Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Brown. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch known for its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch offers a smooth and pleasant typing feel with a satisfying clackiness. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch known for its reliability and durability, offering a more traditional typing experience. While the Ink Yellow is characterized as neutral, clacky, mild, and polished, the Dustproof Brown doesn't fall into any specific category. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, it is clear that they offer distinct sound profiles due to their different materials. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow provides a clackier sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Brown produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting, making it a more visually appealing option for some users. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Brown results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the higher-pitched sound of the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow.

While the top housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Brown offer contrasting sound profiles, their bottom housing materials also play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Brown creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow contributes to its clacky sound profile, adding a unique touch to the typing experience. These differences in bottom housing materials further differentiate the sound and feel of these two switches, catering to different preferences among users.

Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Dustproof Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow offers a higher-pitched and clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Brown provides a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Brown results in a deeper and fuller sound compared to the higher-pitched sound of the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow. Whether one prefers a more distinct sound profile or a softer typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, it is evident that there are noticeable differences between the two. The Gateron Ink Yellow has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Brown's 45 grams, making the Outemu Dustproof Brown the lighter option in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Yellow has a higher force of 67 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Brown's 65 grams, making the Gateron Ink Yellow the heavier option in terms of bottom out force. These variations in force levels result in different typing experiences for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Brown, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may favor the Gateron Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Dustproof Brown has a longer travel distance, making it better suited for those who prefer a deeper feeling when pressing down on keys. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or individuals looking for a faster response time. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Dustproof Brown providing more depth and the Ink Yellow offering a quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mix of a neutral and clacky sound profile. This means that it provides a moderate actuation force requirement while also producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has no specific sound characteristics provided, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is noted for a mild and polished typing experience. This means that it offers a gentle typing feel compared to more pronounced switches, with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch are not provided, making it challenging to compare the two switches in terms of tactile feedback.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mix of a moderate actuation force requirement, clacky sound profile, mild typing feel, and polished finish. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is lacking, making it challenging to directly compare the two. If the Dustproof Brown switch shares similar qualities to the Ink Yellow, you can expect a typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement, potentially a neutral sound profile, and a feel that falls within a safe and gentle middle-ground zone. Ultimately, the best choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother and clackier typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, then the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be the best choice for you. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and a neutral or clacky sound profile, along with a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are not concerned about sound and feel descriptions, then the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound, as well as the specific qualities that are important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more