Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Silent Green. The Ink Box Pink is known for its beautiful translucent design and smooth, light typing feel, with a distinctive higher-pitched clack. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch doesn't have any specific standout features mentioned, making it more of a standard linear switch. If you're looking for a switch that offers a unique tactile experience and a lighter touch, the Ink Box Pink may be the way to go. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Pink and the Outemu Silent Green, it is evident that both switches feature unique properties that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings offer a thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Green's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. While the Ink Box Pink's INK blend housing provides a distinctive sound, the Silent Green's polycarbonate housing offers clarity and resonance, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Despite their differences in sound profile, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Silent Green share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize a combination of top and bottom housings made of proprietary blends or polycarbonate, resulting in unique typing experiences. The INK blend top and bottom housings of the Ink Box Pink provide a consistent high-pitched sound profile, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Silent Green offer a sharper and crisper typing experience. These housing materials play a critical role in determining the overall feel and sound of each switch, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Silent Green comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. While the Ink Box Pink's INK blend housing creates a clacky and satisfying typing experience, the Silent Green's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound that may appeal to users seeking clarity and resonance. Both switches benefit from the unique qualities of their housing materials, with the top and bottom housings contributing to the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. Whether you prefer a pointed and high-pitched sound or a sharper and crisper typing experience, both switches provide distinct options for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Green requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Pink's 50 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the Silent Green may feel slightly lighter to press initially, they both offer a similar resistance when fully pressed. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of pressure needed to fully engage the keys, with the Ink Box Pink offering a slightly heavier initial press compared to the Silent Green. Both switches provide a medium level of actuation and bottom out force, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, we can see that the Ink Box Pink has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Green has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Box Pink's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Silent Green's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Pink 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, offering a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, information on the sound of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is currently unavailable. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is praised for its silky and polished attributes, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, details regarding the typing feel of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch are not provided. The smooth and refined finish of the Ink Box Pink switch can be attributed to the materials used and potential factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and seamless key travel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Outemu Silent Green switches may offer different sound and feel experiences based on available information, it is essential to consider various factors such as keyboard setup and personal preferences when choosing between the two. If the Silent Green switch provides a similar high-pitched clacky sound and smooth typing feel like the Ink Box Pink switch, users can expect comparable results in terms of auditory feedback and tactile response. Ultimately, experimentation and personal testing are key to finding the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Silent Green linear switches, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched typing experience with a silky and polished feel, the Ink Box Pink may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter switch with no distinctive features in sound and feel, the Silent Green could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
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