Gateron Ink Red vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Silent Grey are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. These switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, along with a crisp and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for those seeking something satisfying and silent. While the Ink Red is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', 'Polished', the Silent Grey's categories are not specified. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Silent Grey, one notable difference is the use of the proprietary INK blend by Gateron in the top housing of the Ink Red, which produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Grey is advantageous for RGB lighting, while the translucency of the Ink Red's housing may not be as pronounced.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend continues to offer a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, contributing to the overall clacky sound associated with this switch. On the other hand, the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Silent Grey offer unique sound profiles, they both contribute to creating a satisfying typing experience. The mix of materials in each switch allows for a balance of sharpness and clarity in sound, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer their own distinct qualities for keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Red requires 60 grams of force while the Silent Grey needs 65 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of actuation and bottom out forces. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ink Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may gravitate towards the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Grey for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches allows for a comparable user experience in terms of keypress feel and feedback. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, making them equally suitable choices for those looking for a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a variety of environments and typing styles. The switch is also known for having a chirpy quality that adds a unique touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to provide a quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle sound while typing. Without any specific descriptors for the sound of the Silent Grey switch, we can infer that it offers a quieter typing experience compared to the Ink Red.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, making it effortless to type on for extended periods. The switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is comfortable for most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a refined and sleek typing feel. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. With a lack of specific descriptors for the feel of the Silent Grey switch, we can assume that it offers a smooth and tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Red switch provides a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile, while the Silent Grey switch offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both switches offering a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a lighter typing style and enjoys a smooth and crispy typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a highly tactile and silent typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard to make the best decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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