Gateron Ink Red vs. Outemu Yellow Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver. The Ink Red is a linear switch that offers a lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. Known for its satisfyingly smooth feel and crispy, clacky sound profile, typing on the Ink Reds is effortless. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver from Outemu is also a linear switch, but it boasts a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile. This makes it a favorable choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best switch decision for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches have distinct differences in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. However, both switches offer a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound when activated.

Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Ink Red and the Yellow Silver switches share similarities in their high-pitched sound characteristics. The Ink Red's top housing and the Yellow Silver's bottom housing play a significant role in the sound when keys are released, emphasizing the impact of the housing materials on key let-off sound. In terms of aesthetics, though not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that the Ink Red's top housing is not translucent like the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate housing, marking a visual distinction between the two switches.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend offers a pointed and higher-pitched sound, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the Yellow Silver employs a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. Although the two switches differ in bottom housing material, the Ink Red and the Yellow Silver both contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch upon bottoming out.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches showcase differences in housing materials, resulting in varied sound profiles and aesthetics. The proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Red yields a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying, thin, and high-pitched sound. The housing materials of the switches also influence the sound when keys are released and the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing primarily affecting bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound upon key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is equal in both cases. This similarity suggests that users can expect a similar feel when engaging the keys of either switch.

However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a distinction between the two switches. The Gateron Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which indicates a slightly heavier feel when pressing the keys all the way down. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, making it lighter in comparison. This lighter bottom out force may be preferred by some users who prefer a gentler typing experience or those looking to reduce finger strain during extended periods of typing or gaming.

Considering the weight differences, it is important to note that personal preferences play a significant role in selecting the ideal switch. Those who prefer a lighter feel to minimize fatigue might favor the Outemu Yellow Silver with its lighter bottom out force. Conversely, individuals desiring a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gateron Ink Red, which offers a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice depends on one's personal typing preferences and the intended use of the keyboard – whether it be for work or gaming – since both switches offer medium actuation forces, ensuring similar results in terms of keystrokes triggering.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance between these two switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, the Ink Red switch has the added quality of being described as chirpy, which means it has a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. The Yellow Silver switch does not have any additional sound descriptors mentioned. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Ink Red switch offers a silky typing experience. This means that it provides an exceptionally smooth feel when typing, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Ink Red switch is described as mild, which indicates that it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switch is also described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubrication. On the other hand, no specific feel qualities are mentioned for the Yellow Silver switch.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a lower actuation force, making it suitable for those with a lighter typing style. It has a satisfyingly smooth feel and a crispy and clacky sound profile. The Yellow Silver switch by Outemu is favored by gamers and typists who prefer speediness and responsiveness, but specific sound and feel qualities are not mentioned. While the sound of both switches is described as neutral, the Ink Red switch has the additional descriptor of being chirpy, which sets it apart in terms of sound. In terms of feel, the Ink Red switch has the advantages of being silky, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. It is important to remember that individual preferences may vary, and the overall experience will also depend on factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. However, for those looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, both switches should provide a satisfactory experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is an ideal choice for those who prefer a lighter typing style. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a medium actuation force that is satisfyingly smooth and effortless to type on. This switch also produces a crispy and clacky sound profile, which adds a unique auditory experience to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is best suited for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Ink Red. In terms of sound and feel, both switches have a neutral profile that caters to a wide range of users and purposes. However, the Ink Red has a chirpy sound characteristic that sets it apart, while the Yellow Silver does not possess any specific sound descriptors. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Yellow Silver Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more