Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Raw linear switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we find two unique options that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw is praised for its blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon materials, providing a creamy and lightweight typing experience with a slightly textured feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a quieter typing experience with a pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While both switches offer their own advantages, such as the Keygeek Raw being a great starting point for hand-lubing enthusiasts and the Silent Ink Black providing a polished typing experience, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and Gateron Silent Ink Black both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While the Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, the Gateron Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend. Both switches are known for their relatively high-pitched sound profiles, with the Keygeek Raw offering a specific emphasis on a satisfying thin sound. However, the Silent Ink Black is characterized by a pointed sound that is not overly sharp, providing a clacky feel that is favored by many users.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw uses a UMPE & Si blend, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black sticks with its proprietary INK blend. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Both switches offer unique qualities in this regard, with the Keygeek Raw likely providing a different tactile experience compared to the Silent Ink Black. Additionally, the top housing of a switch influences the sound when a key is released, so the specific blend used by each switch will impact the overall typing experience in different ways.
Overall, while the Keygeek Raw and Gateron Silent Ink Black may have different housing materials, they both exhibit qualities that cater to users looking for a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboards. The Nylon & UPE blend of the Keygeek Raw and the proprietary INK blend of the Silent Ink Black offer unique characteristics that contribute to their overall typing feel. Whether you prefer a more clacky sound like the Silent Ink Black or a thin and satisfying sound like the Keygeek Raw, both switches provide a distinct typing experience that is sure to enhance your daily keyboard use.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch both fall within the medium actuation force range. The Keygeek Raw does not provide a specific actuation force, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams, which is lighter compared to the Silent Ink Black's 70 grams. This means that the Keygeek Raw may feel slightly easier to press down fully compared to the Silent Ink Black. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Keygeek Raw, while those who enjoy a more substantial push may opt for the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing feel and overall user experience of a switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Keygeek Raw linear switch is 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Keygeek Raw. The 3.4 mm distance of the Keygeek Raw would provide a quicker response time, making it a favorable choice for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the 4 mm distance of the Silent Ink Black offers a deeper key press feeling, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted experience, significantly reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a textured and mild typing experience with subtle friction upon pressing the keys. This can be preferred by some users who enjoy a slightly tactile feel. On the contrary, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, boasting exceptional smoothness and minimized resistance, resulting in a refined and sleek feel to each keystroke.
Considering all the available information, it's clear that the Keygeek Raw and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Keygeek Raw excels in providing a textured and mildly tactile feel with a neutral sound profile, the Gateron Silent Ink Black stands out for its ultra-smooth and silent typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a slightly tactile feel or a completely smooth and quiet typing experience. Either way, you can expect quality performance and satisfaction, fitting your desired typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a unique material blend, slightly textured feel, and a lightweight typing experience, the Keygeek Raw linear switch may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you need a switch that provides a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be a great choice, especially for quieter environments. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, so it's essential to determine which features align best with your typing style and environment.
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