Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch that offers a shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard. Known for its smoothness and clackiness, this switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch by Wuque is a tactile switch that strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. It features ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, resulting in an impressively silent profile without the need for silicone dampeners. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Muted', this switch offers a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. However, let's delve deeper into these switches to help you make an informed decision based on your specific preferences and requirements.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$4.20 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile differ in terms of sound profile. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, those who prefer a sharper and clackier sound may lean towards the Ink Yellow, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may prefer the WS Silent Tactile.

Similarly, the bottom housing materials of these switches also contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing shares the same characteristics as its top housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when the keys bottom out. Therefore, the choice between these two switches' bottom housings will depend on whether one prefers a sharper or a duller sound upon bottoming out the keys.

It is important to note that while the top and bottom housing materials of the Ink Yellow and WS Silent Tactile differ, they both exhibit unique sound characteristics based on their respective materials. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, which can be described as clacky. In comparison, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Although the specific qualities may differ, both switches provide distinct and satisfying sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of overall sound experience from these switches, with variations in pitch and depth based on the materials used in their housing construction.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams, while the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare the two. However, both switches have a bottom out force in the medium-heavy range. The Ink Yellow requires 67 grams to bottom out, slightly heavier than the WS Silent Tactile which has a weight of 63.5 grams to bottom out.

The weight of a switch is an important consideration for many users. Those who prefer lighter switches often find it beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. A lighter switch, like the Gateron Ink Yellow, offers a smoother and more effortless typing experience, which can be ideal for those who require long periods of keyboard use. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel to enhance the tactile typing experience, resulting in a more substantial key press. For these users, switches with heavier forces, such as the WS Silent Tactile, may be preferable.

While the actuation force for the WS Silent Tactile is unknown, it is important to note that it should still provide a similar typing experience to the Gateron Ink Yellow if the actuation forces are comparable. Additionally, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, which ensures a satisfying and noticeable key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and the desired weight for extended use.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.5mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled. Consequently, you can expect similar results in terms of the feeling and response of these switches. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing a satisfying typing experience for users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer a moderate sound profile with a neutral tone. However, there are slight differences in the quality of sound produced. The Ink Yellow switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This creates a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. This switch minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a great choice for office and work environments. It's important to note that the sound of the switch can also be affected by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps, so individual preferences may vary.

In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature of the switch provides a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This contributes to a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers an invigorating and accented feel. The switch provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation. Similar to sound, individual preferences for feel can vary, and factors such as keycap thickness and lubing can also influence the typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch offer their own unique qualities. In terms of sound, the Ink Yellow switch provides a clacky and crisp sound, while the WS Silent Tactile switch delivers a softer and muted sound. When it comes to feel, the Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile switch provides an invigorating and accented feel. Both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for various intents and purposes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as the specific requirements of the user's environment.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is important to consider your specific preference for typing experience and noise level. If you are looking for a switch that offers a typing experience similar to that of a laptop or a standard mechanical keyboard, with a shorter travel and a smooth and clacky feel, then the Gateron Ink Yellow is an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet environment in your office or work setting, while still enjoying a medium level of tactility, the WS Silent Tactile switch by Wuque Studio is the perfect companion. It offers a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out, responsive return, and ingenious stem railings with small cutouts to minimize switch sound without compromising on tactile feedback.

In terms of sound, the Ink Yellow provides a more neutral and clacky tone, producing a crisp and bright sound, while the WS Silent Tactile offers a more muted profile, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

In regards to feel, the Ink Yellow offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle touch and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and smooth key travel. The WS Silent Tactile, on the other hand, provides an invigorating and accented tactile feel, giving a pronounced feedback without being overwhelming or scratchy.

Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to your personal preference for typing experience and noise level. Consider whether you prioritize a laptop-like feel with clackiness or a quieter work environment with medium tactility. Both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile Tactile

$4.20 per 10

Learn more