Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Brown are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The Silent Ink Black is perfect for environments that require a quieter typing experience, thanks to its silenced design. With its cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch creates a serene typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Brown switches strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ideal for fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Its medium-light actuation force ensures effortless keystrokes, while the familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination provide a delightful audible experience cherished by enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and Wuque Studio WS Brown differ in the material used for their top housing. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the WS Brown utilizes a nylon top housing. The INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black is known for producing a thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Brown creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Silent Ink Black. Therefore, users can expect a contrasting sound experience when typing on these switches, with the Silent Ink Black offering a sharper, clackier sound and the WS Brown providing a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Wuque Studio WS Brown utilize the same proprietary INK blend material. This means that the qualities brought by the bottom housing to these switches are similar. The INK blend bottom housing is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which can also be described as clacky. Therefore, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect similar results from both the Silent Ink Black and WS Brown. However, it is important to note that the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key, so differences may arise in this aspect.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Wuque Studio WS Brown will primarily depend on the desired sound experience. The Silent Ink Black, with its proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, will provide a sharper and clackier sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Brown, featuring a nylon top and the same INK blend bottom housing, will offer a deeper and fuller sound. Whether one prefers a thinner and higher-pitched sound or a duller and rounder sound will determine which switch is more suitable. Both switches, however, share the benefit of a high-quality bottom housing that contributes to a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Ink Black has a slightly heavier touch. The Silent Ink Black requires a force of 60 grams to activate a keystroke, whereas the specific actuation force for the WS Brown is unavailable. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Ink Black is 70 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the WS Brown, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter touch of the WS Brown, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more robust and substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch have different travel distances. The Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Silent Ink Black falls in line with the more traditional 4 mm travel distance, providing a standard depth and feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the WS Brown offers a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.8 mm, which may appeal to gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt, and may prefer the longer travel distance of the Silent Ink Black for a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Silent Ink Black offering a more traditional feel and the WS Brown providing a slightly faster response time with its shorter 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 Brown 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
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is best known for its silenced version, making it ideal for quieter typing environments. It provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. This switch produces a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort. It has a medium-light actuation force, ensuring fatigue-free typing during extended sessions. Typing on these switches offers a familiar and delightful auditory experience that enthusiasts cherish due to their nylon housing and POM stem combination. Unfortunately, there is no specific description of the sound produced by the WS Brown switch.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished. Silky switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches enhances the overall smoothness and sleekness of the typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific description of the feel provided for the WS Brown switch.
Overall, the Silent Ink Black and WS Brown switches offer different qualities. The Silent Ink Black switch excels in providing a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, and it produces a muted sound. On the other hand, the WS Brown switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, providing a familiar and delightful auditory experience. While the sound qualities of the WS Brown switch are unknown, its tactile nature may provide a satisfying typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user. It is important to consider other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices to achieve the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are in an environment that requires quieter typing and you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback and produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switches provide a silky and polished typing experience, with exceptionally smooth key travel and reduced friction.
On the other hand, if you value a harmonious balance between responsiveness and comfort, with a medium-light bottom out force, the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch would be more suitable for you. These switches offer a delightful auditory experience, thanks to their familiar nylon housing and POM stem combination. While the sound description for WS Brown switches is not mentioned, they are known for providing a fatigue-free typing experience during extended sessions.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Brown tactile switch depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound, and feel to make an informed decision that aligns with your typing needs.
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