Outemu Brown vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, the decision ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Outemu Brown is known for its tactile feedback, providing a gentle bump to indicate actuation, making it a great choice for typists who prefer a bit of resistance and feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is loved for its quiet operation, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. With a smooth and cushioned bottom-out feel, this switch offers a polished 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
53g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, it's interesting to note that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky.
One key difference between the two switches lies in the materials used for the top housing. The Brown's polycarbonate top housing is known for its clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing produces a thin and higher-pitched sound that is satisfyingly clacky. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how different housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound feedback of a switch.
Overall, while the Brown and Silent Ink Black have distinct housing materials for their top housings, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Brown's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a balanced sound with clear highs and deep lows, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend delivers a crisp and clacky typing experience. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that is sure to appeal to enthusiasts looking for distinctive sound profiles.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, also in the medium-heavy range. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Outemu Brown for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the slightly heavier feel of the Gateron Silent Ink Black for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a similar experience due to their comparable actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users will get similar results regardless of which one they choose.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have the same travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and overall typing experience. The travel distance plays a crucial role in how a switch feels when typing, with a shorter travel distance often resulting in a quicker typing speed and a more responsive feel. In this case, both switches offer the same travel distance, providing users with a consistent typing experience regardless of which one they choose to use.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is known for its traditional clicky sound, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted typing experience designed for quieter environments. The Silent Ink Black switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular mechanical switch, making it ideal for situations where noise reduction is a priority. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case, keycap material, and typing technique.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch provides a tactile bump during keypress, giving users feedback on when the key registers. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with a cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal tactile feedback. The smooth and refined finish of the Silent Ink Black switch reduces friction and provides a sleek typing sensation. Both switches provide distinct tactile and linear experiences, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brown switch is characterized by its tactile feedback and traditional clicky sound, the Silent Ink Black switch prioritizes quietness and silky smooth key presses. Depending on your typing preferences and environment, you can achieve different typing experiences with each switch. Remember to consider factors like sound level, key feel, and typing style when choosing between these switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a traditional typing experience, the Outemu Brown switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel and smooth key travel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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