Outemu Purple vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are distinct features that set them apart. The Outemu Purple switch is known for its tactile feedback and satisfying keystrokes, providing a more pronounced bump during actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is favored for its quiet operation and smooth keystrokes, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. The Purple switch falls under the tactile category, while the Silent Ink Black switch is categorized as silky, muted, and polished. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct sound profiles due to their differences in composition. The Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature compared to other plastics. This results in a higher-pitched sound that is ideal for users looking for a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky but not overly sharp. Both materials excel in providing a distinctive sound profile, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Purple's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastic materials. This leads to a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience for users who prefer a quieter switch. Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to the switch's sound profile with a pointed and high-pitched sound that complements the top housing's characteristics. Despite the differences in material, both switches deliver satisfying sound profiles that cater to different preferences for typing and gaming.
Overall, while the Purple and Silent Ink Black use different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both excel in providing unique sound profiles that enhance the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile like the Purple or a clacky, high-pitched sound like the Silent Ink Black, both switches offer distinct qualities that can cater to a variety of user preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier touch than the Purple. The Purple has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Purple's force is unknown, while the Silent Ink Black has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Purple may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, with the Silent Ink Black leaning towards a heavier touch compared to the Purple.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that both switches have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The equal travel distance ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Ultimately, both switches offer the same level of key travel, making them equally suitable for individuals who prefer a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch is known for being quieter compared to regular or clacky switches, but the specific sound profile is not well-documented. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is praised for its muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for environments where noise levels need to be minimized.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have a specific description available. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for providing a silky and polished typing experience. This means that the keys are exceptionally smooth to press and release, with reduced friction and an overall sleek feel to the typing.
Taking all this into consideration, while the Outemu Purple and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both aim to provide a more subdued typing experience. If you prefer a quieter keyboard, either of these switches would be a good choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with no bottom out force specification and a unique typing experience, the Outemu Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a silent operation and a smooth, polished feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be a great option, especially for quieter environments. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, sound level, and bottom-out force. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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