Outemu Milk Peach vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Peach and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Milk Peach, a linear switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, also a linear switch. The Milk Peach is known for its smooth keystrokes and consistency, making it a great choice for those who prefer a linear feel without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is praised for its quiet operation, perfect for environments where noise may be a concern. The cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback make it a favorite among those looking for a more subdued 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
N/A
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
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 Outemu Milk Peach and Gateron Silent Ink Black both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Milk Peach utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile that is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black offers a pointed, high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a different auditory experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Milk Peach utilizes a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon has the ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that mirrors the characteristics of its top housing, offering a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that complements the overall typing experience of the switch. The differences in bottom housing materials further distinguish the auditory feedback of each switch.
While the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Peach and Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in terms of polycarbonate and INK blend compositions, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience with unique sound profiles. The properties of the top and bottom housings of each switch work together to create a distinct sound when typing and releasing keys. Whether it be the sharper, crisper sound of the Milk Peach's polycarbonate top housing or the clacky, high-pitched sound of the Silent Ink Black's INK blend material, both switches offer users a variety of auditory feedback to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Peach has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's heavier actuation force of 60 grams. The bottom out force for the Milk Peach is unspecified, while the Silent Ink Black has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Peach, as it requires less force to actuate, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Alternatively, the Silent Ink Black would be a better choice for individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel with a heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Peach has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. The traditional 4.0mm travel distance is commonly found in switches, but the preference for shorter travel distances has been growing, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Opting for a switch with a shorter travel distance like the Milk Peach can provide this quick responsiveness. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press feel, a switch with a longer travel distance like the Silent Ink Black may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in relation to typing or gaming experiences.
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 Milk Peach 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 Milk Peach linear switch is known for being quiet, but specific descriptors are not available. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as producing a muted sound. This means that the Silent Ink Black switch will offer a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the Milk Peach switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milk Peach switch does not have any specific descriptors available. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as offering a silky and polished typing experience. This means that the Silent Ink Black switch will provide a smooth and refined feel, with reduced friction and resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This can enhance the overall typing experience and make it more comfortable for extended use.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Milk Peach switch is known for being quiet, while specifics about its feel are not available. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is praised for its muted sound and silky, polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, especially in shared spaces or during late-night sessions, the Silent Ink Black would be the better choice with its cushioned bottom-out feel and muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom-out force and enjoy a different typing experience, the Milk Peach might suit your needs better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and needs for a more enjoyable and tailored mechanical keyboard experience.
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