Outemu Gold vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. The Gold switch is best known for its tactile clickiness, providing a satisfying audible feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is perfect for those who appreciate a quieter typing experience without sacrificing on smoothness and comfort. While the Gold switch offers a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel, the Silent Ink Black switch appeals to those who prefer a more subtle and refined 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
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Gold and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, one noticeable difference is in the top housing. The Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a more pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials contribute to a clear and resonant sound profile, the Gold's polycarbonate offers a crisper sound, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend provides a satisfyingly clacky sound.
Another distinction can be found in the bottom housing of these switches. The Gold incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile as the top housing. Both materials contribute to a duller and rounder sound, but the nylon in the Gold creates a more full-bodied sound compared to the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black.
While both switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the overall sound profile is influenced by each of these materials. The bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Outemu Gold and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, the different housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Gold offering a sharper and crisper sound, while the Silent Ink Black provides a satisfyingly clacky sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we see that the Gold is lighter in both aspects. The Gold has an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Gold is 60 grams, while the Silent Ink Black is heavier at 70 grams. The Gold provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch when typing for extended periods. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Despite having the same travel distance, the Outemu Gold clicky switch provides a clicky tactile feedback while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its smooth and silent keystrokes. So, while the travel distance is the same, the typing experience with each switch will be quite different due to their respective design features.
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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch is known for its loud and tactile click, providing a satisfying auditory experience for those who enjoy the classic click of a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is praised for its muted sound profile, making it ideal for environments where quiet typing is preferred. The Silent Ink Black offers a much softer and subdued typing experience compared to the Gold, catering to those who value a quieter workspace.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch provides a tactile and responsive typing experience, with a pronounced bump and audible click. On the contrary, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a silky smooth typing feel, thanks to its refined finish and reduced friction. The Silent Ink Black switch also provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel, enhancing the overall comfort during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Gold focusing on tactility and audible feedback, while the Silent Ink Black prioritizes smoothness and quiet operation.
Overall, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. Those who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience may prefer the Gold switch, while individuals seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience may opt for the Silent Ink Black switch. Keep in mind that sound and feel can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clicky typing experience, the Outemu Gold switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and need a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound level, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and requirements to enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
