Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches but offer different experiences. The Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel distance and is recommended for those seeking a typing feel that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It is praised for its smoothness and satisfying clackiness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver does not have any standout features mentioned, but it is worth noting that it is also a linear 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silver, one can see that they both incorporate unique characteristics in their top housings. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow offers a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver produces a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, with the Ink Yellow providing a more pointed sound and the Silver offering a clearer resonance. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Silver makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the keyboard.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches showcase distinct features as well. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow provides a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile to its top housing, creating consistency in the typing experience. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This difference in material results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Yellow, highlighting the impact of bottom housing material on the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Silver feature different housing materials in both their top and bottom housings, they ultimately provide similar results in terms of a satisfying typing experience. The unique qualities of each material, whether it be the INK blend or polycarbonate in the top housing, or the nylon in the bottom housing, contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch to the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Silver switch is the lighter of the two. The Silver switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ink Yellow's 60 grams. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Ink Yellow at 67 grams and the Silver at 65 grams. This means that while typing on the Ink Yellow switch may require more initial force, both switches offer a similar resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience, with the Ink Yellow offering a heavier actuation force for a more substantial feel, and the Silver providing a lighter touch for extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Gateron switch may appeal to gamers looking for fast response times, while the longer travel distance of the Outemu switch could provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silver being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a pleasant combination of a neutral sound profile with a hint of clackiness, providing a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various users, whether they are beginners or advanced, and for different environments, whether it be at home or work. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
As for feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is known for its mild and polished characteristics, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. The polished finish contributes to reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing feel. This switch strikes a balance between a gentle typing experience and a refined touch. In contrast, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch, making it challenging to analyze and compare this aspect between the two switches.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with a smooth and refined typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch may be a suitable choice for you. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silver linear switch are not explicitly described, it is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as sound and feel when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches and seeking hands-on experience is recommended to determine which switch best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a shorter travel distance and a smooth, clacky feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience, the Outemu Silver could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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