Gateron Ink Yellow vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch that is best known for its shorter travel, providing a typing experience that falls somewhere between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, this switch offers a polished feel during use. On the other hand, the Yanyu is also a linear switch that caters to those looking for a delicate typing experience or those who type for extended periods of time. With a material blend that gives it a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu offers a subtle and feathery typing feel. While these general points provide an overview, let's explore these switches more in-depth to assist you in choosing the best option for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in terms of their composition. The Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This material provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top and bottom housing. This unique blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side.
While both switches possess distinct housing materials, they share similarities when it comes to their sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow and the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing of the Yanyu both contribute to a sound profile that is not overly sharp. Although described differently, they provide a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch with a similar sound profile, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu will provide comparable results.
When it comes to the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the differences in housing materials play a role. The bottom housing, which is the INK blend for the Ink Yellow and the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for the Yanyu, influences the experience when pressing down on the switch. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel may vary between the two switches, with the Ink Yellow potentially offering a sharper and more pronounced sensation, while the Yanyu delivers a smoother and milder bottom-out experience. Conversely, when releasing a key, the qualities of the top housing become more noticeable, potentially differentiating the sound produced by each switch when you let go of a key.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow and SP-Star Yanyu switches differ in their housing materials, which impact their overall sound profile and typing experience. While the Ink Yellow utilizes the proprietary INK blend, the Yanyu incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend. Both switches offer a pleasant sound profile, although the Ink Yellow leans towards being clacky and higher-pitched, while the Yanyu is described as brighter and less sharp. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, suggesting potential differences between the switches, whereas the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. However, for those seeking similar results, both switches provide comparable sound profiles that are not overly sharp.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches, there are notable differences to consider. The Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Yanyu switch does not provide information on its actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is considered light.
For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Yanyu switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower bottom out force allows for a smoother and less strenuous typing experience, making it ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. This lightweight characteristic makes it a popular option for those who prioritize comfort and reduced fatigue.
On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch offers a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This heavier feel may be preferred by individuals who desire a stronger push while typing, providing a sense of assurance and responsiveness. Additionally, some users find that switches with heavier forces help improve typing accuracy and reduce accidental keystrokes.
It should be noted that despite not having the specific actuation force listed for the Yanyu switch, it is reasonable to expect that its actuation force would likely fall within a range similar to the Ink Yellow switch in order to provide a consistent and reliable typing experience.
In summary, while the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is medium-heavy with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a lighter typing experience with a bottom out force of 43 grams. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, whether one prefers a lighter touch or a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have different travel distances. The Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Yanyu has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of the traditional range, the Yanyu falls within the usual 4.0mm travel distance, while the Ink Yellow is on the shorter side at 3.5 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times often prefer shorter travel distances, making the Ink Yellow a suitable choice for them. However, those who enjoy a deeper key press may find the Yanyu with its longer travel distance more satisfying. It ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired level of 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
The sound of the Gateron Ink Yellow switch can be described as neutral with a clacky profile. This means that it has a moderate sound when pressed, suitable for most purposes. The sound is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch also has a neutral sound profile, but it is described as thocky. This means that it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Overall, both switches offer different sound qualities, with the Ink Yellow being sharper and crisper, while the Yanyu provides a more deep and satisfying sound.
In terms of feel, both the Ink Yellow and the Yanyu switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. This means that the typing feel and sound of both switches will be approachable to most users, as they fall within a safe and middle-ground zone. Both switches are also described as polished, indicating that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Yanyu switch is also described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires minimal finger exertion. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switch is also described as subtle, with a gentle resistance and a non-resonant sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow and SP-Star Yanyu switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow provides a clacky sound profile that is crisp and percussive, while the Yanyu offers a thocky sound profile that is deep and satisfying. Both switches have a mild typing feel and a polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. However, the Yanyu switch stands out with its feathery feel, requiring minimal finger exertion and reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who wants a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a medium-heavy feel, providing enough feedback without being too difficult to press. This switch is also praised for its smoothness and clackiness, giving you a satisfying typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or often type for long periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, it is significantly lighter than the Ink Yellow switch, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Yanyu's material blend gives it a crisp sound profile, providing a satisfying thocky sound when pressed.
In terms of sound, both switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Ink Yellow switch is also described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound, while the Yanyu switch is known for its thocky sound, resulting in a deep and satisfying tone.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. They are both described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. However, the Yanyu switch has the additional descriptors of feathery and subtle, indicating its exceptionally light press and gentle resistance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch depends on your personal preference and typing needs. Consider factors such as the desired typing experience, bottom out force, sound profile, and feel to make an informed decision. Whichever switch you choose, both offer high-quality performance and are sure to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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