Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that many enthusiasts consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Ink Box Blacks are highly regarded for their smooth and creamy feel, almost reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. These linear switches fall into the categories of 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, Outemu has consistently impressed with their switches, and the Yellow Silver is no exception. This particular switch stands out for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it particularly appealing for gamers and typists who favor speed and responsiveness. Categorized as 'Neutral', it provides a balance between feel and sound. However, let's continue to explore further into the details so that you can make the best decision regarding which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver have different materials for their top housings. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Although not overly sharp, it provides a satisfying thin and clacky sound. In contrast, the Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially effective for RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Ink Box Black and the Yellow Silver employ different materials as well. The Ink Box Black uses its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which contributes to the pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Similarly to the top housing, the sound produced is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound for the Yellow Silver.
Considering the impact of housing materials on a switch, it is worth noting that the top and bottom housings play different roles. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In this case, the Ink Box Black with its proprietary INK blend brings its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound to the bottom-out experience. Conversely, the top housing's influence is more noticeable when letting go of a key. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver contributes to its sharp, higher-pitched, and clacky sound upon release. Although different, both switches provide satisfying sound profiles, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The Ink Box Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a stronger push to trigger a keystroke, while the Yellow Silver has a lower actuation force of 45 grams, providing a lighter touch for quicker typing. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Black is heavier with a force of 70 grams, giving a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Yellow Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for longer periods of typing without fatigue.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to use the keyboard for extended periods, the Outemu Yellow Silver would be the better choice. The lower actuation force and bottom out force allow for a more effortless keystroke, reducing strain and fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial, tactile feel while typing would find the Gateron Ink Box Black more suitable. The higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, giving a satisfying, responsive typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a smooth linear feel, ensuring consistent and reliable performance during prolonged usage.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is 4 mm. Both switches have different travel distances, with the Ink Box Black having a shorter distance and the Yellow Silver having a longer distance.
The 4.0mm travel distance of the Yellow Silver is more traditional, providing a deeper sensation when pressing down on a key. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial and satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the 3.6mm travel distance of the Ink Box Black is relatively shorter, which can result in faster response times. This is favored by gamers who require quick reactions in their gameplay.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences. If you prioritize quick responsiveness, the Ink Box Black with its shorter travel distance would be the suitable option. However, if you prefer a more pronounced and deeper keystroke, the Yellow Silver with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Both switches offer their advantages, so it's important to choose the one that aligns with your desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, producing sharp and crisp sounds when pressed. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced typists. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of these switches further enhances the overall smoothness, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, there is no available information on the feel of the Yellow Silver switch.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while offering a silky and polished typing experience. The Yellow Silver, on the other hand, has a neutral sound profile, but information on its feel is unknown. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can offer satisfying results in terms of sound and feel, but it is important to consider other factors such as keycaps and keyboard board to fully optimize your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth and creamy feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it provides a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the clacky and high-pitched sound signature adds a crisp and percussive element to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is a great option. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers speediness and responsiveness suitable for gamers and typists. Although there is no specific description of its feel, Outemu switches are widely beloved, suggesting a favorable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice would depend on your preference for key weight, smoothness, and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
