Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black to the Wuque Studio WS Jade mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately see stark differences in their key characteristics. The Silent Ink Black is ideal for those who prioritize a quiet typing environment, offering a cushioned bottom-out feel with minimal noise feedback, and is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the WS Jade stands out for its use of a metallic insert in the stem base, creating a bright and resonant sound profile, along with a unique light diffuser for an RGB display. The typing experience with the WS Jade is described as creamy, smooth, and rock-solid, falling under the categories of 'Clacky', 'Marbly', 'Resonant', 'Silky', and 'Creamy'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron Silent Ink Black uses a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing. This material offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a satisfying and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing. POM housings create a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a unique typing experience that is different from the Gateron Silent Ink Black.
Although both switches use different housing materials, they each offer a distinct typing experience. The Gateron Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing contributes to a higher-pitched sound when releasing a key, while the POM top housing of the WS Jade creates a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the bottom housings of each switch also play a role in the overall sound and feel of typing. The INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, while the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade adds to the overall depth and resonance of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Jade will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent Ink Black offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, the WS Jade provides a deeper and more muted sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so trying out both to see which housing material suits your typing style best may be the best approach. Ultimately, whether you prefer the pointed and high-pitched sound of the INK blend or the deeper and more muted sound of POM, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that can enhance your overall typing performance.
Weight
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch. The Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 70 grams to bottom out, which provides a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the WS Jade only needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, offering a medium force level. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the WS Jade more suitable, as it requires less force to type, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent Ink Black for its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, we find that the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Silent Ink Black falls into the more traditional range of travel distances at 4 mm, while the WS Jade offers a slightly shallower travel distance at 3.6 mm. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Jade for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Silent Ink Black with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences due to their respective travel distances, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Jade comes in at $4.30 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 Silent Ink Black switch is known for its muted sound profile, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch offers a clacky sound with a metallic resonance, providing a unique auditory experience. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black would be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy a more percussive and resonant sound, the WS Jade would be more to your liking.
In terms of feel, both the Silent Ink Black and WS Jade switches are described as silky, offering smooth typing experiences with minimal resistance. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switch is noted for its pillow-like bottom-out feel, while the WS Jade switch provides a uniquely creamy and smooth typing sensation, thanks to the metallic insert in its stem base. Both switches offer a polished finish, further enhancing the smoothness of the typing feel. If you enjoy a silky and refined typing experience, either switch would suit your preferences.
Overall, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and Wuque Studio WS Jade switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Ink Black provides a muted sound profile and a plush bottom-out feel, making it ideal for quieter environments. In contrast, the WS Jade switch offers a clacky sound with a metallic resonance and a creamy, smooth typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and environment. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience due to their silky feel and polished finish.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, you should consider your typing environment and preferences. If you are in need of a quieter typing experience and enjoy a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright metallic sound profile with a light diffuser for a visually appealing RGB display, along with a creamy and smooth typing experience, the WS Jade would be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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