Gateron Ink Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile are two options that stand out in their respective categories. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch that is perfect for those with a lighter typing style. With its lower actuation force, this switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. It produces a crispy and clacky sound profile that adds a satisfying touch to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile is a tactile switch that offers a completely different experience. With a pronounced tactile bump and a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke on this switch provides a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging and immersive journey. Additionally, the Wuque Heavy Tactile Switches provide a captivating sound profile with their nylon housings contributing to a "thocky" resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences perfectly.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and WS Heavy Tactile differ in their housing materials. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing. This distinction affects the sound profile of the switches. The Ink Red's INK blend top housing produces a pointed, high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both switches have different sound characteristics, they both provide a satisfying typing experience.
Additionally, the bottom housing of the switches plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel. The Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing contributes to the thin, high-pitched sound, mirroring the qualities of the top housing. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon bottom housing enhances the deeper and fuller sound. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is noticeable. Therefore, the two switches offer distinct tactile experiences due to their different bottom housing materials.
Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the switches, the impact on sound is more prominent when letting go of a key rather than when typing. The top housing is responsible for the sound when a key is released, and this component has a more significant influence in this regard. Both the Ink Red's INK blend and the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon contribute to the final sound when the key is released, albeit with their unique qualities. Therefore, while the overall sound profiles differ, the switches still deliver satisfactory results when it comes to the sound upon releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, several differences can be observed. The Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, it is worth noting that the bottom out force of the Ink Red is 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the WS Heavy Tactile is 45 grams, indicating that the Ink Red requires a heavier force to press all the way down. This makes the Ink Red switch suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a lighter bottom out force, which may be preferred by individuals who seek a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of weight and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch have contrasting travel distances. The Ink Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Ink Red is more traditional, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a shallower travel distance of 3.2 mm, which is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile may be the better option. Conversely, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial key press, the Ink Red with its longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. The contrasting travel distances cater to the diverse preferences of keyboard users, ensuring that there is an option available for everyone.
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 Heavy Tactile 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 smooth and effortless typing experience. It has a lower actuation force, which makes it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. In terms of sound, the Ink Red is described as having a neutral sound profile, with a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. It also has a crispy and clacky sound, giving it a unique acoustic signature.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a remarkable tactile experience. With a tactile force of 70g, each keystroke provides a satisfying resistance, making typing an engaging journey. The WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The nylon housings used in these switches contribute to a "thocky" resonance, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keypress.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch is known for its silky and polished characteristics. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The feel of the Ink Red is mild, standing in a safe middle ground zone that is approachable to most users.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, on the other hand, has a more pronounced tactile feel. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overpowering or scratchy. The switch offers an invigorating and snappy feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. It also provides a bouncy and sharp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Ink Red is smooth and effortless to type on, with a neutral sound profile and a mild feel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a remarkable tactile experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with an invigorating and snappy feel. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a lighter typing style and a switch with a medium actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is the way to go. It offers a satisfyingly smooth and effortless typing experience, with a sound profile that can be described as neutral or chirpy. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more engaging and immersive typing journey with a pronounced tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is the better choice. With a lighter bottom out force and a range of descriptors including accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, these switches provide a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a captivating sound profile, with characteristics such as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a smooth linear switch or a tactile switch with pronounced feedback. Both switches offer unique experiences that can enhance your typing enjoyment.
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