Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear both offer unique and enticing features. The Silent Ink Black is ideal for those who value a quieter typing experience, as it offers a cushion-like feel and minimal audio feedback. Categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', this switch is perfect for environments where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque elevate office and work experiences by providing exceptional responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. These switches utilize ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts to reduce switch noise, without the use of silicone dampeners. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Subdued', they offer a distinct and precise 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches differ in terms of their composition. The Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear features nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon and its ability to absorb more sound. Therefore, while the Silent Ink Black offers a clacky, higher-pitched sound, the WS Silent Linear provides a duller and rounder sound experience.
Another contrasting aspect between the two housing materials lies in their impact on the feel of typing. With the Silent Ink Black's INK blend bottom housing, the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by its pointed and clacky characteristics. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound during the bottom-out phase. This discrepancy results in a difference in tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, some similarities and differences become apparent. The actuation force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black is 60 grams, while the WS Silent Linear's actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Silent Ink Black at 70 grams and the WS Silent Linear at 63.5 grams.
In terms of weight, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. This can provide a more substantial typing experience, particularly for those who desire a more tactile response. On the other hand, since the actuation force of the WS Silent Linear is unknown, it is challenging to determine its exact weight characteristics.
Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, indicating that the typing experience may be similar in terms of the force required to press the keys all the way down. This can be beneficial for individuals who tend to bottom out their keystrokes frequently, as it provides a satisfying feedback and can help reduce finger fatigue.
Ultimately, the Gateron Silent Ink Black can be considered the heavier option due to its known actuation force, while the weight of the WS Silent Linear remains uncertain. However, for individuals who prioritize lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, they might lean towards the Gateron Silent Ink Black due to its slightly lower actuation force. Conversely, those seeking a stronger push feel and a more tactile typing experience might opt for the WS Silent Linear if its actuation force aligns with their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. This difference in travel distance makes the WS Silent Linear switch more suitable for gamers who prefer faster response times, as the shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preference, with the WS Silent Linear providing a quicker response and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offering a more satisfying depth.
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 Silent Linear 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is known for its muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, making it ideal for environments that require a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It is not completely silent, but it does produce a more subdued sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or in the office. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. A silky switch refers to a switch that provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished finish of this switch further enhances the smoothness of the typing feel, resulting in a sleek experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The WS Silent Linear switch stands in a safe middle-ground zone, ensuring a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Ink Black switch provides a muted sound profile and a silky, polished typing experience, while the WS Silent Linear switch offers a more neutral, subdued sound and a mild typing experience. Both switches excel in reducing noise, making them ideal for quieter environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the specific preferences and requirements of the user. However, it is important to note that individual factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used will also have an impact on the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you find yourself in an environment that requires quieter typing, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be an excellent choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a cushion-like feel and minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking to elevate your office or work experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch would be a great option. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it delivers unparalleled responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out. It achieves this through ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts, effectively reducing switch noise. Unlike traditional silent switches, the WS Silent Linear switches provide a distinct typing experience that combines tranquility with precision, without the usual cushioned sensation. Additionally, they are described as having a mild feel, making them approachable to most users. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches depends on your specific requirements for noise level, typing experience, and preference for bottom out force.
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