Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear are two unique mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Silent Ink Black is renowned for its quiet typing capabilities, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is necessary. With its cushy and pillow-like bottom-out feel, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience with minimal audio feedback. In contrast, the WS Aurora Clear appeals to those seeking a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. Its transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing allow for vibrant and customizable RGB lighting. Additionally, the lightly lubed POM stem ensures minimal friction and a delightfully smooth keystroke. However, let's delve deeper into the intricacies of these switches to help you make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear have different housing materials that greatly affect their sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This gives it a satisfying, thin, and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the WS Aurora Clear.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches have different materials. The Gateron Silent Ink Black uses their proprietary INK blend, while the WS Aurora Clear utilizes UHWMPE. The INK blend results in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, similar to the top housing. Conversely, the use of UHWMPE in the WS Aurora Clear's bottom housing creates a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. This suggests that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound produced during bottom-out.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches share the characteristic of a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This means that while the Silent Ink Black may have a clackier sound, the WS Aurora Clear still offers a similar sound experience. Additionally, the top housing material is more crucial for the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down. Therefore, users can expect variations in sound and feel based on the materials used in each switch's top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The Silent Ink Black has a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. However, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a substantial push feel for typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Ink Black requires 70 grams of force, while the WS Aurora Clear requires 63.5 grams.
Considering weight is crucial when choosing a switch as it can impact typing endurance and overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the WS Aurora Clear, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for extended typing sessions without causing too much strain. This makes it ideal for occasions such as bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel may gravitate towards the Silent Ink Black. With slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces, this switch provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of weight, falling within the medium-heavy range.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference in their distances. The Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Silent Ink Black offers a more traditional and slightly deeper travel distance compared to the WS Aurora Clear. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the WS Aurora Clear with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who appreciate a deeper and more robust feeling when typing may lean towards the Silent Ink Black with its slightly longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
The Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is known for its muted characteristics. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. The Silent Ink Black switch is designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for environments that require quieter typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch is described as high-pitched. This means that it produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the WS Aurora Clear switch may be a better option for you. However, 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.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are known for their exceptional smoothness, enhancing the overall feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the switch, whether due to materials used or factory lubing, results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. The buttery characteristic implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild nature of the switch ensures a more gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users. Similar to the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch, the WS Aurora Clear switch also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, it is evident that the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Ink Black switch excels in providing a muted sound profile and a silky, polished typing experience. This makes it a great choice for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience with exceptional smoothness. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switch stands out with its high-pitched sound and buttery, mild typing feel. This switch is ideal for those seeking a sharp and crisp sound with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Whether you prefer a quieter and silkier typing experience or a sharper and buttery feel, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience in environments that require minimal noise, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is a great option for you. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and muted sound profile, this switch offers a cushiony bottom out feel with minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is the way to go. With its slightly lower bottom out force and high-pitched sound profile, these switches provide a satisfyingly smooth keystroke and allow for vibrant lighting effects. Both switches offer a polished finish for a sleek typing experience, but the Silent Ink Black is described as silky and refined, while the WS Aurora Clear is described as buttery and mild, suitable for most users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preferences for noise level, typing feel, and lighting customization. So consider your needs and make the decision that best suits your typing style.
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