Keygeek Keylin vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Silent Ink Black stand out as two sought-after options, both categorized as linear switches and offering unique characteristics. The Keylin switch, crafted with new molds from Keygeek, is celebrated for its premium typing experience, featuring rich acoustics and an exceptionally smooth keystroke that enhances both productivity and enjoyment. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is designed specifically for quieter settings, providing a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel that minimizes audio feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who want to type without disturbing others. While the Keylin excels in delivering an engaging sound profile complemented by smooth action, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a muted experience, perfect for office environments or shared spaces. 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
38g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, it's evident that they adopt distinctly different approaches. The Keylin switch utilizes a nylon housing for both its top and bottom components, which is known for its softer plastic properties. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's sound-absorbing capabilities, allowing for a more muted auditory experience when typing. The softness of the nylon contributes to a quieter, more subdued sound, ideal for users seeking a typing experience that minimizes noise disturbance.
In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housings. This material is specifically designed to produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, providing a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The INK blend gives the switch a clacky sound, which is distinctively sharper than the muted tones of the nylon used in the Keylin. Here, the higher-pitched characteristic can create a more exciting typing experience for those who enjoy a lively sound profile, even while still aiming for a quieter operation through the switch's overall design.
Despite these foundational differences in housing materials, there are parallels in how they both affect the typing experience. In the case of the Keygeek Keylin, the use of nylon across both housings ensures a uniform sound quality that emphasizes a deeper acoustic profile. Meanwhile, the dual INK blend of the Silent Ink Black provides consistency in sound characteristics, facilitating that signature sharpness in both the top and bottom of the switch. Users from both camps can expect a noteworthy typing experience, albeit in different sound and feel spectrums; the Keylin generates a more resonant experience, while the Silent Ink Black delivers a sharp, high-pitched feedback. The differentiated qualities of each housing material contribute significantly to their unique sound profiles, catering to diverse preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces are evident. The Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing feel. This disparity indicates that those who prefer a lighter touch would gravitate towards the Keylin, while those seeking a firmer resistance might opt for the Silent Ink Black. Overall, if you prioritize ease of use for long hours, the Keylin switch is the better choice, whereas the heavier Silent Ink Black would provide a more pronounced tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we find a notable difference between the two. The Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Keylin offers a shorter activation space, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Silent Ink Black caters to those who prefer a more substantial feel with its greater travel distance. If you want a switch that feels more responsive and less abrupt, the Keylin could be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch that provides a deeper keypress, the Silent Ink Black might be more to your liking. Overall, whether you choose the Keylin or the Silent Ink Black will depend on your personal preference for depth and responsiveness in your typing experience.
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 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
The Keygeek Keylin linear switch boasts rich acoustics that contribute to a pleasant typing experience. While the specific sound qualities may not be explicitly detailed, the emphasis on premium sound suggests a more vibrant auditory profile compared to typical mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is specifically designed for quieter settings, producing a muted sound that minimizes typical mechanical keyboard noise. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels are a concern, as it creates a more discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Keylin switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, which is often a hallmark of high-quality linear switches. While further details about its tactile feedback are unavailable, it conveys a premium typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch is characterized as offering a silky and polished feel. This means that users can expect a refined typing experience with minimal resistance, allowing for effortless key presses. The combination of smoothness and a cushioned bottom-out feel from the Silent Ink Black aligns well with the preference for comfort during extensive typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches cater to distinct user preferences. The Keylin excels in delivering a rich auditory experience while maintaining smooth key travel, which is ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging typing feel. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black emphasizes a quieter operation without sacrificing smoothness, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on your priorities—whether sound or feel—you'll notice distinct qualities that can shape your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it really comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force combined with a premium typing experience characterized by exceptional smoothness and richer acoustics, then the Keylin switch would be the ideal choice for you. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile, engaging typing experience without excessive resistance. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quieter environment—such as an office or shared space—where sound dampening is essential, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be your best bet. It features a medium-heavy 70 grams bottom-out force, providing a cushy, pillow-like feel with minimal audio feedback, making your typing experience much quieter and more discreet. In short, choose the Keylin for dynamic typing and vibrant acoustics, and opt for the Silent Ink Black if silence and smoothness are your priorities.
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