Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, and the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, there are several key differences to take into account. The Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel and provides a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard. With its smoothness and clackiness, this switch is best suited for those seeking a neutral and polished feel. On the other hand, the Melodic by Gateron brings new life to the clicky switch category with its buttery smoothness and resonant, crunchy sound. Ideal for users who enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Melodic is invigorating and offers a satisfying 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
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Melodic switches both boast unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. While both materials contribute to a higher-pitched sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic may offer a more resonant and clear sound compared to the INK blend of the Ink Yellow.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gateron Ink Yellow continues to utilize its proprietary INK blend, which results in a thin and higher-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switches feature a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. These differences showcase how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, with nylon offering a softer and more absorbing characteristic compared to the INK blend.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Melodic switches differ, the impact of each material is felt in different aspects of typing. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. The INK blend top and bottom housings of the Ink Yellow may offer a cohesive sound profile with a pointed and high-pitched tone, while the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom of the Melodic provide a sharper and fuller sound contrast. Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a critical role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Ink Yellow switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Melodic switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a similar typing experience in terms of pressure needed to fully press the key. The heavier actuation force of the Ink Yellow switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, while the lighter actuation force of the Melodic switch may be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Melodic switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow switch. This means that the Melodic switch will require a bit more force to press down fully compared to the Ink Yellow switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow switch, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance and depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Gateron Melodic clicky switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and feel.
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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral and clacky experience, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a sharp, snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound, with a higher-pitched and clean profile reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, with the Ink Yellow leaning towards a more moderate sound profile while the Melodic offers a more immersive and tactile sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is both seamless and reactive. While the Ink Yellow focuses on a comfortable and approachable feel, the Melodic switch amps up the feedback and actuation force for a more engaging typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer contrasting experiences in sound and feel. The Ink Yellow provides a smoother and clackier sound with a mild and polished feel, perfect for users seeking a balanced typing experience. Meanwhile, the Melodic switch delivers a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, catering to those looking for a more immersive and tactile typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. It is important to consider other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps to fully optimize the performance of these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a smoother typing experience with a clacky sound and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ink Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky sound with tactile feedback, smooth factory lubing, and a medium bottom out force, the Melodic switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and clackiness or the classic clicky sound and tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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