Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer unique typing experiences. The Silent Ink Black is a linear switch loved for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. Its cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback provide a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile is a tactile switch known for its smoothness and the presence of a tactile bump, which enhances typing accuracy. With a neutral sound signature and easy-to-press keys, it offers a satisfying typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound, described as clacky, while the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the WS Light Tactile allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. While the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black may not offer the same translucency, it still delivers a satisfying sound experience.
The difference in bottom housing materials further distinguishes the Silent Ink Black and the WS Light Tactile. The INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black mirrors the top housing in its high-pitched sound profile, contributing to a clacky typing experience. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Light Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound, creating a rounder typing feel. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a less sharp and more muted sound profile compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. While both switches offer unique characteristics due to their different housing materials, they ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience in their own ways. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the WS Light Tactile or the clacky feel of Gateron's INK blend in the Silent Ink Black, both switches deliver top-notch performance based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it becomes evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The Silent Ink Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile tactile switch has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the WS Light Tactile switch make it ideal for users looking for a smoother typing experience with less resistance. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the Silent Ink Black switch provide a more substantial and satisfying push feel, which some users prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Silent Ink Black offering a heavier option and the WS Light Tactile providing a lighter alternative for a desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches offer a consistent experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. With this similarity, users can expect similar results in terms of the feel and performance of the switches when typing or gaming. The travel distance of 4 mm for both switches ensures a comfortable and responsive typing experience for users.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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 linear switch offers a muted typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various settings. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, so the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined keypress. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a stepped feel with a mild tactile bump, making it easy to press and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. These differences in tactile feedback and actuation force can cater to different typing preferences, with the Silent Ink Black offering a softer and cushioned bottom-out feel compared to the WS Light Tactile's responsive and low-impact typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to specific preferences in typing experiences. If you are seeking a quieter typing experience with a soft cushioned feel, the Silent Ink Black would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump with a neutral sound signature and easy-to-press keys, the WS Light Tactile switch may be more to your liking. Both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, so consider your preferences and typing habits when choosing between them.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the environment and your typing preferences. If you value a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy the cushiony feel of a silenced switch, then the Silent Ink Black may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch with a snappy bump and a neutral sound profile, along with easy-to-press keys for effortless typing, then the WS Light Tactile might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using it most frequently.
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