Keygeek Keylin vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between linear and clicky options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Keygeek Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its premium typing experience, utilizing new molds from Keygeek to offer exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic offers a revitalized take on traditional clicky switches, combining advanced features like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems to deliver a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more dynamic and audible typing experience. While both switches have their unique strengths—namely, the Keylin's smoothness and the Melodic's engaging click—each is tailored to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Melodic, a notable distinction exists in their top housing. The Keylin features a nylon top housing, which is well-regarded for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Melodic utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice among users who prioritize visual appeal in their builds.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, with both the Keylin and Melodic employing nylon. This similarity brings about a consistent experience in terms of sound quality and feel when pressing the keys. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, similar in both switches, thereby ensuring that the bottom-out feel and sound present a harmonious experience. Ultimately, the advantage of using nylon for the bottom housing in both switches lies in its sound absorption capabilities, which mitigate any potential harshness that might arise from the varying materials used in the top housing.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the top housings in the Keygeek Keylin and Gateron Melodic serve to create different sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a unifying auditory experience when bottoming out. When evaluating key feel and sound feedback, the nylon bottoms consistently deliver a fuller sound, while the disparities in the top housings emphasize either a rounder or crisper sound based on user preference. Therefore, for those who appreciate diverse auditory experiences, the Keylin and Melodic switches highlight how different materials can influence the overall engagement of typing, while still sharing a common foundation in their design.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that may influence a user's choice based on their typing preferences. The Keylin features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long hours at work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium weight, although its actuation force is unspecified. This suggests that the Melodic might be better suited for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, as the heavier bottom out force provides a firmer feedback. Consequently, while the Keylin is the lighter option overall, the Melodic's stronger characteristics may appeal to those seeking a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, the Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Melodic measures 4 mm. This makes the Keylin the shorter option, which can be advantageous for users seeking a more responsive keypress, as shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers for quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Melodic's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a deeper feel that some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value the speed of response or a heartier keypress experience, with the Keylin offering a snappier action and the Melodic serving those who appreciate greater depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch provides a rich acoustic experience with smooth operation but lacks explicit sound descriptors in the information provided, leaving its more specific auditory qualities somewhat unknown. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is characterized by its resonant, higher-pitched sound profile, delivering a clean and sharp auditory feedback akin to the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot. This effective sound design is complemented by the clicky nature of the switch, which appeals to those looking for a classic typing sound, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback during use.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, providing a premium typing experience, though specific descriptors for its tactile feedback are not available. On the other hand, the Melodic clicky switch is described as both buttery and invigorating, indicating an effortless keystroke sensation coupled with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. This combination makes it ideal for typists who appreciate a tactile response along with smoothness, effectively delivering an engaging typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch excels in offering smooth, rich acoustics, its specific sound characteristics are not detailed. Comparatively, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is distinguished by its resonant and crunchy auditory feedback paired with a buttery, invigorating tactile experience. When selecting between these two switches, potential users might favor the Keylin for a purely smooth linear feel or opt for the Melodic for a more dynamic tactile and auditory interaction. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that whichever one you choose, you'll have a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light, smooth experience with seamless keystrokes and rich acoustics, then the Keylin switch is likely the right choice for you. Its 48-gram actuation force makes it ideal for fast typists or those who appreciate a soft touch without substantial resistance. Meanwhile, if you enjoy an engaging auditory experience and a tactile feel, the Gateron Melodic switch may be more up your alley. With its 60-gram bottom-out force, this switch provides a satisfying, crunchy sound with buttery keystrokes that ensure each press is both invigorating and immersive. In the end, consider what matters most to you—whether it's the smoothness and lightness of the Keylin for effortless typing or the pronounced feedback and nostalgic clicks of the Melodic for a more dynamic and tactile experience. Your choice should enhance your typing enjoyment and productivity, so choose the switch that best aligns with your needs.
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