Outemu Red vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black both fall under the linear switch category, but offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Red is best known for its smooth linear actuation, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black stands out for its unique silenced design, ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. While the Red offers a traditional linear feel, the Silent Ink Black provides a cushioned bottom-out feel with minimal noise. 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
46g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.10 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, one key difference is that the Red features a polycarbonate top housing while the Silent Ink Black has a proprietary INK blend top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffness, making for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile described as "clacky". While both provide a satisfying sound, the materials used result in slightly different auditory experiences for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Outemu Red utilizes a nylon material, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the typing experience for those who prefer a quieter switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black also uses a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile. Similar to the top housing, the bottom housing material affects the sound and feel of the switch when pressed, with the INK blend providing a pointed and high-pitched sound that adds to the overall clacky feel of the switch.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ, each contributes unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences with distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two. The Outemu Red has a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. The lighter actuation force of the Outemu Red may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. In terms of comparing and contrasting, there is no difference in travel distance between the two switches. They both offer a consistent and uniform experience in this aspect.
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 Red 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 Red linear switch is known for its lack of a distinctive characteristic sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is praised for its muted sound profile. This means that the Silent Ink Black switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to the regular or clacky switches. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, so keep that in mind when considering the overall noise level of your typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Outemu Red linear switch lacks a specific description. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as offering a silky smooth typing experience with a polished finish. This means that the Silent Ink Black switch provides an incredibly smooth and refined typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness is likely the result of either the materials used in the switch or factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek key travel.
Overall, while the Outemu Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer different sound and feel characteristics, they both provide a linear typing experience. If you prefer a switch with no distinctive sound and a traditional typing feel, the Outemu Red may suit you best. However, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience with an incredibly smooth and polished feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you should opt for the Outemu Red if you prefer a medium bottom out force and don't prioritize sound or feel. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with a cushy bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be the better choice despite its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force to ensure the best mechanical keyboard switch choice for your needs.
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