Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile are two popular mechanical keyboard switches known for their quiet operation. The Silent Ink Black switch is ideal for environments that require a quieter typing experience. It offers a plush, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile by Wuque strikes a delicate balance between tactility and noise reduction. Crafted with precision, these switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, effectively minimizing switch sound while providing a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return. Unlike conventional silent switches, the WS Silent Tactile does not utilize silicone dampeners, resulting in a typing experience devoid of the usual padded feel found in most silent switches. Both switches offer unique characteristics and advantages, however, let's delve deeper into their specifics to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
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 used in the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches differ in terms of their composition. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the WS Silent Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing. The INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Silent Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer satisfying and unique sound profiles.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Silent Ink Black incorporates the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a similar pointed and high-pitched sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder bottom-out sound. In terms of feel, the bottom housing of both switches will impact the tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials in a switch are divided between the sound when pressing down on a key and the sound when releasing it. When pressing down on either the Silent Ink Black or the WS Silent Tactile, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will come into play, affecting the sound produced. Therefore, understanding and comparing the characteristics of the housing materials in each switch allows users to make an informed decision based on the desired sound and feel for their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are a few key differences to note. The Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force in the medium-heavy range. The Silent Ink Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, slightly heavier than the WS Silent Tactile's 63.5 grams.
The weight of a switch is important to consider as it affects the typing experience. Some users prefer lighter switches, like the Silent Ink Black, as it allows for comfortable typing over longer periods of time, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, enthusiasts who desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the WS Silent Tactile may be a better choice, as its slightly lighter bottom out force may provide a gentle yet satisfying push feel.
While the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile is unavailable, it is worth mentioning that if it were similar to the Silent Ink Black, users can expect comparable results in terms of actuation force, regardless of the tactile feedback provided by both switches. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring a satisfying keystroke without compromising on the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and the desired tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the WS Silent Tactile's 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Silent Ink Black, you will feel a slightly greater distance of travel. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black falls within the range of traditional distances, while the 3.5 mm of the WS Silent Tactile is on the shallower side. However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, opting for the shorter travel distance offered by the WS Silent Tactile may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sensation when pressing keys, the longer travel distance provided by the Silent Ink Black would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is best described as muted. This means it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it ideal for environments that require quieter typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means it has a moderate level of noise, suitable for most purposes whether at home or in the office. Both switches share the descriptor of being muted, which means they minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. Silky switches are known for providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch offers an accented, invigorating, and mild typing experience. Accented switches provide a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. The invigorating feel offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive sensation. Finally, the mild characteristic of the switch ensures a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Ink Black is known for its muted sound profile and silky, polished feel, making it an excellent choice for environments that require quiet typing and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch strikes a balance between noise reduction and tactility, with a neutral sound and an accented, invigorating, or mild feel depending on the user's preference. Both switches prioritize a quieter typing experience but provide different tactile experiences. Therefore, depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, they can choose either switch to achieve their desired typing sensation.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes quietness and a comfortable typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is a great choice. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a cushiony and pillow-like bottom-out feel while minimizing audio feedback. The switch is best suited for environments that require quieter typing. On the other hand, if you value a medium level of tactility without compromising on noise reduction, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. With a slightly lower bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches strike a balance between tactility and silence. The WS Silent Tactile switches feature ingenious stem railings with small cutouts, resulting in a satisfyingly crisp bottom-out and responsive return, all while maintaining an impressively silent profile. Additionally, these switches provide a unique typing experience by forgoing the use of silicone dampeners found in most silent switches, offering a typing experience that is devoid of the usual padded feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch comes down to your preferences for sound and feel.
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