Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch loved for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, perfect for those seeking a low-pitched and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade stands out for its tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, ideal for those who enjoy a punchy tactile bump. Each switch has its own unique qualities that make it appealing to different users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, one can see a clear distinction in sound profiles. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a more pointed and higher-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Black V2.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the differences between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade become clearer. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, like its top housing, offers a pointed and higher-pitched sound. This contributes to a consistent clacky sound profile for the switch. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in material impacts the overall feel and sound of the switch when pressed.
While the top and bottom housings of the Ink Black V2 and the Silent Yellow Jade offer distinct sound profiles, the overall typing experience may still yield similar results. The top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer unique tactile and auditory feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Ink Black V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Yellow Jade's 50 grams, making it a bit more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ink Black V2 requiring 70 grams and the Silent Yellow Jade needing 65 grams. This means that while the Ink Black V2 may offer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is 4 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Silent Yellow Jade has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Black V2. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Silent Yellow Jade, you will feel the switch travel a slightly shorter distance than with the Ink Black V2. This might result in a quicker response time for the Silent Yellow Jade, which could be beneficial for gamers or those looking for a faster typing experience. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 may provide a more substantial and satisfying typing feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 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 Black V2 for $7.24.
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade comes in at $3.10 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 Black V2 linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, providing a rich and deep sound profile during key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, which is unique to its factory-lubed switches with a translucent jade yellow housing. The Ink Black V2 may have a bit of a chirpy sound to it, adding a fun twist to the typing experience, while the Silent Yellow Jade remains quiet and tactile. As sound is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for the type of sound profile desired in a mechanical keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is characterized as offering a mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature of these switches provides a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users, as it falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch ensures smooth key travel with reduced friction, contributing to an overall sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches remains unspecified. This difference in feel between the two switches may influence the typing experience, with the mild and polished feel of the Ink Black V2 appealing to those seeking a gentler typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Ink Black V2 provides a low-pitched, bassy sound and a mild, polished feel, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quiet, "thocky" sound and a tactile typing experience. Depending on whether the user prioritizes sound or feel in their typing experience, they can make an informed choice between these switches to achieve the desired result. Ultimately, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences tailored to individual preferences, ensuring a pleasant mechanical keyboard usage.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade has a bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Ink Black V2's 70 grams. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique features and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style when deciding between the two.
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