TTC Neptune vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Neptune and Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The TTC Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure, providing a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience with a springy resistance akin to chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. This switch offers a matte feel that enhances every keystroke, all while maintaining a muted sound signature for a refined ambiance. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is ideal for environments where quiet typing is essential, offering a cushioned bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the Neptune excels in providing a buttery and gummy typing experience, the Silent Ink Black focuses on a silky and muted typing feel. 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
41g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The Neptune's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a relatively higher-pitched and clacky sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a crisper and clearer sound due to its stiffness, especially beneficial for RGB lighting, whereas the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing offers a similar high-pitched sound profile to its top housing.
Although the top and bottom housing materials of the Neptune and the Silent Ink Black switches differ, they both deliver unique sound profiles. The Neptune's POM and polycarbonate housings blend to create an overall pleasing sound experience, with a mix of deeper, muted tones and crisper, sharper sounds. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend provides a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound throughout both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a satisfying sound profile when typing. Both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
When comparing the Neptune and the Silent Ink Black switches, the choice of housing material influences the overall sound and feel of the switch. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials result in a unique typing experience for each switch. The difference in sound profiles between the POM and INK blend housings showcases the versatility and customization options available for keyboard enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience with distinct sound profiles. Ultimately, both switches offer a range of sounds that cater to different preferences, making them suitable options for individuals looking for a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The TTC Neptune has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. The Neptune is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Silent Ink Black is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel. Both switches offer different weights for varying preferences, ensuring that users can choose the one that best suits their typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neptune. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Ink Black being closer to the standard 4.0 mm. For gamers looking for quicker response times, the Neptune with its shorter travel distance might be preferred. On the other hand, those who prefer a more tactile and deeper feel when typing 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 typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Neptune linear switch offers a low-pitched, muted, and subdued typing experience, ensuring a refined and unobtrusive auditory ambiance. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted sound profile, perfect for quieter environments. Both switches aim to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, resulting in a pleasant typing experience without disturbing others.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Neptune linear switch gives a buttery, gummy, and frictionless typing sensation, offering a smooth and almost resistance-free keystroke experience. In comparison, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel with minimal resistance. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable and effortless typing experience, ensuring maximum satisfaction with every keystroke.
Considering the available information, while the TTC Neptune and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches have their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they both excel in providing a smooth, quiet, and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer the textured pleasure of the matte feel offered by the Neptune switch or the pillow-like bottom-out feel of the Silent Ink Black switch, you can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction and performance. Ultimately, both switches cater to individuals seeking a premium typing experience with minimal noise and maximum comfort.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a lightweight, "matte" typing experience with a low-pitched, muted sound profile, the TTC Neptune may suit you best. On the other hand, if you seek a medium-heavy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with a muted, silky sound profile for quieter environments, the Gateron Silent Ink Black could be the switch for you. Ultimately, your choice should align with your desired typing feel and sound experience to enhance your overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard.
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