KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. Additionally, the lengthened spring of the Cream Yellow provides a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is perfect for those who require a quieter typing experience. It offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. Categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Cream Yellow switch provides a satisfying and resonant audio feedback. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black switch is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', appealing to those who prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cream Yellow and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have notable differences in their housing materials. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile without being overly sharp. Both materials contribute to a satisfying sound experience, but the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate offers a clearer and more resonant sound, while the INK blend provides a clacky sound.

In terms of bottom housing, the Cream Yellow incorporates a nylon material. Nylon is known to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the contrary, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which contributes to the switch's pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While both bottom housings enhance the sound experience, the Cream Yellow's nylon brings a more muffled and deeper sound, while the INK blend adds to the switch's characteristic clacky sound.

Although their top and bottom housings differ, it is important to note that each housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing primarily impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing has a stronger influence on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the Cream Yellow and Silent Ink Black may have different housing materials, they both offer distinct and desirable sound profiles for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This means that the Cream Yellow requires less force to trigger a keystroke.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Silent Ink Black's bottom out force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Silent Ink Black requires more force to fully depress the key.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cream Yellow would be a suitable choice as it offers a lighter actuation force and slightly lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black would cater to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience.

Overall, while the Cream Yellow and Silent Ink Black differ in their actuation and bottom out forces, individuals seeking similar results can select the Cream Yellow for a lighter experience or opt for the Silent Ink Black for a heavier typing feel.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch are different. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the more traditional 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black. While 4.0 mm is considered the standard distance, the increasing preference for shorter travel distances among gamers for faster response times has made the Cream Yellow an appealing choice. Gamers seeking high levels of responsiveness may find the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Cream Yellow to their liking. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feeling when typing, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black may be the preferred option. It's important to consider personal preference when choosing between these switches, as the shorter distance may feel abrupt to some individuals. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the desired level of responsiveness and depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow switch is best described as clacky. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is muted, resulting in a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also affected by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy typing experience. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy feel. It delivers a sharp and snappy sound while providing a spring-like feedback sensation. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound, minimizing noise, and a silky, polished feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing environments. If you are looking for a similar experience, the Silent Ink Black switch can provide a quieter sound and smooth typing experience, although it may not have the same level of clackiness and bounciness as the Cream Yellow switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, it offers a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. The Cream Yellow switch's shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring contribute to its unique bouncy typing feel.

On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be the better choice. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 70 grams, it provides a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Silent Ink Black switch offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel and a smooth typing experience, thanks to its silky and polished properties. The switch's exceptional smoothness and reduced friction make typing feel sleek and refined.

Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch will depend on your preference for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a clacky and bouncy typing experience or a quiet and silky smooth feel, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more