Cherry MX Brown vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Silent Ink Black are two popular contenders. The Cherry MX Brown is well-known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the go-to choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. With a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch is perfect for environments that necessitate reduced noise. While both switches have their unique qualities, it's important to delve deeper into their specifics to determine which one would best suit your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The MX Brown features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The Silent Ink Black, on the other hand, incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing. This blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky but not overly sharp.
Similarly, when it comes to the bottom housing, the MX Brown adopts the same nylon material as its top housing. This material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Meanwhile, Gateron's Silent Ink Black employs their proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing. This blend is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, adding a satisfying thin and higher-pitched element to the switch's overall sound profile.
It's worth noting that the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Cherry MX Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, they both deliver unique and distinctive sound profiles. The MX Brown's nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and fuller sound, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend enhances the clacky and higher-pitched sound experience. Therefore, although the housing materials differ, both switches offer similar results in terms of their impact on sound and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences in weight. The MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's heavier 60 grams. Similarly, the MX Brown has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams while the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier 70 grams to fully press down. These weight differences can have implications for the typing experience.
For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the MX Brown switch would be a suitable choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Ink Black. Its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, giving a sense of solidity and responsiveness while typing.
While the Cherry MX Brown has a medium-light weight and the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a medium-heavy weight, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the same weight category. Therefore, if someone desires a similar typing experience, they can expect comparable results from both switches, although with a slight variance in the tactile feedback provided by the Cherry MX Brown and the smooth linear action of the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience when pressed down, as you will feel the same distance of travel in each key. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer equal results.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 Cherry MX Brown switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can be described as "bassy" and "low-pitched." This results in a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are known for their muted sound. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, effectively minimizing the noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches provide a textured typing experience. This means that they have noticeable friction when pressed, offering a slight tactile feedback to the user. Some individuals prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are described as silky and polished. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They have a refined finish, resulting in sleek and smooth key travel. This smoothness can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction.
Considering the available information, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, light typing experience, gentle tactility, and subdued audio feedback. They offer a bass-heavy and low-pitched sound along with a textured feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are best suited for quieter environments. They provide a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. The switches offer a muted sound and a silky, polished typing experience. If you prefer a quieter and more cushioned typing experience, along with a smoother feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a subtler tactile feedback and a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown switches would provide similar results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prioritize a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be your top choice. It offers a relatively light bottom-out force of 55 grams, which makes it perfect for those who prefer a medium-light switch. The MX Brown switch is also known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Additionally, if you enjoy a textured feel with noticeable friction when typing, the MX Brown switch would suit your preferences.
On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be the ideal option. With a bottom-out force of 70 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel, offering a cushy and pillow-like bottom-out sensation. The Silent Ink Black switch is specifically designed for environments that require minimal audio feedback, making it perfect for those who value a muted and softer sound. Moreover, if you prefer a silky and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Silent Ink Black switch is an excellent choice.
Ultimately, your decision between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch will depend on your personal preferences and specific needs. Consider factors such as typing experience, sound profile, and desired feel to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
