KTT MoonRosa vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT MoonRosa and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch stand out for different reasons. The MoonRosa switch is praised for its all-POM construction, providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press', it offers a comfortable and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is favored for its silenced version, perfect for quieter environments. It offers a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
37g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT MoonRosa and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The MoonRosa's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a high-pitched and clacky sound. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the MoonRosa also produces a deep and muted sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black adds to the clacky sound experience. These differences in housing materials result in unique typing experiences for users of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the MoonRosa and the Silent Ink Black switches, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. While the MoonRosa focuses on a deeper and more muted sound profile with its POM housings, the Silent Ink Black offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound with its INK blend housings. However, both switches ultimately deliver a pleasant typing experience that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deep and muted sound or a sharper and clacky sound, you can achieve similar results in terms of typing satisfaction with either switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in determining sound and feel. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the POM housing in the MoonRosa or the INK blend housing in the Silent Ink Black, contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing, whether POM or INK blend, influences the sound when a key is released. By understanding how each housing material affects the switch's sound profile and feel, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the MoonRosa is lighter in both aspects. The MoonRosa has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The MoonRosa provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer less resistance and enjoy typing for extended periods. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, catering to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with options based on their desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT MoonRosa linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The MoonRosa offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black, which may appeal to those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a slightly longer travel distance, which can offer a more satisfying feeling of depth when pressing down on keys. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer a more responsive key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 MoonRosa linear switch offers a low-pitched tone, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted sound, producing a softer and quieter output to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, both switches can deliver a pleasant typing experience with their respective sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch is described as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience with a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is said to be silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering different levels of smoothness and ease of use, catering to individuals with varying preferences.
In conclusion, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MoonRosa provides a low-pitched sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel, the Silent Ink Black delivers a muted sound and a silky, polished typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel. However, if you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, both switches are excellent options to consider.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a lighter, easy-to-press switch with a mild and low-pitched sound, the MoonRosa linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a buttery smooth typing experience with minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, if you need a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that provides a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and a muted sound profile, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be more suitable for you. It offers a silky and polished typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances smoothness. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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