Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to varying preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Ink Yellow switch, a linear switch, is celebrated for its shorter travel distance, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a typing experience that strikes a balance between the feel of a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical setup. Its smooth and clacky feedback adds a unique touch, allowing for rapid key presses while still maintaining a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch stands out due to its reissue of the original MX Orange switches, now enhanced with the MX2A generation improvements to satisfy a growing demand. While the Cherry MX Orange is favored for its reliability and performance, it lacks the specific categorization that the Ink Yellow boasts. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages: the Ink Yellow for a smooth and slightly clacky sensation, and the MX Orange for its proven pedigree and enhancements. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Cherry MX Orange switches reveal distinct acoustic characteristics that cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and sound profile. The Gateron Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, yielding a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that many enthusiasts refer to as “clacky.” This sound arises from the unique formulation of the INK blend, which allows for a brighter and sharper auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon material for both its top and bottom housings, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This warmth in sound is attributed to nylon's softness, which absorbs more sound waves, creating a muted and rounded auditory feedback.

While the sound profiles of the two switches differ significantly due to their corresponding materials, the structure of the switches themselves presents a nuanced picture. The distinct compositions of the top and bottom housings influence how each switch feels and sounds during use. In the case of the Ink Yellow, the high-pitched emanations come more from the top housing, leading to a more pronounced sound when keys are released. Conversely, with the MX Orange, the deeper tones produced stem from the softness of the nylon, which affects both the tactile feeling upon bottoming out and the overall acoustics of the switch. Thus, one might observe that, while one switch leans toward a clacking sound, the other provides a more subdued experience, underscoring the effect of housing materials on user interaction.

Despite the differences in material and resulting sound profile, both switches can offer satisfying tactile responses, albeit in different ways. For users who appreciate the bright, sharp feedback of the Ink Yellow, the INK blend contribute to a unique typing experience that encourages a lively interaction with the keyboard. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Orange will appeal to those who prefer a fuller sound and a softer touch, creating a distinctive typing environment that feels less jarring. Ultimately, whether users gravitate toward the clacky notes of the Ink Yellow or the softer tones of the MX Orange, both switches deliver enjoyable results, showcasing how unique materials can shape the tactile and auditory nature of keyboard switches.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and Cherry MX Orange linear switches in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, there are both similarities and differences to note. The Ink Yellow switch requires an actuation force of 60 grams and has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which places it in a medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, although its bottom out force is not specified. This means that, while the Gateron Ink Yellow is heavier overall, the MX Orange allows for a lighter keystroke initiation, which may appeal to users seeking a more effortless typing experience for prolonged use. However, without a bottom out force listed for the MX Orange, it's challenging to fully compare the overall typing feel, particularly regarding how it feels when pressed down completely. Overall, those who prefer a firmer feedback will lean towards the Ink Yellow, while users looking for a lighter touch may find the Cherry MX Orange more suitable, assuming that additional force information becomes available.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Ink Yellow features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Orange has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Ink Yellow provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more agile typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer travel distance, can offer a more satisfying and pronounced keystroke for users who prefer a more substantial feel. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Ink Yellow might be the ideal choice, while the MX Orange may be better suited to those who favor a deeper, more deliberate typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch to the Cherry MX Orange, the Ink Yellow stands out for its combination of a neutral and clacky sound profile. This switch produces a bright, crisp feedback that is often described as snappy, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned users. Its sound is a delightful medium, facilitating a pleasant typing experience in various environments, whether at home or in the office. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the MX Orange switches remain unspecified, leaving a gap in assessing how they might compare directly to the Ink Yellow's distinctive auditory feedback. However, it's important to note that the overall sound can also depend on the keyboard's construction and keycap choice, which applies to both switches.

When it comes to feel, the Ink Yellow offers a distinct typing experience with its mild characteristics and polished finish. This means that the switch provides a gentle response during typing, making it approachable for many users, along with a smooth key travel due to minimal friction. This refined feel complements the switch's sound profile, resulting in an overall harmonious typing experience. The MX Orange's tactile feel is not explicitly described, making it difficult to compare in direct terms. However, if it possesses a level of smoothness similar to other Cherry MX switches, it could potentially deliver a different yet engaging typing experience.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is well-defined in terms of both sound and feel, showcasing a smooth, polished, and pleasantly clacky typing experience, the Cherry MX Orange switch lacks sufficient details to make a direct comparison. The Ink Yellow is versatile for various settings due to its mild characteristics and engaging sound, while the MX Orange's qualities remain uncertain. Without specific insights into the MX Orange, users may find that the Gateron Ink Yellow provides a reliable balance between the tactile qualities of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, making it an excellent option for newcomers eager to explore mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a smoother, more refined typing experience that balances between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is an excellent choice. Its moderate actuation force and pleasant clackiness make it suitable for both casual and professional settings, ensuring a comfortable yet engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you are drawn to nostalgia and seek the unique qualities of the original MX Orange switches, which come with the enhancements of the MX2A generation, then the Cherry MX Orange might be your preferred option. This switch provides an appealing feel and sound profile for those who value heritage and performance. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal typing style—whether you prioritize a polished smoothness with a lively sound or a classic switch that has been reimagined for modern needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more