Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Outemu Silent Yellow Jade stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Ink Box Pink is a linear switch that provides a smooth and light typing experience, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference based on factors such as typing feel, sound profile, and overall user experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is evident that they both offer unique characteristics. The INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink provides a relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the nylon top and bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. While the Ink Box Pink provides a sharper sound, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a rounder and duller sound.
Despite their differences, both the Ink Box Pink and the Silent Yellow Jade share the quality of providing a satisfying typing experience. The INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink offers a unique sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a clacky typing experience. Similarly, the nylon top and bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade provides a deeper and fuller sound that adds a sense of satisfaction to typing on these switches. While the sound profiles may differ, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience that can cater to different preferences.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. The qualities of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Ink Box Pink and Silent Yellow Jade may differ in their housing materials, both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience for users looking for a specific sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, providing a similar typing experience in terms of initial pressure needed to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams of force, while the Silent Yellow Jade necessitates 65 grams. This means that the Silent Yellow Jade is slightly heavier in terms of the force needed to fully press the key down. The weight of a switch can impact typing comfort and endurance, with lighter switches being preferred for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 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 Box Pink. Shorter travel distances are often preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances can provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference for travel distance. Ultimately, if you enjoy a shorter travel distance for faster typing, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade would be the ideal choice.
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 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 Box Pink linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, which provides a sharp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a quiet and satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed design and unique translucent jade yellow housing. Ultimately, if you prefer a crisp and percussive sound, the Ink Box Pink may be more to your liking, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a quieter and more tactile typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch. However, based on its tactile nature and punchy bump, it can be assumed that this switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback during typing.
Taking all the available information into account, if you are looking for a linear switch with a high-pitched and clacky sound along with a smooth and polished typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but you can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer smoother and lighter typing with a higher-pitched clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quiet, tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound and a punchy tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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