more gentle feel, the WS Silent Linear is a great option. If you enjoy a sharper and snappier sound with a smooth and refined typing feel, the Ink Box Black will provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is a great choice. It offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile which can be crisp and bright. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch would be more suitable. These switches prioritize reducing noise with ingeniously designed stem railings and discreet cutouts, creating a subdued and muted sound profile. Additionally, they offer a mild and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on your preference for sound and feel - whether you prioritize a smooth and clacky typing experience or a quieter and gentler one.
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