Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Silent Yellow

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Outemu Silent Yellow present distinct options for users, each with its own advantages. The Gateron Ink Yellow is celebrated for its shorter travel distance and a typing experience that falls somewhere between a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth and clacky feel with a touch of mildness. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is designed for quieter operation, ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. While the Ink Yellow offers a polished and pleasant typing experience, the Silent Yellow emphasizes discretion without compromising on a linear feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, be it for the enjoyment of tactility or the need for tranquility. 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

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches utilize different materials in their top housings, which contributes to their distinctive sound profiles. The Ink Yellow features Gateron's proprietary INK blend, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched acoustics that produce a satisfying, clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Silent Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is recognized for creating a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer properties allow it to resonate more clearly, resulting in a higher-pitched audio experience. Despite the difference in materials, both switches can yield a similar typing feel, with the perception of a quicker response due to their respective sound profiles.

When examining the bottom housings, the Gateron Ink Yellow employs its proprietary INK blend, while the Outemu Silent Yellow features nylon material. The INK blend bottom housing reverberates with a pointed sound profile similar to the top housing, reinforcing the sharpness experienced when typing. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing in the Silent Yellow offers a deeper and fuller sound quality, as it absorbs more sound and contributes to a rounder overall experience. Although these two switches diverge in their sound characteristics due to their choice of bottom housing materials, the combined effect of each switch's top and bottom material can still result in an engaging typing experience, influenced by the individual qualities of each housing.

Overall, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Gateron Ink Yellow and Outemu Silent Yellow switches illustrates the nuanced ways that sound and feel can be tailored in mechanical keyboards. While the Ink Yellow leans towards a sharper and clackier sound profile, the Silent Yellow aims for a softer, more rounded auditory experience. However, the action when pressing and releasing the keys harmonizes between these materials, ensuring that both switches can deliver satisfying responses while catering to different user preferences. Ultimately, understanding the impact of these materials allows users to forecast the sensory feedback they can expect from each switch.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to different user preferences. The Gateron Ink Yellow features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium category and offering a gentler touch. This difference in weight means that the Ink Yellow is better suited for users looking for a stronger key press that can contribute to a defined feel during typing, which some may prefer for gaming or intensive work. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's lighter forces can reduce fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort. Thus, if you find yourself in need of a lighter switch for extended use, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be the ideal pick, whereas the heavier Gateron Ink Yellow may appeal to those seeking a more tactile response.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there is a clear difference between the two. The Gateron Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow measures 4 mm. This means that the Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive and suitable for gamers who favor quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow with its longer travel distance of 4 mm provides more depth, which some users might prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on each individual's preference for response time versus the satisfying feel of a deeper key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a unique auditory experience characterized by its moderate and clacky qualities. The switch produces a pleasingly crisp and bright sound during actuation, making it suitable for various environments, whether you're at home or in an office. This neutral yet sharp sound profile can evoke a satisfying response from users who appreciate acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch lacks specific sound characteristics, which leaves its auditory profile undefined, suggesting a potentially quieter experience, especially compared to the Ink Yellow.

When it comes to tactile feel, the Ink Yellow switch stands out with its mild and polished characteristics. It provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable for all users, with a smooth and refined finish that minimizes friction during key presses. This polished feel often results from quality materials or factory lubing, contributing to seamless key travel that typists may find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch does not have a defined tactile feel presented, leaving uncertainty about its responsiveness and overall comfort compared to the well-rounded feel of the Ink Yellow.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Outemu Silent Yellow switches serve as linear options, the Ink Yellow clearly excels in both sound and feel, offering a crisp auditory feedback along with a smooth and gentle typing experience. The Silent Yellow's undefined qualities mean that those seeking a specific tactile or auditory performance would likely benefit more from the well-established characteristics of the Ink Yellow. If you’re considering either switch type, the Ink Yellow will deliver a more predictable and enjoyable typing experience, while the Silent Yellow remains a wildcard in terms of its performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams, providing a firmer feel with shorter travel and a somewhat clackier sound profile, the Ink Yellow is an excellent choice. This switch is ideal for those who want a typing experience that sits comfortably between a standard mechanical keyboard and a laptop, making it perfect for both home and office environments where a touch of sound can be satisfying. On the other hand, if you're looking for something quieter and a bit softer, with a bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Silent Yellow is the way to go. While it lacks distinct sound characteristics, the lighter actuation may suit you if you prefer an unobtrusive typing experience, especially in shared spaces or during late-night work sessions. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a quieter and softer touch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Yellow Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more