Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both offer unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Ink Yellow is celebrated for its shorter travel, providing a typing experience that strikes a balance between the feel of a laptop keyboard and a traditional mechanical setup. This switch excels in delivering a smooth and mildly clacky sound, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy dynamic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS POM+ stands out as an all-POM switch, renowned for its deep and satisfying "thock" sound signature combined with an exceptionally buttery-smooth keystroke. These characteristics make it a great option for users seeking a more robust and rich auditory experience. Both switches present compelling features, but your choice ultimately depends on your personal typing style and sound preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both utilize distinct materials for their housing that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Ink Yellow features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound that is characterized as pointed, high-pitched, and somewhat clacky. This specific material composition imparts a satisfying auditory experience that is more pronounced upon release, making it particularly appealing to those who appreciate a higher-pitched sound when typing. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its housings, which generates a deeper and more muted sound profile. The use of POM gives the WS POM+ a distinct aural character that is less pronounced but equally appealing to users who prefer a more subdued and richly textured auditory experience.
Interestingly, while both switches exhibit a significant variation in sound profiles due to their respective housing materials, the impact of each housing on the overall typing experience is nuanced. The Ink Yellow, with its combined INK blend for both top and bottom housings, ensures that both the bottom-out sound and feel remain consistent and aimed towards a higher, iconic clack. Conversely, the WS POM+, with its softer and deeper sound coming from POM material, offers a different tactile sensation that contributes primarily to the bottom-out experience. Because the POM bottom housing tends to have more dampening qualities, it lessens the sharpness of sound that one might expect from a switch, fostering a typing experience that emphasizes comfort and a relaxed sound signature.
In terms of performance, the key takeaway is that while both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ utilize different materials, they each bring their unique characteristics into play, leading to various auditory experiences during typing. The Ink Yellow's focused, high-pitched clack offers an engaging experience that will resonate with users who enjoy a lively sound, whereas the WS POM+ fosters a deep, muted sound profile that caters to those seeking a more subdued and elegant typing environment. Ultimately, users seeking similar results can find satisfaction in the way these switches will both deliver on gameplay and typing feedback, despite their differing sound signatures informed by their material compositions.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Yellow requires a stronger actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, positioning it in the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the WS POM+ is lighter, needing just 45 grams for actuation and 55 grams for bottoming out, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that for users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the WS POM+ would be the better choice, while those who seek a more substantial feel with a heavier push would lean towards the Ink Yellow. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, their differing forces cater to distinct typing experiences, favoring lighter touch versus a firmer interaction.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the Ink Yellow features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS POM+ offers a slightly longer distance of 3.6 mm. Consequently, the Ink Yellow is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times for a more agile typing experience. On the other hand, the WS POM+ provides a more substantial depth, potentially catering to users who favor a more tactile feedback and a less abrupt feel while typing. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be the preferable choice, while the WS POM+ might be suited for those who value a deeper travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
The Wuque Studio WS POM+ comes in at $3.90 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, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch boasts a unique blend of characteristics. This switch exhibits a clacky profile, which offers a sharp and snappy auditory response when pressed, appealing to those who enjoy a more vibrant, percussive typing experience. It's further categorized as neutral, meaning that while it has a distinct sound, it remains moderate enough to be suitable for various environments, making it an excellent choice both for home and work settings. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch is recognized for its deeper, satisfying "thock" sound signature. While it lacks the clackiness of the Ink Yellow, its sound may cater to users seeking a more muted yet rich audio experience. Since sound perception is heavily influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches can deliver satisfying auditory results depending on the overall assembly.
Regarding feel, the Ink Yellow switch is characterized by its mild and polished qualities. This combination ensures that the typing experience remains gentle and approachable, making it ideal for users who prefer comfort without an overly pronounced tactile response. The meticulous design of the Ink Yellow also allows for a smooth key travel due to reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing fluidity. Conversely, the feel of the WS POM+ remains unspecified in this context, leaving its tactile feedback and performance characteristics unknown. This uncertainty might lead some users to wonder about its performance, especially when compared to the already established smoothness of the Ink Yellow.
In summary, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a balanced combination of clacky sound and comfortable, polished feel that accommodates both novice and experienced typists, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ presents an alternative with its distinctive "thock" sound. Despite the unknown qualities of the WS POM+ in terms of feel, potential users can expect that both switches will provide a refined typing experience, tailored to different preferences in auditory feedback and tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will be guided by individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that strikes a balance between laptop comfort and traditional mechanical responsiveness, the Ink Yellow is an excellent choice. Its shorter travel distance, combined with a smooth, clacky sound profile, can provide an engaging typing experience that's suitable for a variety of environments—be it home, office, or gaming. Conversely, if you favor a lighter touch with a deeper, more satisfying "thock" sound, the WS POM+ would be the better selection. The all-POM construction not only contributes to its buttery-smooth keystrokes but also enhances the overall acoustic profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more tactile experience without the effort of a heavier switch. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you wish to blend comfort, sound, and feedback in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
