Gateron Ink Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that come to mind are the Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow. Both switches fall under the linear category, making them ideal for those who prefer a smooth typing experience. The Gateron Ink Red stands out with its lower actuation force, making it perfect for individuals with a lighter typing style. Known for its satisfyingly smooth feel and crispy, clacky sound profile, this switch offers effortless typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow boasts a classic design fused with cutting-edge engineering. Equipped with a 22mm double-stage spring, these switches deliver a delightful bounce and a familiar sound signature that enthusiasts adore. Crafted to be lightweight, they ensure a smooth and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow have contrasting housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The top housing of the Ink Red is made with a proprietary INK blend, which lends it a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This creates a satisfying clacky sound that is not overly sharp. In contrast, the WS Yellow's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Therefore, if you prioritize a thinner and higher-pitched clacky sound, the Ink Red would be a better choice, whereas if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound, the WS Yellow would be more suitable.
The bottom housing of the Ink Red and WS Yellow also have distinct characteristics. The Ink Red utilizes the proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This sound is often described as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the WS Yellow's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition. As a result, the switches that use nylon create a deeper and fuller sound profile. If you prefer a switch that has a pronounced bottom-out sound and feel, the Ink Red would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prioritize a switch that generates a rounder and duller sound when pressing down on a key, the WS Yellow would be more suitable.
It is worth noting that the top and bottom housings of the switches play a significant role in determining their overall sound profiles. While the Ink Red and WS Yellow have different housing materials, the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that provides a satisfying typing experience with a specific sound profile, it is essential to consider the materials used for both the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force of the WS Yellow is unavailable. However, both switches fall within the medium force range.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Red has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the WS Yellow's 53 grams. These forces indicate the amount of pressure needed to fully press down the key. This makes the Gateron Ink Red slightly heavier overall in terms of typing experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing.
On the other hand, the lighter bottom out force of the WS Yellow could be advantageous for individuals who prefer a lighter switch, as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This lighter force may be particularly suitable for individuals who use keyboards extensively for work or engage in extended gaming sessions.
Although the exact actuation force for the WS Yellow is unknown, both switches still provide the option for a linear typing experience. Therefore, if the actuation force of the WS Yellow is similar to the Gateron Ink Red, users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding typing feel and desired weight.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers, in particular, often prefer switches with shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. The Ink Red switch would be the slightly longer option, offering a bit more depth in the key press. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and Wuque Studio WS Yellow switches will depend on individual preferences for either a more responsive feel or a deeper key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
The Wuque Studio WS Yellow comes in at $3.50 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 Ink Red switch is known for its neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use in various settings such as home or work. Additionally, the Ink Red switch has a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches, giving it a slightly chirpy sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow switch's sound characteristics are not mentioned, so we can assume that it provides a similar neutral sound profile as the Ink Red switch. Keep in mind that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. The switch is exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It falls into the category of mild switches, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone. The WS Yellow switch, on the other hand, is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This indicates that the switch has been lubricated at the factory or uses specific materials to achieve a silky sensation. Similar to the Ink Red switch, the WS Yellow switch is also classified as mild and polished, providing a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch offer a delightful typing experience. While the sound characteristics of the WS Yellow switch are unknown, based on the information provided, it is likely to provide a similar sound profile to the Ink Red switch. Both switches have qualities like mildness and a polished finish, ensuring a comfortable and smooth typing experience. Whether you prefer the Ink Red switch's chirpy sound and satisfying smoothness or the WS Yellow switch's creamy feel and effortless keystrokes, both options are excellent choices for enthusiasts looking for linear switches.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prefer a lighter typing style and appreciate a smooth and clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its medium actuation force of 60 grams, it offers a satisfyingly smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Ink Reds have a neutral sound profile with a slight chirp, setting them apart from other switches. Furthermore, if you value a silky, mild, and polished feel, these switches will enhance the smoothness and ease of your keystrokes.
On the other hand, if you desire a classic typing experience with a delightful bounce, the Wuque Studio WS Yellow linear switch is the way to go. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 53 grams, these switches provide a comfortable and fluid typing experience. Their material blend also offers a familiar sound signature that many enthusiasts adore. Similar to the Ink Reds, the WS Yellow switches have a mild and polished feel, ensuring smooth key travel and reducing friction. If you appreciate a creamy sensation while typing and want a switch that effortlessly glides under your fingers, the WS Yellow switches would be an excellent choice.
Ultimately, whether you opt for the Gateron Ink Red or the Wuque Studio WS Yellow, both switches offer unique qualities and are suitable for various preferences. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and preferred feel to make the decision that best suits your needs.
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