Outemu Blue vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue 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 Outemu Blue and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are two popular options that offer very different experiences. The Outemu Blue switch is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying audible click with each keystroke, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is a linear switch that is known for its silent operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The Silent Ink Black switch also offers a smooth and cushioned feel when bottoming out, providing a more comfortable 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
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer interesting points of comparison and contrast. The Blue switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. Both housing materials are designed to enhance the sound profile of the switches, albeit in slightly different ways.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Blue switch utilizes a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black also features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile by providing a high-pitched and satisfying clacky sound. While the materials differ, both bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound of the switches.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Outemu Blue and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches results in unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Blue switch offers a crisper and sharper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Ink Black provides a more pointed and clacky sound with its proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings. Despite the differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience by delivering distinctive sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue requires a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Additionally, the Blue switch does not have an available bottom out force measurement, while the Silent Ink Black has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Blue switch would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches offer distinct advantages, catering to different preferences based on actuation and bottom out force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel. The travel distance of 4 mm is a standard distance for many mechanical keyboard switches, providing a satisfying tactile feel when typing. Therefore, whether you choose the Outemu Blue clicky switch or the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is best known for its loud, clicky sound that many enthusiasts find satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed to provide a muted typing experience, ideal for quieter environments. The Silent Ink Black switch minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, offering a softer and quieter sound compared to traditional clicky switches like the Outemu Blue.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Blue switch offers a tactile bump and audible click upon actuation, providing a tactile typing experience loved by many enthusiasts. However, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. This switch provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal resistance, resulting in a comfortable typing experience that minimizes fatigue.
Overall, if you're looking for a loud and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Blue clicky switch would be a great choice. However, if you need a quieter option with a smooth and refined feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for noise level and typing feel. If you enjoy the clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth and cushioned feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is the way to go. Ultimately, consider your environment and personal typing preferences when making your decision between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
