Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ both stand out as excellent options for linear switch enthusiasts, yet they cater to distinct typing preferences. The Silent Ink Black is revered for its ultra-quiet performance, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. With its cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and silky, polished action, it delivers a typing experience that emphasizes comfort and discretion. In contrast, the WS POM+ offers a more pronounced acoustic feedback with its deep "thock" sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more auditory engagement while typing. Its buttery-smooth keystroke adds a layer of satisfaction to each press, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who appreciate both sound and performance. Both switches are exceptional in their own right, but they serve different needs in the 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
55g
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
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, a marked contrast emerges in the sound profiles these materials produce. The Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This characteristic results in a clacky auditory experience that many users find satisfying when typing. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a deeper and more muted sound profile that many may describe as uniquely pleasing. This diverging auditory experience indicates that users seeking a sharper sound may prefer the Gateron switch, while those looking for a subtler tone might gravitate towards the WS POM+.
The splitting of sound characteristics between the top and bottom housings further emphasizes the distinct roles these materials play in the switches. For the Silent Ink Black switches, the INK blend is responsible for creating a high-pitched sound both when pressing down and when releasing the key. This consistency in sound profile suggests that the qualities of the INK blend are dominant throughout the entire typing experience. In comparison, the POM housings of the WS POM+ produce a sound that is more muted on bottoming out, with the top housing contributing to an overall deeper tone. This indicates that the WS POM+ aims for a cohesive and smooth auditory experience, diverging from the sharpness associated with the Gateron switches.
Despite these differences in sound profiles and material characteristics, the user experience can still yield comparable results depending on personal preference. Both switches serve specific audiences, with the Silent Ink Black offering an appealing clack for those who enjoy pronounced feedback. Conversely, the WS POM+ invites users who appreciate a more subdued feedback loop. Both switches maintain distinct qualities that impact the feel and sound, but ultimately, they cater to different tactile experiences. Users familiar with one of the switches may find aspects of the other that resonate with their preferences, albeit shaped by the inherent qualities of each material.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, a clear distinction in actuation and bottom out force emerges. The Silent Ink Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the WS POM+ has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to users who prefer a softer touch, which can ease long typing sessions and gaming marathons. Thus, the Silent Ink Black is better described as medium-heavy, while the WS POM+ is categorized as medium-light. Due to these differences in force, users will experience varying tactile feedback and fatigue levels, making the lighter WS POM+ a more comfortable option for prolonged use, whereas the heavier Silent Ink Black may be favored by those who enjoy a firmer resistance under their fingers.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the Silent Ink Black offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS POM+ has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference might influence user preference: those who favor a more traditional and substantial feel while typing might lean towards the Silent Ink Black, appreciating its additional depth. On the other hand, gamers or users looking for quicker response times may prefer the WS POM+, as its shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding the tactile feedback of the key press.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches, the differences are quite pronounced. The Silent Ink Black switch is characterized by a muted sound, making it an excellent choice for quiet environments where minimal audio feedback is preferred. With its design aimed at reducing the typical noise associated with mechanical switches, users will experience a typing experience that prioritizes silence. Conversely, while specific descriptions of the WS POM+ sound profile are not provided, it is noted that it offers a deep “thock” sound signature. This suggests that, despite also being a linear switch, the WS POM+ would likely produce a richer and more resonant auditory feedback compared to the Silent Ink Black.
In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black offers a notably silky and polished typing experience, providing a sense of smoothness and refinement that eases key presses. This enhances the user’s overall comfort and efficiency while typing, as the reduced friction allows for effortless keystrokes and a cushy bottom-out feel. There is, however, a lack of information on the feel characteristics of the WS POM+, which limits a direct comparison in this area. Without specific descriptors, it's challenging to evaluate how it may stack up against the Silent Ink Black's ample smoothness and comfort.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is a superb option thanks to its muted sound and silky feel, making it ideal for shared spaces or environments where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the WS POM+ appears to be aimed at users who appreciate a satisfying acoustic feedback alongside an exceptional typing experience, with an emphasis on deep sound. Ultimately, while the two switches cater to different preferences—quiet operation versus acoustically pleasing feedback—they both offer distinctive qualities, leaving users to choose based on their specific typing needs and environment.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches hinges on your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you require a quieter typing experience, perhaps due to a shared workspace or late-night gaming sessions, the Silent Ink Black is ideal. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams combined with a silky and polished feel provides a cushioned landing with minimal noise, making it a perfect fit for maintaining focus and reducing disruptions. On the other hand, if you value a lighter touch with a more satisfying auditory feedback, the WS POM+ might be the way to go. With a 55-gram actuation force, this switch allows for quicker key presses and lends itself to a satisfying "thock" sound, enhancing your typing experience with every keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize silence and a heavier feel or a lighter touch with a more pronounced acoustic signature in your mechanical keyboard.
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