Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and environments. The Silent Ink Black is renowned for its muted auditory feedback, making it an ideal choice for those who work in quieter spaces or prefer a more subdued typing experience. Its plush, pillow-like bottom-out feel ensures a comfort-focused typing journey, characterized by its silky and polished touch. On the contrary, the WS Dash switches introduce a lively, clacky sound signature that appeals to users seeking a vibrant auditory experience with every keystroke. As a Hall Effect switch, it delivers a smooth and refined typing experience, reminiscent of the popular Magnetic Jade but with its own unique flair. Both switches cater to different needs—whether you prioritize tranquility or a dynamic typing acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash, a clear distinction arises in their construction. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which yields a sound profile that is described as pointed and high-pitched, yet not excessively sharp. This particular blend provides a satisfying clacky sound that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the WS Dash employs a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, accentuating clarity and resonance. Both switches exhibit a higher-pitched sound, but the materials used inherently affect the nuances of their auditory feedback.
The bottom housing of each switch reveals another layer of contrast. The Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron’s INK blend material, mirroring the qualities found in its top housing with a high-pitched and pointed sound profile that maintains a consistent auditory experience. Conversely, the WS Dash incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is softer and offers a deeper, fuller sound. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively, creating a rounder auditory profile as compared to the Gateron INK blend's clackiness. The interplay of these materials means that, while both switches can produce engaging sound experiences, the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the softness of nylon markedly alters the tonal characteristics.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Silent Ink Black and the WS Dash illustrate how they will yield different sound profiles, particularly when analyzing their bottom-out sounds and key release feedback. Since the top housing impacts the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound, users may seek to achieve a specific auditory experience based on their preferences. Despite both switches presenting high-pitched characteristics, the Gateron Silent Ink Black aims for a consistent clacky nature, while the WS Dash leans towards a deeper tone, thanks to the nylon material. For those interested in experimenting with sound profiles, mixing and matching switches or focusing on specific features of either can provide unique results tailored to personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ink Black requires an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Dash features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. As a result, the Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a heavier feel, making it suitable for users who appreciate tactile feedback. Conversely, the WS Dash's lighter forces may be advantageous for long typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate, potentially reducing fatigue. Thus, if you're seeking a lighter switch for comfort over extended use, the WS Dash is the clear choice, while the Silent Ink Black caters to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Silent Ink Black the longer option, providing a more traditional depth that some users may prefer for a more satisfying keystroke. In contrast, the WS Dash's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, aligning with the trend toward more shallow switches in today's market. If you're looking for a balance between response and keystroke feel, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on your personal preference for depth versus speed.
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 Dash comes in at $7.49 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 designed to deliver a muted acoustic profile, making it ideal for quieter environments where noise reduction is essential. The sound produced by this switch is significantly softer, maintaining a low volume that minimizes the auditory distractions typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the WS Dash hall effect switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound signature, providing a more pronounced audio feedback with each keystroke. This contrast means that while the Silent Ink Black offers a serene typing experience, conducive to quiet workspaces, the WS Dash brings a lively auditory presence that some users may find more satisfying, though it may not be suitable for noise-sensitive settings.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Gateron Silent Ink Black excels with its silky and polished typing experience. Users can expect a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out that enhances comfort, further complemented by a smooth keystroke that minimizes resistance. This results in a typing experience that is not only pleasant but also remarkably effortless. In contrast, information on the feel characteristics of the WS Dash is currently unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, users familiar with hall effect switches often appreciate their smooth travel, which could suggest a satisfying tactile experience.
Taking all this into account, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hinges on the user’s specific preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a quiet operation and a silky smooth feel, the Silent Ink Black stands out as an excellent option. Conversely, if you're drawn to a more dynamic, clacky sound and a potentially enjoyable keystroke, then the WS Dash may suit your needs perfectly. Each switch offers distinct qualities, ensuring that whatever your choice, you’ll have a unique typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, your personal preferences and typing environment will play a crucial role. If you find yourself in a quiet workspace or an environment where noise can be disruptive, the Silent Ink Black is an excellent choice due to its muted sound profile and cushioned bottom-out feel. With a heavier actuation force of 70 grams, it offers a satisfying resistance that can enhance typing accuracy for those who prefer a firmer touch. On the other hand, if you're looking for an engaging and dynamic typing experience marked by a bright and clacky sound, the WS Dash might be your go-to switch. Its lighter actuation force of 55 grams allows for quicker key presses, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming or typing without sacrificing feel, thanks to its silky smooth keystroke. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the noise level of your surroundings, and what tactile feedback you enjoy most; this will guide you to the switch that best suits your needs.
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