Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch that offers a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard. With its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, this switch provides a satisfying tactile feel without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile from Wuque Studio brings a different flavor to the table. With a remarkable pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying resistance of 70g, this switch ensures that every keystroke is an engaging and immersive journey. Additionally, the nylon housings of the Wuque switches create a "thocky" resonance, resulting in a satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics so you can determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile 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 Heavy Tactile have different housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch. The Ink Yellow utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, which is described as clacky. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile features a nylon top housing and a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material and is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic and sound-absorbing properties. Overall, the housing materials of the Ink Yellow and WS Heavy Tactile differ in their sound characteristics, with the Ink Yellow having a sharper sound and the WS Heavy Tactile having a rounder sound.

While the top housing materials of the Ink Yellow and WS Heavy Tactile differ, both switches share a common characteristic in their bottom housing material. Both switches use Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile for the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will experience a similar impact and sound regardless of the top housing material. However, when it comes to the sound produced when releasing a key, the top housing material plays a more significant role. The INK blend of the Ink Yellow is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile creates a duller and rounder sound.

In terms of sound profile and feel, the housing materials of the Ink Yellow and WS Heavy Tactile contribute different characteristics. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing brings a clacky and higher-pitched sound, creating a satisfying and unique typing experience. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, resulting in a different auditory experience. Similarly, the differences in the bottom housing materials also contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow maintains the sharp and high-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the WS Heavy Tactile adds to the switch's rounder sound. Overall, the housing materials of the Ink Yellow and WS Heavy Tactile offer distinct typing experiences, with the Ink Yellow providing a clacky and pointed sound, while the WS Heavy Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, we find notable differences. The Ink Yellow switch has an actuation force of 60 grams, which means that it requires a moderate amount of force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unavailable, making it difficult to determine the exact force required to activate it. However, it is important to note that the bottom out force of the Ink Yellow switch is 67 grams, slightly heavier than its actuation force. This indicates that users may experience a more substantial typing experience when pressing the keys all the way down. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is relatively lighter.

Considering weight preferences, users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time may find the Ink Yellow switch more suitable, as its actuation force is moderate and the bottom out force is slightly heavier. This makes it ideal for situations such as long work hours or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience might opt for the WS Heavy Tactile switch, with its potentially higher actuation force (although it is currently unavailable) combined with a lighter bottom out force.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a balanced typing experience. The exact actuation force of the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is unknown, but its light bottom out force suggests a potentially lighter and more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. For those who prioritize a more responsive feel, the Ink Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance may be the preferred option. However, individuals who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keypress experience may find that the WS Heavy Tactile switch, despite its slightly shorter travel distance, offers a more satisfying typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired feel while using them.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are described as clacky. A clacky switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and percussive auditory feedback. However, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is also described as high-pitched and resonant, offering a cleaner and sharper sound profile compared to the Ink Yellow's neutral sound. 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. So while the Ink Yellow provides a pleasant clackiness, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a more immersive and distinct auditory experience.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is described as having a mild and polished feel. A mild switch offers a gentler typing experience, while the polished finish provides smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a more accented feel. It falls into the category of medium tactile switches, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and lively key feel. It also offers an invigorating and sharp tactile bump, delivering a pronounced and reactive typing sensation. The Snappy attribute further enhances its responsiveness, making the typing experience feel more alive. Overall, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a more tactile and engaging typing experience compared to the Ink Yellow's mild and polished feel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Ink Yellow switch has a neutral sound profile with a pleasant clackiness and provides a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, delivering a more immersive auditory experience. It also provides an accented and bouncy feel, with a pronounced and sharp tactile bump, resulting in an invigorating and responsive typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences, the choice between these two switches will result in distinct typing experiences. However, if you desire a similar auditory and tactile experience to the WS Heavy Tactile switch, the Ink Yellow can provide a satisfactory alternative.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. On the other hand, if you want a more engaging and immersive typing journey, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch is worth considering. With a light bottom out force of 45 grams, it provides a profound and pronounced tactile bump, making each keystroke satisfyingly resistant. Additionally, the Wuque Heavy Tactile Switches have a captivating sound profile with a "thocky" resonance, while the Ink Yellow offers a neutral sound profile with a clacky and percussive tone. In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow is mild and polished, offering a gentle and sleek typing experience. On the contrary, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a more pronounced and responsive feedback sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more