Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Jerrzi Violet mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their unique characteristics. The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch, featuring a shorter travel distance and a smooth and clacky typing experience. It is recommended for those who enjoy a typing feel that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch, known for its smooth actuation and pleasingly poppy tactility. With a neutral sound signature, it offers a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. While the Ink Yellow is characterized as ['Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', 'Polished'], the Violet is categorized as ['Stepped', 'Neutral']. Both switches have their own advantages, but there are specific reasons why you may prefer one over the other. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Jerrzi Violet switches, it is evident that the INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow provides a more clacky and high-pitched sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet, which offers a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials have their own unique characteristics, with the INK blend producing a thin and higher-pitched sound while the polycarbonate creates a clearer and resonant sound. However, if one prefers a switch with RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet would be the ideal choice due to its translucency, making it more suitable for showcasing vibrant lighting effects.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow and the nylon bottom housing of the Violet offer contrasting sound profiles. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Yellow contributes to the overall clacky and high-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Violet produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of the nylon material allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the INK blend bottom housing.
In considering how the top and bottom housing materials of the two switches impact the overall sound and feel, it is crucial to recognize the role each material plays in determining the switch's characteristics. While the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing material has a significant impact on the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the choice between the INK blend and polycarbonate for the top housing, as well as between the INK blend and nylon for the bottom housing, ultimately depends on personal preference and desired sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two. The Ink Yellow has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Violet switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Violet switch makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the Ink Yellow switch offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for typing experience and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Violet switch slightly longer in terms of travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow switch. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, which is often preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding how much travel distance you prefer in a key press.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Jerrzi Violet switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and user preferences. However, the Ink Yellow switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and percussive noise when pressed, while the Violet switch provides a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is characterized as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a smooth and refined key press, with reduced friction and a sleek feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is described as having a stepped tactile feel, providing a gentler typing experience with a subtle bump in each keystroke. This type of tactility offers a more nuanced feedback compared to the straightforward smoothness of the Ink Yellow switch.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Jerrzi Violet switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they ultimately cater to different preferences. The Ink Yellow provides a clackier sound and a polished typing experience, ideal for those looking for a smooth yet distinct typing feel. On the other hand, the Violet switch offers a more subtle tactile feedback, making it a good choice for those who prefer a gentler keystroke. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results depending on your selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you prefer a smoother and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ink Yellow may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a gentle tactile switch with smooth actuation and a poppy tactility, the Violet switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your desired typing feel and sound profile. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
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