Gateron Ink Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear. The Ink Red is a linear switch that is best known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. It provides a satisfyingly smooth typing experience, accompanied by a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque are designed to elevate your office and work experience. These switches excel in reducing switch noise with innovative stem railings and discreet cutouts, while still delivering exceptional responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches do not use silicone dampeners, resulting in a distinct typing experience without the usual cushioned sensation. They offer a seamless blend of tranquility and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Red switch features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is described as pointed and relatively high-pitched, without being excessively sharp. This creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the two switches also showcase distinct characteristics. The Ink Red switch's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall clacky feel. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch employs a nylon bottom housing, which further enhances the switch's deep and full sound profile. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound creates a softer and more muted bottom-out sound.
When comparing the two switches, it is evident that the top and bottom housing materials significantly impact the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. While the Ink Red switch tends to have a sharper and clacky sound due to its INK blend housing, the WS Silent Linear switch produces a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing. However, it is important to note that both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different sound characteristics. Therefore, regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer similar levels of quality and performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The Gateron Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which fall in the medium range. On the other hand, the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is currently unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the bottom out force of the WS Silent Linear is 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Gateron Ink Red.
The weight of the switches is worth considering for individuals who have specific preferences in their typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Gateron Ink Red may be more suitable, as the lighter actuation and bottom out force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards for extended work or gaming sessions.
However, for those who prefer a stronger and more substantial typing experience, the WS Silent Linear may be a better choice with its slightly heavier bottom out force. This can provide a greater sense of feedback and satisfaction while typing, although it may cause fatigue more quickly for some individuals.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Red has a medium actuation force and bottom out force, while the specific actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is currently unknown but it has a medium-heavy bottom out force. Both switches offer their own advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference when selecting the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Ink Red's travel distance of 4 mm is more in line with the traditional travel distance, whereas the WS Silent Linear's 3.5 mm is on the shallower side. This may be a preference for gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter travel distances are favored by them. Those who value a more responsive typing experience may find the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Linear preferable. However, for those who prefer a deeper keypress, the Ink Red's longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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
When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches fall under the category of neutral switches. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, the Ink Red switches have a unique characteristic of being chirpy, adding a little squeak to the sound profile, which sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches are described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. They also have a subdued sound signature, offering a more subtle sound compared to most switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Ink Red and WS Silent Linear switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. A mild switch offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as their qualities lie in a safe middle-ground zone. However, the Ink Reds are additionally described as silky and polished. A silky switch refers to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished characteristic indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing. The WS Silent Linear switches do not have any specific descriptors related to their feel, suggesting that they provide a similar mild typing experience without any distinct additional qualities.
In summary, both the Gateron Ink Red and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches have their own unique qualities while sharing similarities in terms of sound and feel. They both fall under the neutral category in terms of sound, with the Ink Reds being chirpy and the WS Silent Linear switches being muted and subdued. In terms of feel, both offer a mild typing experience, but the Ink Reds go further by providing a silky and polished feel. Therefore, if you are looking for a linear switch with a lighter actuation force and a satisfyingly smooth feel, the Gateron Ink Red would be a great choice. If you prefer a switch with reduced noise and a more subtle sound profile, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches would be a suitable option, providing tranquility and precision.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prefer a lighter typing style and enjoy a switch with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red would be an excellent choice for you. These linear switches are known for their satisfyingly smooth feel and crispy, clacky sound profile. Additionally, the Ink Red switches offer a neutral sound, providing a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, the Ink Red switches are described as silky, mild, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience and are looking for a switch that significantly reduces switch noise, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches would be the ideal option. These linear switches feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, effectively reducing noise while maintaining exceptional responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches do not utilize silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience that is devoid of the usual cushioned sensation. The WS Silent Linear switches are described as having a neutral, muted, and subdued sound profile, minimizig the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, these switches have a mild characteristic, offering a more gentle typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between Gateron Ink Red and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches depends on your personal preferenes. If you prioritize a lighter typing style and a switch with a lower actuation force, the Ink Red switches would be the better option for you. Conversely, if you value a quieter typing experience and wish to reduce switch noise, the WS Silent Linear switches would be the ideal choice. Both switches offer smooth and satisfying typing experiences, but they differ in terms of sound and noise reduction. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and noise tolerance when making your decision.
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