Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow. The Ink Box Pink switches are best known for their beautiful translucent design and smooth operation, providing a lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. However, they do have a higher-pitched clack sound, which may or may not be preferred by users. On the other hand, the WS Yellow switches are a fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering, offering a delightful typing experience with a satisfying bounce. These switches also have a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. Additionally, they are crafted to be lightweight, resulting in effortless keystrokes and a smooth and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

Wuque Studio WS Yellow Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow show distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In contrast, the WS Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. While both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, the Ink Box Pink leans more towards a sharper and thin sound, while the WS Yellow offers a deeper and fuller tone.

The bottom housings of the Ink Box Pink and the WS Yellow further contribute to their unique sound qualities. The proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink provides a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. This consistency allows for a consistent typing experience throughout the switch. On the other hand, the WS Yellow's nylon bottom housing adds to its deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and less sharp sound when bottoming out. These differences in bottom housings further differentiate the sound profiles of the two switches.

While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow each contribute to their respective sound profiles, pressing down on a key and letting go also play a role. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the sound and feel when the key bottoms out, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, even if the housing materials of a switch are the same, the way one interacts with the switch can lead to different sound experiences. Understanding the housing materials and their impact on sound can help users choose switches that align with their preferences for typing or gaming.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the WS Yellow's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have medium actuation forces, meaning they require a moderate push to trigger a keystroke.

In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Pink has a slightly heavier force of 60 grams, compared to the WS Yellow's 53 grams. This indicates that the Ink Box Pink offers a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the WS Yellow is slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force, which may appeal to individuals who prioritize a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time.

Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation force but differ slightly in terms of bottom out force. If one desires similar results to the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the WS Yellow's actuation force is unknown, it may be reasonable to assume that the force required for triggering keystrokes is comparable between the two. However, it is important to note that without concrete information on the WS Yellow's actuation force, a direct comparison cannot be made in this aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing experiences, with the Gateron Ink Box Pink being slightly heavier and the WS Yellow leaning towards the lighter end.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become prevalent in recent times, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional and 3.0 mm being the shallowest. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize quick responsiveness, the Ink Box Pink with its shorter travel distance might be the better option for you. However, it is important to note that some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial key press, then the WS Yellow switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, your preference for travel distance will depend on your personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. This means that when you press the keys, you will hear a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. If you prefer a switch with a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Ink Box Pink may not be your top choice. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch does not have any specific sound descriptors mentioned, so it is difficult to compare the sound qualities to the Ink Box Pink. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished finish adds to the sleek typing experience by reducing friction and allowing for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch is described as creamy, mild, and polished. The creamy sensation of these switches suggests a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. They offer a gentle typing experience that most people would find approachable, as these switches lie in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of their characteristics.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, while the WS Yellow does not have any specific sound descriptors mentioned. In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink offers a silky and polished typing experience with reduced resistance and smooth key travel. The WS Yellow, on the other hand, provides a creamy and mild sensation, ensuring effortless keystrokes and a smooth and fluid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when considering the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, if you prefer a slightly lighter typing feel, the Ink Box Pink with its 60 gram bottom out force is a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter typing feel, the WS Yellow with its 53 gram bottom out force may be more suitable.

In terms of sound, the Ink Box Pink is best described as clacky and high-pitched. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. If you enjoy a more rich and bassy sound profile, higher-pitched switches like the Ink Box Pink would be a good choice. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the WS Yellow are not explicitly described, so if you have specific preferences for sound, it may be worth exploring them further or trying them out before making a decision.

When it comes to feel, the Ink Box Pink is known for its silky and polished typing experience. These switches offer exceptional smoothness and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. If you value a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Ink Box Pink would be a great choice. On the other hand, the WS Yellow is described as creamy, mild, and polished. This indicates that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes. Additionally, it falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow boils down to personal preferences. If you prefer a slightly lighter typing feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Pink would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter typing feel with a creamy and mild sound, the WS Yellow would be a good option. It's important to consider your own typing preferences and priorities when making a decision, and if possible, try out both switches before committing to one.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Yellow Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more