Gateron Ink Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Red, a linear switch, and the Wuque Studio WS Brown, a tactile switch. The Gateron Ink Red is best suited for those with a lighter typing style, thanks to its lower actuation force. These switches offer a satisfyingly smooth and effortless typing experience, accompanied by a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches strike a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort with their medium-light actuation force. They provide a familiar and delightful auditory experience due to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can ultimately make the best choice for your typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This material is known for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It is described as clacky, but not overly sharp. On the other hand, the WS Brown features nylon material for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon being a softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the top housing of both switches, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend and the WS Brown's nylon offer contrasting sound experiences. The INK blend produces a thin and higher-pitched sound, providing a satisfying clacky sensation. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference is due to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, the WS Brown offers a rounder and less sharp sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches exhibit similar characteristics due to their respective materials. The INK blend of the Ink Red and the nylon of the WS Brown contribute to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Although their sound profiles may be slightly different, both housings offer a clacky sensation when the keys are bottomed out. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, making them integral to the overall typing experience.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their housing materials and the resulting sound profiles. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend creates a thin and clacky sound, while the WS Brown's nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound. However, in terms of the bottom housing, both switches share similar characteristics, providing a pointed and high-pitched sound. Understanding the impact of both top and bottom housing materials is essential in selecting a switch that matches personal preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Gateron Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which measures bottoming out or pressing all the way down. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the WS Brown switch is 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Gateron Ink Red in terms of force required to press all the way down.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. Some individuals prefer a lighter weight switch, like the Ink Red, as it allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it a suitable choice for those using the keyboard in work or gaming scenarios that require long hours of use. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, a switch with a heavier force, such as the Gateron Ink Red with its 60-gram bottom out force, may be more preferable.
While the actuation force of the WS Brown switch is unavailable, it is worth noting that the Gateron Ink Red and WS Brown switches have similar classifications in terms of their bottom out forces. Both switches fall into the medium or medium-light category, with the WS Brown being slightly lighter at 55 grams compared to the Ink Red's 60 grams. Therefore, if a lighter typing experience is desired, both switches can provide similar results. Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches ultimately comes down to individual preference in terms of desired actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Ink Red is slightly longer than the WS Brown. 4.0 mm is a more traditional travel distance, while 3.8 mm is slightly shallower. However, it is worth noting that both distances fall within the range of what is considered normal for keyboard switches. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer shorter travel distances. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the WS Brown with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper pressing sensation may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Red to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing/gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
The Wuque Studio WS Brown comes in at $3.50 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
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch is best known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who have a lighter typing style. When it comes to sound, the Ink Reds produce a crispy and clacky sound profile, which adds to the satisfying typing experience. Additionally, these switches can be described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is known for its medium-light actuation force, striking a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. While the sound profile of the WS Brown is unknown, enthusiasts cherish the familiar and delightful auditory experience they offer due to the combination of a nylon housing and POM stem.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The overall smoothness of these switches enhances the feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, they can be considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Ink Reds are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch is unknown.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch stands out for its lower actuation force, satisfyingly smooth feel, and crispy and clacky sound profile. It is a great choice for those who prefer a lighter typing style and desire a sleek and refined typing experience. As for the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, while the sound profile and feel are unknown, it offers a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it suitable for fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Both switches have their unique qualities, providing options for different preferences. It is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also influence the sound and feel of the switches. Overall, if you are looking for a similar typing experience to the Ink Red but prefer a tactile switch, the WS Brown might provide similar results in terms of actuation force and comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter typing style, the Gateron Ink Red would be an excellent choice for you. With its lower actuation force and smooth feel, typing on the Ink Reds is effortless and satisfying. The crispy and clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory experience to your typing sessions. Additionally, the Ink Reds are known for their neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a tactile switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Wuque Studio WS Brown would be a great option. With its medium-light actuation force and familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination, typing on the WS Browns offers a delightful auditory experience. These switches are perfect for extended typing sessions, ensuring fatigue-free typing. Although there is no specific description of the WS Brown's sound and feel, their harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation suggests a satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Brown depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a linear switch with a lighter typing style and a crisp sound profile, go for the Ink Reds. But if you value a tactile switch that provides a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the WS Browns are the way to go. Both switches offer their unique qualities, so consider your typing style, sound preference, and overall typing experience when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
