KTT Mallo vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, with the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics for different typing preferences. The Mallo is praised for its gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, providing a balanced experience for typists who appreciate subtlety and finesse in switch design. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is favored for its pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making it ideal for quieter environments. While the Mallo offers a versatile and neutral sound signature, the Silent Ink Black provides a silky and muted 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
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This results in a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, which creates a slightly higher-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While both offer unique sound profiles, the Mallo's polycarbonate housing may provide a sharper sound compared to the Silent Ink Black's INK blend material.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is their bottom housing materials. The Mallo incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features the same proprietary INK blend material in its bottom housing, creating a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile as its top housing. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed, with the Mallo's nylon bottom offering a deeper sound compared to the Silent Ink Black's INK blend material.
Overall, while the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct sound profiles, the similarities in their top and bottom housings allow for comparable results. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a unique sound profile that is both sharp and deep, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend materials in both top and bottom housings produce a clacky sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper or clacky sound, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch is unknown, while the actuation force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is 60 grams. Therefore, the Silent Ink Black requires a slightly higher force to trigger a key press compared to the Mallo. In terms of bottom out force, the Mallo has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer lighter typing experiences. On the contrary, the Silent Ink Black has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, the type of tactile feedback may differ between the two, with the Mallo offering a tactile bump and the Silent Ink Black providing a smooth linear feel. Ultimately, the travel distance of these switches will result in a consistent typing experience, whether you choose the Mallo tactile switch or the Silent Ink Black linear switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it versatile for various settings without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted sound, ideal for quieter environments where noise reduction is essential. Both switches offer different sound qualities, with the Mallo being more neutral and subtle, while the Silent Ink Black is specifically designed for minimal noise production.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo tactile switch provides a feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle typing experience, catering to individuals looking for a light yet balanced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a silky and polished typing feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined keystroke. While the Mallo switch focuses on a gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, the Silent Ink Black switch prioritizes a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal feedback.
Overall, the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on preferences for sound levels and typing experience, both switches provide excellent options for different typing environments. If you prefer a neutral and subtle sound profile with a feathery and mild typing feel, the KTT Mallo switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a muted sound and a silky smooth typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance catering to the specific needs and preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the KTT Mallo tactile switch or the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you should assess your preference for typing feel and sound. If you value a light and feathery typing experience with a subtle tactility and neutral sound profile, the Mallo switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, cushioned bottom-out feel and a muted sound profile for quieter environments, the Silent Ink Black switch may better suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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