Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Ink Box Pink switches are known for their smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other switches. They have a higher-pitched clack that adds a unique element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches from Wuque Studio offer a profound and pronounced tactile bump, making each keystroke feel more engaging and immersive. With a tactile force of 70g, they provide a satisfying resistance. Additionally, Wuque Studios' nylon housings contribute to a "thocky" resonance, creating a pleasing sound profile. While these general pointers give a glimpse into the characteristics of these switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing. This material creates a pointed and high-pitched sound profile described as clacky. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, the Ink Box Pink offers a thinner and higher-pitched sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound.

Although the housing materials of the two switches differ, both the Ink Box Pink and the WS Heavy Tactile offer unique sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink's INK blend housing, whether on the top or bottom, contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Similarly, the nylon housing of the WS Heavy Tactile, whether on the top or bottom, creates a deeper and fuller sound. While the specific characteristics may vary, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences with distinct sound profiles. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with a unique sound, both the Ink Box Pink and WS Heavy Tactile will provide similarly enjoyable results.

When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials of the top and bottom play a significant role. The bottom housing of the switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when you release a key. For example, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its clacky sound profile and the feeling when you press down a key. Similarly, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon bottom housing enhances the overall typing experience with its deeper sound and unique tactile feedback. The difference in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch ensures that each aspect of the typing experience is accounted for, resulting in a well-rounded switch design.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we can see some notable differences. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's force which is unavailable, giving the Ink Box Pink a slightly firmer resistance when triggering a keystroke. Additionally, the Ink Box Pink has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's lighter 45 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Ink Box Pink requires slightly more force to reach the bottom compared to the WS Heavy Tactile.

Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing periods or long gaming sessions may lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile due to its lower bottom out force. It provides a smoother and more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and potentially satisfying typing experience may opt for the Ink Box Pink's slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. This would provide a more pronounced push feel with a tactile response.

In conclusion, while the Ink Box Pink offers a medium actuation force and heavier bottom out force, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a lighter typing experience with a particularly lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, the selection between these switches will depend on the user's preference for typing resistance and the specific requirements of their typing or gaming activities.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of travel distance, the WS Heavy Tactile is shorter than the Ink Box Pink. The Ink Box Pink falls within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying and substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

Comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, both switches have a clacky sound profile. A clacky switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Additionally, both switches have a high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp sound. However, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has the additional characteristic of being resonant, providing a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The Ink Box Pink switch, on the other hand, does not possess this resonant quality. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ink Box Pink is described as having a silky and polished typing experience. A silky switch indicates an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, a polished switch offers a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is characterized by being accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. An accented switch refers to a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. The bouncy characteristic gives the switch a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, providing a lively feel and rebound when pressed. This switch is also invigorating, offering pronounced feedback, a moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Moreover, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a sharp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Lastly, the switch is described as snappy, allowing for a super responsive typing experience, attributed to its longer or dual-staged springs.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is best known for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch boasts an exceptional tactile experience with a profound and pronounced tactile bump. It provides satisfying resistance and a captivating sound profile, characterized as clacky and high-pitched, with an added resonant quality. While the Ink Box Pink and WS Heavy Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities, such as feel and sound, they both provide an engaging and immersive typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between a smoother and lighter experience with the Ink Box Pink or a more tactile and lively experience with the WS Heavy Tactile.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer a medium level of resistance while still maintaining a silky and polished feel. Additionally, the Ink Box Pink switches produce a higher-pitched clack sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp and bright.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch would be the way to go. With a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches offer a bouncy and invigorating feel. The WS Heavy Tactile switches provide a pronounced tactile bump, giving you a snappy and reactive typing sensation. Moreover, these switches have a resonant sound profile, creating a clean and sharp auditory feedback.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a smoother and lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink switches would be a great fit for you. However, if you prefer a more tactile and engaging typing experience with a resonant sound profile, the WS Heavy Tactile switches would be the perfect choice. Consider these factors and choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more