Gateron CM vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a myriad of options available, each offering unique features and benefits. Two popular switches, the Gateron CM and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, both fall under the linear switch category. The CM switch breaks away from convention with its full nylon housing, providing a deeper and richer sound signature. With a factory lube job, the CM switch boasts effortless smoothness, resulting in a gliding sensation with each keystroke. Furthermore, its lengthened, dual-staged spring ensures a bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch caters to those seeking a quieter typing experience. With its silencing mechanism, it offers a pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. If you're looking for a switch that combines the qualities of being buttery, bassy, polished, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, and frictionless, the CM switch would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a switch that is silky, muted, and polished, you will find the Silent Ink Black switch to be more suited to your needs. So, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in their housing materials, with the CM featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings. The nylon housing of the CM switch absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as being clacky.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Gateron CM and Silent Ink Black switches differ, both versions share some similarities in the impact of their respective materials. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, regardless of the housing material. However, when it comes to the sound released when releasing a key, the top housing takes on a more significant role. This means that both switches will demonstrate differences in the sound profile throughout the typing experience, with the CM producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon top housing, while the Silent Ink Black delivers a thinner and higher-pitched sound attributed to its INK blend top housing.
While the CM and Silent Ink Black switches have contrasting sound profiles, it is important to note that they still provide a similar typing experience in terms of the housing materials used. Both switches utilize classic switch housing materials, with the CM employing nylon and the Silent Ink Black featuring Gateron's INK blend. Both materials have their unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with the CM or a thinner and higher-pitched clacky sound with the Silent Ink Black, both switches offer distinct options within the Gateron lineup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, making them ideal for individuals who prefer a substantial typing experience. The Gateron CM linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. While the differences in force may seem minimal, they can still have an impact on the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Gateron CM linear switch would be a suitable choice with a slightly lower actuation and bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a slightly more resistant push feel may opt for the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, as it has a slightly higher actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the CM. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be more traditional, while 3.6 mm is slightly shorter. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the CM a preferred choice for them. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Silent Ink Black, with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch delivers a rich and deep sound signature. These switches have a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the CM switches are described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. They are also considered low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound. These switches are designed to produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron CM linear switch provides a buttery and polished typing experience. They offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, delivering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The CM switches are also described as creamy, offering a silky sensation akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Furthermore, they are categorized as frictionless, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys and providing a fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its silky feel. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, like the CM switches, the Silent Ink Black switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The CM switches excel in delivering a rich and deep sound signature with a bouncy typing experience, while also providing a buttery, polished, and frictionless typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switches prioritize a muted sound and a silky typing experience, also offering a polished feel. Both switches promise a smooth and refined typing journey, albeit with different sound characteristics. It's important to consider personal preferences, as well as the overall setup including keyboard board and keycaps, when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a rich and deep sound profile during typing, with a lower frequency range resembling bass tones, then the Gateron CM linear switch is a great choice for you. Not only does it offer a buttery and polished typing experience, but its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job ensure an effortlessly smooth journey with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. With its muted sound and pillow-like bottom-out feel, it is perfect for environments that require minimal audio feedback. Additionally, it boasts a silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the CM and Silent Ink Black switches boils down to your personal preferences for sound and feel, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your liking.
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