Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for a satisfying typing experience. The Ink Yellow is best known for its shorter travel, making it a great choice for those who want a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, this switch offers a rewarding tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Yellow introduces a timeless fusion of classic materials and cutting-edge engineering. It features a 22mm double-stage spring at its core, providing a delightful bounce while typing. Enthusiasts adore its familiar sound signature, thanks to its material blend. Crafted to be lightweight, these switches offer effortless keystrokes, ensuring a smooth and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the WS Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow is known for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Yellow creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic material. This difference in housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics when typing on these switches.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Ink Yellow utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, while the WS Yellow incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the WS Yellow, on the other hand, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys. Thus, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the sound and feel when pressing down on a key.
However, it is important to note that the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. So, while the Ink Yellow and WS Yellow may exhibit differences in sound characteristics when typing, their top housings could potentially produce similar results when it comes to the sound produced upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Gateron Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams, providing a medium-heavy resistance to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Yellow is unavailable, meaning the specific amount of force required to initiate a keystroke is unknown. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Yellow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the WS Yellow has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. Thus, if someone prefers a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the WS Yellow would be a suitable choice as it has a lower bottom out force. However, if one seeks a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces would be a better option. Overall, by considering the weight of the switches, individuals can determine their preferred typing or gaming experience - whether that entails selecting a lighter switch for increased comfort or a heavier one for a more robust and tactile response.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch have different travel distances. The Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Yellow has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of comparison, the Ink Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the WS Yellow.
If we consider the traditional travel distance range, which is typically around 4.0 mm, both the Ink Yellow and the WS Yellow fall below this range. This indicates that they both have relatively shallow travel distances. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow may be a suitable choice for you.
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 keypress experience, the WS Yellow with its longer travel distance might be a better option. The extra 0.3 mm of travel distance in the WS Yellow can provide a slightly more pronounced feedback and tactile sensation.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow both offer linear switches, they differ in terms of travel distance. The Ink Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the WS Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Depending on your preference for either a faster and more responsive typing experience or a deeper and more pronounced keypress feedback, you can choose between these switches accordingly.
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 Yellow comes in at $3.50 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 provides a pleasant and clacky typing experience. The sound is described as crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a certain satisfaction to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch's sound characteristics are unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you desire a similar sound profile to the Gateron Ink Yellow, pairing the WS Yellow switch with a compatible keyboard and keycaps may result in a comparable experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek key travel. This leads to effortless keystrokes and a fluid typing experience. Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. The switch's silky sensation and effortless keystrokes can be attributed to either factory lubrication or specific materials used. Overall, both switches provide a pleasant and approachable feel for most users.
Taking into account the available information, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both provide a clacky sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience. While the specific sound characteristics of the WS Yellow switch are unknown, it is possible to achieve a comparable sound by pairing it with a compatible keyboard and keycaps. Therefore, no matter which switch you choose, you can expect a typing experience that balances smoothness, clackiness, and a satisfying feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience, the Ink Yellow with its bottom out force of 67 grams may be more suitable for you. It offers a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Yellow with its bottom out force of 53 grams could be the switch for you. It features a 22mm double-stage spring that delivers a satisfying bounce, ensuring effortless keystrokes and a smooth and fluid typing experience. Additionally, the WS Yellow's material blend provides a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore.
In terms of sound, the Ink Yellow has a neutral and clacky sound profile, offering a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. The WS Yellow's sound profile is not explicitly described, so it may be more neutral or less clacky compared to the Ink Yellow, depending on your preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Ink Yellow is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Yellow is described as creamy, mild, and polished, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation.
Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow and Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a medium-heavy or medium-light typing experience, as well as the desired sound and feel profile. As both switches offer their own unique characteristics, it's important to weigh these factors to ensure you select the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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