Gateron Ink Yellow vs. TTC Speed Silver

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Speed Silver. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch that stands out for its shorter travel distance, offering a typing experience that falls between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard. With its pleasant smoothness and distinctive clackiness, this switch delivers a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is also a linear switch, but it is best known for its emphasis on speed and precision. Ideal for those who prioritize swift and accurate typing, these switches offer a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. With a reduced travel distance, they allow for quick and effortless actuation. Both switches share qualities such as being categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

TTC Speed Silver Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Speed Silver switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Many users describe it as clacky. On the other hand, the Speed Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Both materials offer unique sound characteristics, with the Ink Yellow providing a slightly softer and more satisfying sound, while the Speed Silver delivers a sharper and crisper sound.

In terms of bottom housing, the Ink Yellow and the Speed Silver utilize different materials. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which again contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This combination adds to the clacky sound that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Speed Silver incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is softer than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver offers a distinct typing experience compared to the Ink Yellow's proprietary blend bottom housing.

When it comes to the overall typing experience, the housing materials of the top and bottom play a crucial role. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, directly impacting the tactile experience of pressing down on a key. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing and the Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing both contribute to a distinctive feel when bottoming out. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, commonly referred to as the upstroke sound. While the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a clacky and satisfying higher-pitched sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver creates a sharper and crisper sound. Therefore, depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typist experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that there are notable differences in weight. The Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Speed Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Ink Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Speed Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams.

Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Speed Silver switch. With its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for smoother and easier keystrokes, making it ideal for individuals who type for extended periods of time or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can cater to those who appreciate a stronger push feel and prefer a bit more resistance while typing.

It is important to note that while the forces of these switches differ, both the Ink Yellow and Speed Silver switches fall within the medium category. This means that regardless of the switch chosen, the resulting typing experience will be relatively similar in terms of actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and whether a lighter or heavier touch is desired.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, we can see that the Ink Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the traditional distance being 4.0 mm, they offer slightly different experiences. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Ink Yellow switch with its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke may lean towards the Speed Silver switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is known for its neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. It has a pleasant clacky sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch also has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. However, since no specific information about the sound profile is provided, it can be assumed that the sound produced by the Speed Silver switch will be similar to that of the Ink Yellow switch, with a neutral and moderate sound profile. It is important to note that the sound produced by the switches is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and TTC Speed Silver switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that these switches provide a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Ink Yellow switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Speed Silver switch is also referred to as having a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Based on this information, it can be inferred that both switches will offer a similar typing feel with a mild and polished experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow and TTC Speed Silver switches have some similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a moderate actuation force requirement. They both offer a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While there may be slight differences in the sound and feel between the two switches, overall, users can expect a similar typing experience. It is worth mentioning that individual preferences can also play a role in determining the preferred switch, so it is recommended to try both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style and preference.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a shorter travel and a smooth and clacky typing experience, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is the one for you. It offers a pleasant balance between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard and is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is a great choice. With reduced travel distance, it allows for quick and effortless actuation. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, with a polished finish that provides a sleek typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Speed Silver depends on your preferred bottom out force and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

TTC Speed Silver Linear

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

Learn more