Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer a unique typing experience. The Ink Box Pink is best known for its smooth and lighter feel compared to other mechanical switches, creating a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, its translucent design adds a touch of elegance to any keyboard setup. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear is favored for its smoothness and high-pitched sound while typing. With its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, it allows for maximum customization of RGB lighting. The POM stem is lightly lubed to minimize friction and deliver a buttery and polished keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$8.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer distinct characteristics in their housing materials, resulting in different sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Both materials contribute to a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, but the polycarbonate in the WS Aurora Clear may offer a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Pink again utilizes its proprietary INK blend, contributing to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Similarly, the WS Aurora Clear features a UHWMPE bottom housing, a newer material that offers a very bright sound signature. This results in resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings. Both the INK blend and UHWMPE contribute to the overall sound profile, providing a satisfying and distinctive clacky sound.

When it comes to the impact on the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom and top housings play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel experienced when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing primarily affects the sound produced when releasing a key. While the specific materials differ between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the WS Aurora Clear, the basic principle of split qualities between the two housings remains the same. Whether it's the INK blend and UHWMPE or the polycarbonate, both switches offer unique sound profiles resulting from the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which places it in the medium range. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly higher actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which places it in the medium-heavy category. Despite these variances, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience as their forces fall within a similar range. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it dictates the effort required to press the keys. Some individuals prefer a lighter switch, as it allows for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming. Conversely, others prefer a heavier tactile feedback that gives a more substantial feeling when typing. For these individuals, options with heavier forces are preferred. While the Ink Box Pink would be considered lighter than the WS Aurora Clear, both switches offer similar results for those seeking a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it can be noted that they have slightly different distances. The Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the traditional distance, it is clear that the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Box Pink.

For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Ink Box Pink with its shorter travel distance may be the preferred choice. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the WS Aurora Clear with its slightly longer travel distance. It is important to note that the preferences for travel distances can vary from person to person, with some finding shorter distances to feel too abrupt, while others appreciate the added depth.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer shorter travel distances, the Ink Box Pink is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm while the WS Aurora Clear measures at 3.8 mm. Ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches both fall into the category of high-pitched switches. This means that they produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is preferred by individuals who do not enjoy the richer and bassier sound profiles of certain keyboard switches. However, it is important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. So, while both switches are high-pitched, the sound may vary slightly depending on the specific setup.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear is described as buttery, mild, and polished. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, both switches mention the use of factory lubing and materials that contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, it can be concluded that both switches offer a refined and smooth typing experience, with slight variations in terms of the specific qualities emphasized.

Considering the available information, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches provide a smooth and polished typing experience. While the Ink Box Pink is known for its lighter typing feel and clacky sound, the WS Aurora Clear emphasizes a high-pitched typing experience and maximum RGB lighting customization. Despite these differences, both switches deliver a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference, depending on whether you prioritize a lighter feel, specific sound characteristics, or visual customization options.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother and lighter typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a silky and polished typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering a sleek feel. On the other hand, if you want a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be the better option. The WS Aurora Clear switches have a buttery and mild feel, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics, so it depends on your personal preference and the typing experience you desire.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear Linear

$8.00 per 10

Learn more