Gateron Ink Yellow vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Yunhai mechanical switches, both offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Yellow is designed for those seeking a balance between the tactile feedback of a standard mechanical keyboard and the sleekness of a laptop, featuring a shorter travel distance that allows for a quick and smooth typing experience characterized by a mild clackiness. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai stands out with its exceptionally light actuation force and a deep, rounded sound profile, making it an ideal choice for typists who appreciate a gentle and effortless keystroke without sacrificing auditory pleasure. While both switches are linear and designed for smooth performance, their unique characteristics can dramatically affect your overall typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow and TTC Yunhai switches differ significantly in their housing materials, which greatly influences their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend is a formulated plastic that produces a pointed, high-pitched sound, described as clacky. This sound is particularly pronounced during key releases due to the material's rigidity, contributing to a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Yunhai switch utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which inherently offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and results in a rounder, less sharp auditory feedback compared to the Ink Yellow's housing.
When comparing the bottom housings of both switches, the impact of their material differences becomes even more evident. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend maintains a similar bright and pointed sound profile for its bottom housing, contributing to the overall clacky sensation during bottoming out. Conversely, the Yunhai's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively, creating a duller and more muted bottom-out sound. Thus, while both switches might provide a satisfying tactile experience, the Ink Yellow offers a sharper auditory feedback, whereas the Yunhai produces a softer, more enveloped sound, resulting in two distinctly different typing experiences despite both having enjoyable characteristics.
Ultimately, while both the Gateron Ink Yellow and TTC Yunhai switches have their unique sound signatures attributed to their housing materials, they may still appeal to similar preferences among typists. For those who appreciate a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback, the Ink Yellow stand out, while typists who prefer a more muted and softer sound might gravitate toward the Yunhai. Regardless of the differences, both switches demonstrate how careful material selection can lead to distinct sound profiles, and fans of both might enjoy similar tactile qualities, even though the auditory experience will vary greatly based on the housings used.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are noteworthy differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Yellow features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy in feel. In contrast, the Yunhai switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter feel might gravitate towards the Yunhai for extended use, as it requires less force to register each keystroke. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier Ink Yellow switch. Overall, this comparison shows that the Ink Yellow is the heavier option, while the Yunhai is the lighter one, providing users with distinct choices based on their preferred typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Ink Yellow measures 3.5 mm, while the Yunhai has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Ink Yellow switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may be more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Yunhai's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, catering to those who prefer a fuller keystroke feel. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be the better choice, whereas if you value a more traditional and hearty typing experience, the TTC Yunhai might be more suitable.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch presents a notable combination of neutrality and clackiness. Its neutral aspect makes it versatile, catering to a broad audience ranging from beginners to advanced typists, while its clacky nature produces a crisp, sharp sound that enhances the typing experience, making it lively and engaging. This sound profile can be influenced by various factors like the keyboard build and keycap material, but the inherent characteristics of the switch provide a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find appealing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai's sound profile remains unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares to the Ink Yellow. However, the Yunhai is known for its unique typing experience, which suggests it might offer a different auditory outcome altogether, though specifics are lacking.
Regarding feel, the Ink Yellow switch excels in providing both a mild and polished typing experience. The mild feel ensures that typists can enjoy a gentle approach to key presses, appealing to those who favor a smooth but not overly pronounced experience. Coupled with a polished finish, the Ink Yellow promises reduced friction and an overall sleek actuation, enabling effortless typing that balances comfort with performance. The TTC Yunhai's specifics about feel are also unknown, which makes it difficult to directly describe or compare. Nevertheless, its incredibly light actuation force hints at a different tactile experience that may lean towards a softness and ease that could appeal to those seeking minimal resistance in their typing.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Yunhai switches cater to distinct preferences, the Ink Yellow's sound and feel characteristics provide a well-rounded experience that appeals to a broad range of users. The Ink Yellow's clacky sound and polished feel might resonate more with typists looking for engagement and smoothness. Meanwhile, the Yunhai could offer alternative sensations deserving of consideration, though its specifics remain elusive. Overall, those opting for either switch can expect a quality typing experience, but the Ink Yellow provides clearer advantages in terms of defined sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Yunhai linear switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you’re looking for. If you prefer a typing experience that strikes a balance between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is an excellent option. It features a medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, which provides a solid, tactile feedback with a pleasant clackiness, making it suitable for both home and work environments. This switch is great for those who appreciate a smooth, polished feel combined with a crisper sound profile. On the other hand, if you're seeking a more effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai with its lighter actuation force of 50 grams might be the better choice for you. Its deep, rounded sound profile and gentle feel cater perfectly to typists who enjoy a refined and less strenuous typing experience. Essentially, if you appreciate a tactile response with a bit more resistance, go for the Ink Yellow; but if you prefer a light, soft touch with a rich sound, the Yunhai will serve you well.
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