Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silent Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note their differences and similarities. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch that is characterized by a shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Known for its smoothness and clackiness, it is recommended for those seeking a neutral, clacky, mild, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean is also a linear switch but lacks specific standout features. While the Ink Yellow offers a unique typing experience, the Silent Ocean may appeal to those looking for a quieter and more subtle switch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silent Ocean both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of the material. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Yellow utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as the top housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. In comparison, the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This difference in bottom housing material contributes to a more rounded and dull sound compared to the higher-pitched sound of the Ink Yellow.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silent Ocean play a significant role in defining the sound profile of each switch. While the Ink Yellow features a more consistent sound profile with its proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, the Silent Ocean offers a contrast with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Both switches have qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Ink Yellow providing a clacky sound and the Silent Ocean offering a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Silent Ocean lighter in this aspect. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Yellow at 67 grams is heavier than the bottom out force of the Silent Ocean at 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. The weight of the switch is an important factor to consider as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Outemu Silent Ocean, ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Ink Yellow for its heavier actuation force. Overall, both switches offer a different typing experience based on the user's preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Yellow offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Silent Ocean due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. However, some may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a bit more depth in key presses with its longer travel distance, which can be preferred by those looking for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key 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 Silent Ocean 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 offers a neutral and clacky typing experience. This means that the switch has a moderate sound profile with a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. In comparison, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, making it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard layout and keycap material used.
In regards to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the switch offers a gentle typing feel with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have any specific feel descriptors provided, making it challenging to directly compare the two in terms of typing feel. However, based on the information available, it can be inferred that the Gateron Ink Yellow may offer a more comfortable and polished typing experience compared to the Silent Ocean switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch stands out for its pleasant smoothness, clackiness, neutral sound profile, mild typing feel, and polished finish. While the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks specific descriptors for sound and feel, the information available suggests that the Gateron switch may provide a better overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are linear by design, so users can expect similar linear characteristics in terms of actuation and overall feel, but the specific sound and feel nuances may vary between the two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should opt for the Gateron Ink Yellow if you prefer a smoother and clackier typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force. This switch is great for those who want a balance between laptop and standard mechanical keyboard typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean may be a better choice for you if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a slightly lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel and sound, as both switches offer their own unique benefits.
Mentioned in this article
