Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Outemu Cream Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Cream Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with a decision between a linear and a tactile switch, respectively. The Gateron Ink Black V2 is praised for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow offers a tactile bump for a more pronounced feedback when typing. While the Ink Black V2 is described as low-pitched, bassy, and polished, the Cream Yellow is a blank canvas in terms of description. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Cream Yellow both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing that creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, often described as clacky. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the difference in top housing materials influences the overall typing experience.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Cream Yellow also showcase unique characteristics. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its thin and higher-pitched sound profile, while the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing enhances its deeper and fuller sound. The softer plastic of the Cream Yellow absorbs more sound, creating a rounder tone compared to the sharper sound of the Ink Black V2. These differences in bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of each switch.

Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Cream Yellow play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles. While both switches offer unique characteristics, such as the clacky sound of the Ink Black V2 and the fuller sound of the Cream Yellow, their housing materials greatly influence the typing experience. Whether it's the proprietary INK blend of the Ink Black V2 or the classic nylon material of the Cream Yellow, each switch's housing material contributes to its distinct sound and feel, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in the typing experience. The Gateron Ink Black V2 has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the Cream Yellow switch is lighter to press than the Ink Black V2, providing a smoother typing experience for those who prefer less resistance. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push, the Ink Black V2 may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on individual typing styles and preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Cream Yellow makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a faster response time, especially in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 may provide a more satisfying key press for users who prefer a deeper and more traditional feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, with the Cream Yellow being the shorter option and the Ink Black V2 providing a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether a shorter or longer travel distance is desired for a specific tactile or linear typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy sound profile, providing a mellow and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, there is no specific sound description available for the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, so it is difficult to directly compare the two based on sound characteristics alone. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is often described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the switch offers a gentle typing feel with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, there is no specific feel description provided for the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, making it challenging to contrast the two switches based on tactile feedback alone.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is praised for its smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, as well as its mild and polished typing experience, the information available for the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is limited. As a newcomer, if you are looking for a switch with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 may be a suitable option. However, without detailed information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch, it is recommended to further research and potentially try out the switch in person to determine if it meets your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that may cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider your own preferences and needs when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a classic linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, smooth downstrokes, and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, a tactile switch with a gentle typing experience, and a polished finish for smooth key travel, then the Outemu Cream Yellow would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, so choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and enjoy your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cream Yellow Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more