Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come to mind are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Ink Box Black is renowned for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, while also emitting a sound reminiscent of a shaking spray paint can. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches by Wuque are designed specifically for office and work environments, offering a medium level of tactility without sacrificing noise reduction. These switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts to minimize sound, resulting in a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile switches do not use silicone dampeners, ensuring a typing experience that is devoid of the typical padded feel found in most silent switches. Despite these general pointers, let's delve deeper into the characteristics of each switch to help you make the best decision based on your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile Tactile

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$4.20 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches exhibit notable differences. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This results in a satisfyingly thin and clacky sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the top housing of these switches affects the sound when releasing a key in distinct ways.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend offers a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. The resulting thin and clacky sound is consistent throughout the switch. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon bottom housing brings forth a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a noticeably duller and rounder sound. As such, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches.

Although the top and bottom housings differ between the Ink Box Black and the WS Silent Tactile, they both contribute to the overall sound of the switches. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend, present in both the top and bottom housing, generates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile throughout. Meanwhile, the nylon used in both top and bottom housing of the WS Silent Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile overall. While the specific characteristics may vary, the impact on sound production exists in both switches. Both options offer unique sonic experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a clacky and higher-pitched sound or a deeper and rounder sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Gateron Ink Box Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force for the WS Silent Tactile is unknown. However, both switches can be categorized as having a medium-heavy actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black has a force of 70 grams, slightly heavier than the WS Silent Tactile's 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Ink Box Black provides a slightly more substantial typing experience in terms of resistance when fully pressed down.

Considering the weight factor, it is worth mentioning that some individuals prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. A lighter switch allows for ease of use and reduces fatigue over time. On the other hand, some users may prefer a stronger push feel, which provides a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, heavier switches are a preferred choice.

In terms of weight, it can be inferred that the Gateron Ink Box Black is heavier than the WS Silent Tactile, as its actuation force and bottom out force are both higher. This makes the Ink Box Black suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier switch, whereas the WS Silent Tactile may be more appealing to individuals looking for a slightly lighter option. Overall, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch, both the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces within the medium-heavy range.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Ink Box Black has a slightly longer distance of 3.6 mm, compared to the WS Silent Tactile's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing the shorter option, such as the WS Silent Tactile, can provide a more responsive feel. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Ink Box Black, with its longer travel distance, may offer a satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding key responsiveness and feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, giving off a sense of crispness, brightness, and percussiveness. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches have a more neutral and muted sound profile. They offer a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The absence of silicone dampeners in the WS Silent Tactile switches ensures a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. Despite their differences, both switches' sound characteristics are subjective and may also vary depending on other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Therefore, if you desire a quieter typing experience, the WS Silent Tactile switches would be a suitable choice, while the Gateron Ink Box Black switches will provide a more vibrant and clacky sound.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are described as silky and polished. They offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The smooth and refined finish of these switches results in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches are described as accented, invigorating, and mild. They provide a medium level of tactility, offering a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. With a moderate to firm actuation force, these switches create an immersive typing sensation. Additionally, they are more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, providing a safe middle-ground typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique feel, catering to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Box Black switches prioritize smoothness and a polished finish, while the WS Silent Tactile switches provide a balance of tactility and a comfortable typing experience.

Taking everything into consideration, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Blacks are known for their clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile. They also offer a silky and polished feel, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switches have a more neutral and muted sound profile, minimizing noise and offering a middle-ground zone of tactility. Their accented, invigorating, and mild feel provides a pronounced feedback, moderate actuation force, and a comfortable typing sensation. Both switches excel in their own areas, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. If you prefer a louder and crisper sound with a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are a great choice. However, if you prioritize a quieter and more tactile typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches would be a suitable option.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ink Box Black is an excellent choice. These switches are known for their clacky and high-pitched sound, which can provide a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a quieter environment and a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction, the WS Silent Tactile is the switch for you. With a slightly lower bottom out force and a sound profile described as neutral and muted, these switches offer a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return while maintaining an impressively silent profile. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you will be using your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile Tactile

$4.20 per 10

Learn more