KTT Lightning vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are various factors to consider, such as typing experience, sound profile, and personal preferences. Two popular linear switches to compare and contrast are the KTT Lightning and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The KTT Lightnings are renowned for their "speed" capabilities, making them an ideal choice when milliseconds can determine success or failure. With a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile, these switches provide a unique experience categorized as clacky, high-pitched, chirpy, subtle, and polished. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch caters to those who require a quieter typing environment. With a cushion-like, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch offers a muted and silky typing experience that is more polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can better decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Lightning Linear

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$3.41 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Lightning and the Gateron Silent Ink Black have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Lightning utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a clear, sharp, and higher-pitched sound profile. It is also known for its translucent properties, making it ideal for RGB lighting purposes. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. This results in a satisfying and clacky sound response.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Lightning incorporates a nylon material. This classic housing material generates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. This creates a duller and rounder sound experience while typing. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black implements the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. As a result, it also produces a thin and higher-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky.

While the housing materials differ between the two switches, it is important to note that the bottom and top housing play different roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, whereas the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite this distinction, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to specific preferences and typing experiences. Therefore, users can expect similarly satisfying results in terms of sound and feel, albeit with different characteristics brought forth by the respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that they differ in terms of weight. The Lightning switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, resulting in a more medium-heavy feel.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lightning switch would be the optimal choice as it allows for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it suitable for individuals using keyboards in a work setting or engaging in long gaming sessions.

However, if a more substantial and tactile typing feel is desired, the Silent Ink Black switch would be a better option. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a stronger push and a more satisfying typing experience. This can be favorable for individuals who prefer a heightened level of responsiveness and feedback from their keyboard.

In terms of similarity, if both switches had the same actuation and bottom out forces, it would be mentioned here. Nonetheless, it is evident that the Lightning switch is lighter in comparison to the Silent Ink Black switch. As a result, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience should lean towards the Lightning switch, while those desiring a heavier and more substantial feel may find the Silent Ink Black switch more suitable for their needs.

Travel distance

The KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Silent Ink Black offers a more traditional experience with its 4 mm distance, while the Lightning provides a shallower travel distance at 3 mm. Gamers, who value faster response times, may prefer the Lightning switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more solid and deep feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Silent Ink Black, with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and individual typing or gaming needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Lightning switch is known for its clacky sound profile. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, it has a high-pitched sound that adds to its distinctiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed to minimize noise, offering a muted sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes it ideal for environments that require quieter typing. Overall, the Lightning switch provides a more pronounced and lively sound, while the Silent Ink Black switch prioritizes a quieter typing experience.

Moving on to feel, the KTT Lightning switch is characterized by a subtle resistance that provides a light typing feel. It strikes a balance between gentle resistance and maintaining a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, it has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of key presses. This switch minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing feel. Both switches have a polished finish, further contributing to a sleek and enjoyable typing experience.

Based on the available information, the KTT Lightning switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offer different subjective qualities. The Lightning switch is best suited for those who prioritize speed, as it provides a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is ideal for environments that require a quieter typing experience, offering a cushion-like bottom-out feel and muted sound. While the Lightning switch offers a more lively and pronounced sound, the Silent Ink Black switch prioritizes minimizing noise. In terms of feel, both switches offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user.

Conclusion

In closing, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and needs. If you value speed and need a switch that can provide quick response times, the Lightning is the way to go. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a slick and clacky typing experience that is perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience and require a switch that minimizes noise, the Silent Ink Black is the better choice. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, it delivers a cushy and pillow-like feel while significantly reducing audio feedback. This makes it ideal for environments where silence is a priority.

Both switches have their unique sound characteristics. The Lightning produces a clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy sound when pressed, while the Silent Ink Black provides a muted sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

When it comes to feel, the Lightning offers a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a light and smooth typing experience. The Silent Ink Black, on the other hand, provides a silky smooth feel and a polished finish, further enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience.

In summary, if you prioritize speed and a clacky sound profile, the KTT Lightning linear switch is the way to go. However, if you value a quieter typing experience with minimal noise and a silky smooth feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is your best bet. Consider your specific preferences and requirements to make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more