Gateron Ink Red vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself in the realm of linear switches. The Gateron Ink Red is a popular choice for those with a lighter typing style, thanks to its lower actuation force. Known for its smooth feel and crisp, clacky sound profile, typing on the Ink Reds is effortless. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver lacks specific standout features but offers a different typing 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
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 Silver, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top housing materials. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, whereas the Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the Ink Red's sound is not overly sharp, the Silver's polycarbonate top housing is known for its clarity and resonance, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both top housings contribute to the overall sound of the switch in their own distinct ways.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housing materials of the Ink Red and the Silver, a similar contrast emerges. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing echoes the characteristics of its top housing, producing a thin and high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Silver's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While the bottom housing of each switch impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, the Silver's nylon bottom housing offers a rounder sound compared to the Ink Red's more high-pitched sound.
Overall, the differences between the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Silver in terms of housing materials contribute to unique typing experiences for users. With the Ink Red featuring a blend of materials that provide a satisfying thin and high-pitched sound, and the Silver utilizing polycarbonate and nylon for sharper and deeper sound profiles, respectively, users can choose a switch based on their preferred sound characteristics. Whether looking for a clacky and high-pitched typing experience with the Ink Red, or a crisper and fuller sound profile with the Silver, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red is 60 grams, which is lighter than the Outemu Silver's 65-gram bottom out force. This means that the Outemu Silver provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Gateron Ink Red. For those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Outemu Silver may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who favor a lighter typing experience may find the Gateron Ink Red to be more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key feel and actuation point when using either switch. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is the same, making them equally suitable options for those who prefer a 4 mm travel distance in their 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 Silver 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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, the sound profile of the Ink Red is distinctively neutral with a slight chirpiness, which adds a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Silver switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Ink Red is revered for its silky smooth typing experience, mild keypress sensation, and polished finish for reduced friction. These qualities make typing on the Ink Red switch effortless and enjoyable for users. Unfortunately, information about the feel of the Outemu Silver switch is unavailable, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, based on the information available on the Ink Red switch, it can be inferred that the Silver switch may offer similar smoothness and moderate keypress feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch stands out for its lower actuation force, smooth keystrokes, and satisfying sound profile. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silver switch are not fully described, it is likely that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force, sound, and overall typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should opt for the Ink Red if you prefer a lighter typing style and a smoother typing experience. The medium bottom out force of 60 grams and the silky, mild, and polished feel of the Ink Red make it a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a switch with a unique acoustic signature, the Outemu Silver might be the better option for you. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and the qualities of each switch to make an informed decision on which one suits your needs best.
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