Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile could not be more different. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch, known for its smooth and creamy feel. Its sound signature is reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can, providing a clacky and high-pitched tone. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is a tactile switch that delivers a profound and pronounced tactile bump with a satisfying resistance of 70g. Typing on these switches becomes an engaging and immersive journey. Additionally, the Wuque Heavy Tactile Switches offer a captivating sound profile with a satisfying "thocky" resonance thanks to their nylon housings. While these general pointers may help you decide between a linear and tactile switch, let's dive deeper into their characteristics to assist you in choosing the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile differ in their housing materials. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes nylon for its top housing. The INK blend of the Ink Box Black is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the WS Heavy Tactile brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the two switches offer distinct sound characteristics based on their top housing materials.

Similarly, their bottom housing materials vary with the Ink Box Black featuring a proprietary INK blend and the WS Heavy Tactile incorporating nylon. The INK blend of the Ink Box Black mirrors its top housing, providing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, which is often described as clacky. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Heavy Tactile enhances the switch's sound profile by absorbing more sound due to the relatively softer nature of nylon. As a result, the WS Heavy Tactile produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer pleasant and satisfying sound characteristics but with their own distinct qualities.

It is important to note that the housing materials of the top and bottom housings contribute differently to the overall sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In this regard, the Ink Box Black's bottom housing, with its INK blend, provides a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Heavy Tactile absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. On the contrary, the top housing exerts more influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the top housing materials of the Ink Box Black and the WS Heavy Tactile play a significant role in the overall typing experience and contribute to their unique sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile's actuation force is unknown. Both switches have different weights when it comes to bottoming out, with the Ink Box Black requiring 70 grams and the WS Heavy Tactile requiring 45 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switch would be a suitable choice. With a lighter bottom out force, it allows for longer typing durations without causing fatigue. This would make it an ideal option for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This gives a stronger push feel, providing a satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a more solid and forceful keystroke.

While the actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile switch is unknown, it is worth noting that the Ink Box Black's actuation force is on the medium-heavy side. If the WS Heavy Tactile switch has a similar actuation force, then the typing experience between the two switches would yield comparable results. However, without knowing the exact actuation force of the WS Heavy Tactile, it is difficult to make a direct comparison.

Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference. Those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile, while individuals who prefer a more robust and substantial feel may find the Ink Box Black to be more suited to their needs.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the Ink Box Black has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the WS Heavy Tactile's 3.2 mm. The Ink Box Black falls within the range of traditional travel distances, offering a substantial depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a slightly shallower travel distance.

For those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile may be more appealing. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances as they allow for quicker finger movements. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial and deliberate feel when typing may find the Ink Box Black more suitable due to its longer travel distance. The Ink Box Black provides a deeper key press that some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches fall into the clacky and high-pitched categories. The Ink Box Black is described as producing a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches introduce a "thocky" resonance, offering a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile switches provide an immersive and clean sound profile, thanks to Wuque Studios' nylon housings. It is important to note that the sound produced by these switches may vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. However, if you enjoy a sharp and snappy sound, both switches can deliver similar results in this regard.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is known for its smooth and creamy typing experience. These switches are often described as silky, enhancing the overall smoothness of the feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Ink Box Black features a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switches offer a pronounced tactile bump with a tactile force of 70g. The tactile feedback provided by these switches is prominent yet not overwhelming, falling into the category of accented switches. Moreover, the WS Heavy Tactile switches offer an invigorating and reactive feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. If you prefer a switch with a more elastic and lively feedback sensation, the WS Heavy Tactile switches would be a great choice.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches excel in providing a smooth and creamy typing experience, complemented by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switches offer a pronounced and accented tactile feedback, accompanied by a captivating and resonant sound profile. Both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on personal preferences. If you enjoy a smooth and refined feel with a crisp and bright sound, the Ink Box Blacks are a fantastic option. Alternatively, if you crave a prominent tactile bump and an immersive auditory experience, the WS Heavy Tactile switches will not disappoint.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Ink Box Black is the ideal choice for you. Its clacky and high-pitched sound profile adds a crisp and bright sound to each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and a profound and pronounced tactile bump, the WS Heavy Tactile switch is the way to go. Its sound profile is similar to the Ink Box Black, but with the added resonant characteristic for an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a range of feel descriptors, including accented, bouncy, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, creating a tactile and responsive typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile Tactile

$3.50 per 10

Learn more