Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between a tactile switch and a linear switch, each offering unique benefits. The Cream Yellow switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when the key is actuated. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is loved for its smooth and silent typing experience, making it ideal for quiet environments. While the Cream Yellow switch offers a more pronounced tactile feel, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In terms of housing materials, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both share the use of high-quality materials that contribute to a unique typing experience. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that creates a pointed and high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both housing materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Cream Yellow's nylon top housing leans towards a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gateron's sharper and crisper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Cream Yellow and the Silent Ink Black maintain the use of their respective high-quality materials to enhance the overall typing experience. The Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing similarly contributes to a deep and full sound profile, creating a rounder and duller sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing results in a higher-pitched and satisfyingly clacky sound. While both bottom housing materials aim to enhance sound quality, the Cream Yellow's nylon material creates a softer and more subtle bottom-out sound compared to the Gateron's more pronounced and sharp sound profile.
When the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, as seen in the Cream Yellow and Silent Ink Black, each material brings unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with the Cream Yellow's nylon material providing a softer and more absorbent bottom-out experience, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend delivers a sharper and more impactful bottom-out sensation. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound produced when releasing a key, with the Cream Yellow's nylon creating a rounder and duller sound upon key release, contrasting with the Gateron's sharper and clackier sound profile.
Weight
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 60 grams, while the Silent Ink Black needs 70 grams, making the Cream Yellow slightly lighter in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cream Yellow, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Silent Ink Black. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a balance of comfort and feedback for typists and gamers alike.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. The Cream Yellow's 3.3 mm is slightly below the traditional 4.0 mm, making it a good choice for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's 4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, making it a better option for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience desired. Both switches will offer a different typing feel, but both can provide satisfying results depending on individual preferences.
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 Cream Yellow 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 Cream Yellow switch does not have any specific sound qualities mentioned, whereas the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is known for producing a muted sound. The Silent Ink Black switch offers a quieter typing experience, making it a great choice for environments where noise is a concern. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow does not have any specific feel characteristics mentioned. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is praised for its silky and polished feel. These qualities contribute to a smooth and refined typing experience, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The cushiony bottom-out feel of the Silent Ink Black switch adds to the overall comfort of typing on this switch.
Taking all the information into consideration, if you prefer a switch with a softer and quieter sound profile, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be the recommended choice. Additionally, if you value a smooth and polished typing experience with minimal resistance, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so be sure to consider what aspects are most important to you when choosing between the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force and don't mind the lack of specific characteristics, the Outemu Cream Yellow would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, along with a quieter typing experience and smooth key travel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be the better option. Ultimately, consider your preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure you choose the one that best fits your needs and typing style.
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