Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer unique typing experiences for users with different preferences. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying bump and feedback with each key press, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a linear switch that offers a quiet and smooth typing experience, perfect for those who need a quieter environment while typing. 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
55g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top housing. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed yet not overly sharp sound profile that is often described as clacky. While both materials result in unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown may provide a more resonant and clear sound compared to the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Crystal Brown utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which offers a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile to its top housing. However, the bottom housing of a switch generally has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, which may make the nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown more appealing for those seeking a deeper typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches offer unique characteristics in their housing materials, such as the sharp and crisp sound profile of the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing and the clacky sound of the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing, they also share similarities in their high-pitched sound profiles. Whether you prefer a sharper, resonant sound or a clacky typing experience, understanding the impact of top and bottom housing materials can help you choose the switch that best suits your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to the user. The Crystal Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may opt for the Crystal Brown, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Ink Black. Despite the variance in force, both switches offer a tactile typing experience that is satisfying in its own right.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom is identical. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences due to their tactile and linear properties, respectively. The Outemu Crystal Brown provides a tactile bump during actuation, giving feedback to the user, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a smooth and quiet typing experience without the tactile bump. Overall, while the travel distance is the same for both switches, the typing experience and feedback they provide are what set them apart.
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 Crystal 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided in the information. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is known for producing a muted sound. This means that the Silent Ink Black switch offers a quieter and softer typing experience compared to standard mechanical switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, details about the tactile feedback of the Crystal Brown switch are not provided. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as offering a silky, polished typing experience. A silky switch provides an exceptionally smooth keypress, reducing resistance and enhancing overall typing feel. Additionally, a polished switch signifies a refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience, often achieved through material composition or factory lubrication. With the Silent Ink Black switch, users can expect smooth key travel and minimized friction.
Overall, while specific details about the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch are not available, it can be inferred that the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch stands out for its quiet typing operation and smooth, polished feel. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches offer distinct advantages. Whether you prioritize a cushioned bottom-out feel with minimal noise like the Silent Ink Black or prefer a different typing experience, your choice will ultimately impact your overall keyboarding satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound level. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch without specific features, the Crystal Brown may be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize a quiet typing environment with a cushioned feel, the Silent Ink Black is the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using the keyboard.
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