Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Type S, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel distance, offering a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch is praised for its smoothness and clackiness, making it ideal for users who appreciate a balanced feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S is a flagship offering from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," featuring a 65g bottom-out for a weightier keystroke. This switch boasts a sound signature that leans towards a deeper acoustic experience, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued yet satisfying typing sound. Both switches are categorized as 'Neutral,' but the Gateron Ink Yellow is described as 'Clacky,' 'Mild,' and 'Polished,' whereas the Gateron Type S is labeled as 'Subdued.' 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Type S switches both offer unique sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a thinner and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, while the Type S's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in sound can greatly impact the typing experience, as some prefer the crisper sound of the Ink Yellow while others may prefer the deeper tones of the Type S.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Type S once again offer distinct characteristics. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow provides a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that complements the top housing, while the nylon bottom housing of the Type S absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound. These differences in bottom housing materials can influence keypress feedback and bottom-out sound, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their sound preferences.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Type S switches have different housing materials for both the top and bottom, they ultimately offer similar customization options for users. Both switches allow users to tailor their typing experience based on sound preferences, with the Ink Yellow providing a thinner and higher-pitched sound profile and the Type S offering a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a clacky sound or a rounder tone, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gateron Type S linear switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ink Yellow requiring 67 grams and the Type S needing 65 grams. The Ink Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly higher actuation force, while the Type S offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Ink Yellow being the heavier option and the Type S being the lighter option for those seeking a more comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Type S linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Type S the longer-traveling switch out of the two options. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, so they should provide a similar feel when typing, with the Type S offering just a slightly longer keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for travel distance.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 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, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Type S linear switches have a neutral sound profile. However, the Ink Yellow switch offers a clacky sound, which is sharp and percussive, while the Type S switch provides a more subdued sound, which is dampened and subtle. This difference in sound can be attributed to the factory lubing techniques used in the Type S switch, which creates a deeper acoustic experience compared to the Ink Yellow switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key presses. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Gateron Type S switch is unavailable. Given that both switches are linear switches, it can be assumed that they will provide a similar typing feel in terms of smoothness and lack of any tactile bump during key presses.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is known for its shorter travel distance, smoothness, and clackiness, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch offers a weightier keystroke experience with a balanced sound signature leaning towards a deeper acoustic tone, thanks to contemporary factory lubing techniques. While both switches offer a neutral sound profile, the Ink Yellow switch produces a clacky sound, whereas the Type S switch offers a more subdued sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Type S linear switches, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a shorter travel distance and a clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightier keystroke with a more neutral and subdued sound signature, then the Gateron Type S would be the better option. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, so it ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize feel or sound when selecting your mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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