Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinctive options that cater to different preferences and environments. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, acclaimed for its refined tactile experience, features a short but noticeable bump that provides satisfying feedback with medium strength—ideal for those who enjoy a tactile response without feeling overwhelmed. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, these switches strike a balance between precision and comfort. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black excels in settings where noise reduction is paramount. This silenced switch provides a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making it perfect for quiet environments while still offering a smooth, linear typing experience with a silky touch. Both switches have their unique advantages—whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a serene typing atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, a clear distinction emerges between the types of plastics used in their construction. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its softer qualities that absorb sound effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a typing experience that feels solid yet muted due to the material's ability to dampen noise. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches utilize a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which produces a more pointed, high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. This difference in material choices directly influences the acoustic characteristics of the switches.
While both the MX Purple RGB and Silent Ink Black switches are engineered to provide distinct auditory feedback, the materials contribute to different experiences based on their sound profiles. The nylon housing of the MX Purple RGB suppresses higher frequencies, leading to a rounder, softer sound when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black’s INK blend enhances treble, offering a sharp yet not overly abrasive sound. This stark contrast means that users looking for a richer, more immersive acoustic experience may prefer the MX Purple RGB, whereas those who appreciate a crisper and more pronounced auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Silent Ink Black.
However, it’s important to note that the effect of each switch's housing will also vary depending on the motion of typing. The bottom housing generally influences the feel and bottom-out sound when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound during key release. Therefore, even with differing materials, it is possible to achieve similar tactile feedback when bottoming out both switches. The overall typing experience may feel unique due to the housing differences, but for those who can appreciate the nuances, even contrasting materials can provide satisfactory results based on personal preference in sound and feel during use.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly advantageous for extended use during long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. While the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Purple RGB remains unknown, the Silent Ink Black features a bottom out force of 70 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This means that when fully pressed, the Silent Ink Black requires more force to bottom out compared to the unmeasured resistance of the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Overall, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the lighter option, which can grant a more comfortable experience for prolonged usage, whereas the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a heavier feel that may satisfy those desiring a more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch, leading to comparable feedback and responsiveness during typing or gaming. Consequently, those looking for a switch with a specific feel in terms of travel distance can confidently choose either option, as they will yield equivalent results in that aspect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switch emits a noticeable tactile click that’s characteristic of traditional tactile switches, providing audible feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy. This can be beneficial for confirming key presses during typing or gaming, reinforcing a sense of engagement with each keystroke. On the contrary, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch prioritizes a serene typing experience, producing minimal audio feedback thanks to its silenced design. This makes it an ideal choice for quieter environments, where distraction from keystrokes needs to be minimized. Consequently, anyone favoring a more subdued typing atmosphere will find the Silent Ink Black particularly appealing.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a distinct tactile bump that users can perceive distinctly during use. This medium-strength bump engages typists effectively, allowing for a satisfying tactile response during both typing and gaming scenarios. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is characterized by its silky feel, which provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience while significantly reducing resistance throughout the stroke. The cushy bottom-out feeling of the Silent Ink Black creates a plush landing when keys are fully pressed, contributing to an overall comfort level that can be quite appealing for those who type for extended periods.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cherry MX Purple RGB satisfies users who appreciate tactile feedback and a clear audio response, making it suitable for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black excels in providing a quiet, smooth, and comfortable feel, ideal for quieter settings. Depending on your priorities—be it sound, typing experience, or overall comfort—choosing between these two switches will result in a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different sensory characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a refined tactile feedback with a noticeable bump during key presses, the MX Purple RGB is an excellent option. This switch is particularly appealing for typists who appreciate a medium-strength tactile feel and want a switch that illuminates beautifully with RGB lighting. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience—perhaps because you work in a shared space or simply prefer a hushed environment—the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches would serve you well. With their medium-heavy bottom-out force and silky smooth action, these switches offer a cushiony, almost plush feel while minimizing sound. In essence, choose the MX Purple RGB if you want tactile feedback and vibrant lighting, and go for the Silent Ink Black if you seek smooth, quiet operation. Each switch has unique attributes that cater to different needs, making it essential to consider what factors are most important to you before making your decision.
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