Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Silent Green mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they offer different characteristics for users to consider. The Gateron Ink Box Black is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature akin to a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is characterized by a lack of distinctive features. For those who prefer a 'clacky', 'high-pitched', 'silky', and 'polished' experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be the ideal choice. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Silent Green, it is evident that both switches offer a similar sound profile due to the use of polycarbonate in their top housings. Both switches produce a sharp, high-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. The polycarbonate material allows for a more pronounced sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing, which adds a unique touch to the switch's overall sound. This blend is characterized by a thin, higher-pitched, and satisfyingly clacky sound, providing a distinct typing experience.
Despite their similarities in the top housing material, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Silent Green differ in their bottom housing composition. The Ink Box Black utilizes its proprietary INK blend in the bottom housing, which mirrors the characteristics found in the top housing. On the other hand, the Silent Green features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a variation in the overall typing experience, with the Ink Box Black offering a more consistent sound profile throughout key presses compared to the Silent Green.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials in a switch play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. While both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Silent Green share a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, the bottom housing material can impact the feel of key presses. The blend of materials in a switch can influence the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feedback.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a more substantial typing experience compared to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch. The Silent Green, on the other hand, has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a smoother and lighter typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Outemu Silent Green would be the preferred choice, allowing for longer typing sessions with less strain. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more tactile typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be the better option. Both switches provide different weight options to cater to individual preferences, ensuring a comfortable and efficient typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silent Green linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Green may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, so ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box 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 Ink Box Black for $7.65.
The Outemu Silent Green 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is often described as clacky and high-pitched, reminiscent of the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. This produces a sharp and snappy sound that some users find satisfying and responsive. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Silent Green linear switch's sound profile is not available, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind, however, that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is praised for its silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness enhances the overall typing feel and reduces friction, giving users a refined and sleek typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, making it challenging to compare the two switches in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, as well as its sharp and snappy sound, the information available on the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is limited. Without detailed descriptions of its sound and feel characteristics, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two switches. However, based on the qualities mentioned, it can be inferred that the Outemu Silent Green switch may offer a similar level of smoothness and responsiveness as the Gateron Ink Box Black, providing a satisfying typing experience for users looking for a linear switch option. Ultimately, personal preference and individual typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for each user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, consider the level of force you prefer when typing. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ink Box Black at 70 grams may be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black is a solid option. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force at 60 grams and prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Silent Green may be more suitable for you. Keep in mind that the Silent Green does not have specific sound or feel characteristics highlighted, so if you are looking for a more traditional linear switch experience without any distinctive features, the Silent Green could be a good fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for force, sound, and feel when typing on a mechanical keyboard.
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