Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Keygeek Keylin both offer distinct experiences while still falling into the linear category. The Gateron Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel distance, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a typing feel that bridges the gap between the responsiveness of a laptop and the tactile satisfaction of a traditional mechanical keyboard. Its commendable smoothness combined with a pleasant clackiness contributes to a unique typing experience that many find enjoyable. Conversely, the Keygeek Keylin takes a different approach by utilizing new molds to deliver a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, which elevates the overall feel and sound of each keystroke. While both switches cater to users who prefer linear feedback, they offer different nuances that can significantly influence typing style and comfort. 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
60g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
Gold-plated
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Keygeek Keylin, significant differences emerge that influence both sound and feel during typing. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend is designed to yield a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, often described as clacky. This is primarily due to the material’s specific characteristics that are engineered to maintain a thinner sound signature. In contrast, the Keylin's nylon top housing produces a deeper, fuller sound profile, attributed to the softness and sound-absorbing properties of nylon. The comparison highlights that while the Ink Yellow aims for a brighter, more aggressive auditory response, the Keylin focuses on a more muted and rounded acoustic experience.
This divergence in top housing materials carries over to their respective bottom housings as well. The Ink Yellow features the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, reinforcing its clacky sound profile and enhancing the overall brightness of the switch. This consistency allows the bottom-out sounds to echo the signature brightness that characterizes the Ink Yellow. Conversely, the Keylin's nylon bottom housing continues to contribute to the more subdued sound profile, offering a contrast in sensations when bottoming out. Here, too, the materials play a crucial role: the softer nylon absorbs more sound, yielding a more muted feel upon impact, differentiating the Keylin from its Gateron counterpart.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the differences in materials can lead to starkly different results in terms of auditory feedback and tactile feel. If it were possible to achieve similar results, such as creating a more balanced hybrid of the housing materials, typing on switches that include both top and bottom housings made from the lighter INK blend and softer nylon could potentially yield a unique auditory experience, merging high-pitched clarity with fuller warmth. Ultimately, the contrasting sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Keygeek Keylin demonstrate how material selection is essential in shaping the identity and function of mechanical keyboard switches, providing users with distinct auditory and tactile sensations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Keylin is significantly lighter, featuring an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, marking it as light. This distinction implies that typists or gamers seeking a more tactile, substantial experience may prefer the Ink Yellow for its heavier feel, which could lead to greater stamina during longer sessions. On the other hand, those who favor a lighter touch will find comfort in the Keylin, as its lower forces facilitate swift typing with less effort, ideal for prolonged use without fatigue. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, the Ink Yellow is heavier, whereas the Keylin is lighter, catering to distinct typing styles.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, the Keylin, at 3.6 mm, provides a slightly deeper feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more substantial keypress experience. Conversely, the Ink Yellow's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a minimalistic approach, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times due to the shorter actuation. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Ink Yellow would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more pronounced depth may gravitate towards the Keylin. Overall, the Ink Yellow switch is the shorter option, making it ideal for rapid actions, whereas the Keylin switch offers a bit more travel for those who enjoy a more traditional response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 Yellow switch stands out with a combination of neutrality and clackiness. The neutral profile makes it versatile, suitable both for beginners and experienced typists, whether in a home or office setting. The clacky aspect adds a crisp and bright auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, making each keystroke feel satisfying. In contrast, there is no specific sound description available for the Keygeek Keylin switch, leaving uncertainty about its auditory qualities. Nevertheless, it is noted to deliver a premium typing experience with rich acoustics; therefore, one might expect a pleasant sound profile as well.
The feel of the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is characterized by a mild and polished experience. The mild nature of the switch provides a gentle typing feel that makes it accessible to a wide range of users. This mildness combined with a polished finish reduces friction during key travel, resulting in a smooth and refined experience overall. Unfortunately, no specific descriptors for the Keylin's tactile feel are provided, so its exact characteristics remain a mystery. However, the mention of its premium typing experience suggests it could also offer a noteworthy smoothness that parallels the Ink Yellow's polished approach.
In summary, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch showcases a notable balance of sound and feel with its crisp clackiness and smooth typing experience, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch remains somewhat enigmatic due to a lack of detailed descriptions. Despite this uncertainty, the anticipation of a premium experience suggests that both switches may ultimately provide enjoyable typing experiences, potentially appealing to those looking for smoothness and auditory satisfaction in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches, your choice ultimately hinges on your desired typing experience and intended use. If you prefer a more tactile feedback with a bottom-out force of 67 grams, the Ink Yellow would be well-suited for you—especially if you appreciate a typing feel that balances between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Its clackiness and polished characteristics offer an engaging and enjoyable experience, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a soft 48 grams bottom-out force and an exceptionally smooth travel, the Keylin switch is the better option for you. It delivers rich acoustics and a premium feel, making it perfect for long typing sessions or casual gaming where comfort is key. Ultimately, aligning your choice with your preferences for sound, force, and feel will ensure you pick the switch that best enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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