Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth considering are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch known for its shorter travel, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch offers a pleasing smoothness and clackiness, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch strikes a harmonious balance between familiarity and innovation. With a medium-light actuation force, it ensures both responsiveness and comfort, making it a great choice for fatigue-free typing during long, extended sessions. What sets these switches apart is the auditory experience they offer – the WS Brown switch provides enthusiasts with a delightful sound thanks to its nylon housing and POM stem combination. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affect the sound produced by each switch. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This results in a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Yellow.

Similarly, the bottom housing of the Ink Yellow and WS Brown switches also impacts the overall sound and feel. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to the switch's pointed and high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. When pressing down on the Ink Yellow, users can expect a satisfying clacky sound and feel. As for the WS Brown, its nylon bottom housing allows for a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience. The softness of the nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder bottom-out sound.

While there are differences between the top and bottom housing materials of the Ink Yellow and WS Brown switches, it's important to note that they both deliver an enjoyable typing experience. The top housing plays a key role in the sound produced when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing a key. Whether you prefer the pointed and clacky sound of the Ink Yellow or the deeper and fuller sound of the WS Brown, both switches provide unique auditory experiences that enhance typing satisfaction.

Weight

When it comes to comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams, providing a medium-heavy amount of force required to trigger a keystroke. It also has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a slightly heavier push feel when pressing all the way down. In contrast, the specific actuation force of the WS Brown is unavailable. However, its bottom out force is recorded as 55 grams, suggesting a medium-light touch.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Brown would be a suitable choice due to its lower bottom out force. This lighter touch allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for tasks that require extensive keyboard use or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing sensation may find the Ink Yellow more appealing. With its higher actuation and bottom out forces, this switch offers a stronger push feel, providing a greater sense of feedback and satisfaction during each keystroke.

Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference. If a lighter switch is desired, the medium-light WS Brown would be a suitable option. If instead, a heavier force is preferred to enhance the typing experience, the medium-heavy Ink Yellow may be the better choice. Regardless of the choice, both switches can deliver satisfying results within their respective force profiles.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Brown has the longer travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow. The difference between the two switches may seem minimal, but it can make a noticeable impact on the overall typing or gaming experience.

Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. The Ink Yellow's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm may be more suitable for those who prioritize quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying typing experience, the WS Brown's longer travel distance of 3.8 mm may be a better choice.

Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Both switches offer their own advantages and it is important to consider factors such as typing style, preferences, and the desired level of responsiveness when making a decision.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow is characterized as having a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. It is considered a neutral switch, suitable for various purposes and skill levels. When pressed, it produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of its characteristics. The switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no specific information available for the feel of the Wuque Studio WS Brown switch.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Wuque Studio WS Brown switches have their own unique qualities. The Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for those who desire a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It provides a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, and its sound can be described as neutral and clacky. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. Although there is no information available about its sound and feel specifically, it is known for its familiar and delightful auditory experience. Ultimately, if you are looking for a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, the Ink Yellow switch may be a good alternative due to its neutral sound profile and polished feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a typing experience that falls between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch offers a pleasant smoothness and clackiness that many users appreciate. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. In terms of feel, this switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you value a harmonious blend of familiarity and innovation, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch would be a fantastic option. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring fatigue-free typing during long sessions. The WS Brown switches also offer a delightful auditory experience, thanks to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the sound and feel characteristics of the WS Brown switches.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Brown will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth, clacky typing experience and a neutral sound profile, the Ink Yellow switch is the way to go. However, if you're looking for familiarity, innovation, and a tactile typing experience, the WS Brown switch is a great option. Both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that best suits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Brown Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more