Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Gold. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch with a shorter travel, offering a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Known for its smoothness and satisfying clackiness, this switch is recommended for those looking for a neutral, clacky, mild, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, but doesn't have any standout features. As we dig deeper beyond these generalities, you can best decide which switch suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Gold switches, we can see that both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials. The Gateron Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing that provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer a high-pitched sound profile, the polycarbonate material of the Outemu Gold may provide a clearer and more resonant sound due to its stiffness compared to Gateron's INK blend.
Moving on to the bottom housing of the switches, we see another point of contrast between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Gold. The Gateron Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which also contributes to the high-pitched and clacky sound profile of the switch. In comparison, the Outemu Gold utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference can be attributed to the properties of nylon being softer and absorbing more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the INK blend used in the Gateron switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. While the Gateron Ink Yellow and Outemu Gold may both offer high-pitched sound profiles, the use of different materials such as polycarbonate and nylon in their housing components results in distinct variations in sound and feel. Understanding the impact of these housing materials on the overall typing experience can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their setups.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch. The Ink Yellow requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 67 grams to bottom out, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Gold switch only needs 45 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. The lighter actuation force of the Gold switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier forces of the Ink Yellow could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Yellow offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers who value fast response times. On the other hand, the Gold switch provides a slightly deeper keypress, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Outemu Gold comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch provides a neutral and clacky typing experience. The moderate actuation force requirement coupled with a sharp and snappy sound when pressed creates a pleasant auditory feedback that is suitable for various typing scenarios. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch has no listed sound descriptors, leaving its sound profile a bit of a mystery. Both switches are likely to produce satisfying results in terms of sound, but the Ink Yellow might offer a more defined and consistent typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. With a gentle typing feel that falls on a safe middle ground, coupled with a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction, users can expect a comfortable and sleek typing sensation. The Outemu Gold clicky switch, however, lacks any listed feel descriptors, leaving us to speculate on its tactile qualities. While both switches may provide a satisfying typing experience, the Ink Yellow's known characteristics suggest a more consistent and refined feel for users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch stands out for its pleasant smoothness, clackiness, mild feel, and polished finish. It offers a reliable typing experience that falls between laptop and standard mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks specific descriptors for sound and feel, making it a bit of an unknown in comparison. Ultimately, while both switches may produce satisfactory results, opting for the Gateron Ink Yellow would likely provide a more consistent and defined typing experience for newcomers seeking a reliable mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smoother and quieter typing experience similar to that of a laptop, the Ink Yellow with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Gold with its medium bottom out force of 60 grams might be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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