Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch to the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, it's important to note the key differences in their characteristics. The Ink Yellow is favored for its shorter travel, providing a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Known for its smoothness and clackiness, this switch is ideal for those seeking a balanced and polished feel. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch is praised for its smoothness and distinct tactile bump, offering a snappy yet subtle feel while typing. With a neutral sound signature, this switch is perfect for those looking for an easy-to-press option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile, it is evident that both switches have unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings offer a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the WS Light Tactile switch allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. While the Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a thin and higher-pitched sound, the WS Light Tactile combines polycarbonate and nylon for distinct sound characteristics. The WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder quality. Both switches showcase how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard switch.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile serve different purposes in enhancing the typing experience. The top housing material of a switch has a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing material influences the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. The clarity and resonance of polycarbonate in the WS Light Tactile's top housing contribute to a precise and sharp sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound upon key press. In contrast, the INK blend housing in the Ink Yellow contributes to a high-pitched and clacky sound profile both when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. Ultimately, the specific combination of housing materials in each switch plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the WS Light Tactile has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the WS Light Tactile is 50 grams, lighter than the Gateron Ink Yellow's bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the WS Light Tactile switch provides a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Gateron Ink Yellow. Those looking for a softer touch or a more extended typing or gaming session may prefer the WS Light Tactile, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier Gateron Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the WS Light Tactile may provide a more satisfying key press feel for those who prefer a deeper press. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the Ink Yellow providing a quicker response and the WS Light Tactile offering a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
The Wuque Studio WS Light 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, both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. The Ink Yellow offers a clacky sound when pressed, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience, while the WS Light Tactile maintains a smooth sound signature without any sharpness.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides comfortable key travel. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch provides a stepped feel with a perceptible tactile bump, offering a gentle resistance that is easy to press and responsive during typing sessions.
Overall, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a smooth typing experience, both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch can provide similar results. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be a great option for you. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a shorter travel distance and want a typing feel that falls between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile switch with a lower bottom out force and a snappy tactile bump, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is a fantastic choice. These switches offer a more pronounced tactile feel and a lighter actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable, especially during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, actuation force, and sound profile.
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