Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black, a linear switch, to the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, several key differences become apparent. The Ink Box Black is praised for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is known for offering a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. Those looking for a switch that is both smooth and silky may lean towards the Ink Box Black, while individuals seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience may prefer the Silent Grey. 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
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Silent Grey, one noticeable difference is in their top housing. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend, which creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Silent Grey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Silent Grey switch results in a clearer and more resonant sound profile compared to the Ink Box Black.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Box Black once again utilizes its proprietary INK blend, which creates a thin and higher-pitched sound profile, similar to that of the top housing. In contrast, the Silent Grey employs a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material in the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing material for a switch can significantly impact its sound profile and feel. While the top housing of a switch affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. The Ink Box Black and the Silent Grey showcase how different housing materials, such as the INK blend and polycarbonate versus nylon, can produce distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Silent Grey is lighter in both aspects. The Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Silent Grey, which has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of resistance. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Silent Grey may be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Ink Box Black might be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch's 4 mm travel distance. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Grey's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deep feel when typing. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their unique travel distances, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance. Ultimately, the Ink Box Black offers a shorter travel distance, while the Silent Grey provides a slightly longer one, catering to different typing preferences.
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 Grey 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 offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, resembling the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch provides a quiet and silent typing experience without any specific sound descriptors provided. Depending on your preference, the choice between the two switches will greatly impact the overall sound profile of your keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth keystrokes with minimal resistance. This enhances the overall typing feel and reduces friction for a seamless experience. In comparison, the Outemu Silent Grey switch does not have any specific feel descriptors provided. If a smooth and refined typing experience is what you seek, the Ink Box Black switch would be the optimal choice for you.
Taking all the available information into consideration, if you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be the ideal option. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and polished feel, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Box Black switch would be the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your selection.
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