Outemu Silent Green vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, you have two viable options to consider. The Silent Green is a linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump or audible click. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is also a linear switch but offers a silenced version with a cushiony bottom-out feel, perfect for quiet environments. While the Silent Green may be preferred for its simplicity and consistency, the Silent Ink Black stands out for its silky, muted, and polished 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
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, both switches boast unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Silent Green features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The switch's clear housing allows for vibrant RGB lighting, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile described as clacky. Despite their differences, both top housings offer distinct auditory experiences for users.
The bottom housings of the Silent Green and Silent Ink Black switches further differentiate their sound profiles. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green contributes to its sharp and resonant sound, in line with the characteristics of its top housing. Similarly, the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black complements its top housing, offering a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed.
While the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Green and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches vary, each serves to enhance the overall typing experience. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate used in the Silent Green or the proprietary INK blend in the Silent Ink Black, both materials contribute to the unique sound profiles of these switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both offer quality components for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch with a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Silent Green requires 60 grams, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black demands 70 grams, making it the heavier option. Lighter actuation forces are preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, heavier forces provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy feel, with the Outemu Silent Green leaning towards the lighter side and the Gateron Silent Ink Black towards the heavier side, providing users with different options based on their preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of key travel from the top to the bottom. This results in a consistent typing experience across both switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches as they both offer the same amount of key travel.
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 Silent Green 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 Silent Green switch is known for its lack of distinctive sound characteristics, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is praised for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This difference in sound can be attributed to the design and materials used in each switch, but it's essential to consider other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Green switch is known for providing a unique typing experience that offers a cushioned feel without much tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance and enhanced smoothness in key presses. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Silent Ink Black switch may appeal more to those who prioritize smoothness and refinement in their switches.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Outemu Silent Green and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, both options offer a quieter typing experience ideal for shared or noise-sensitive environments. While the Silent Green switch may suit those seeking a cushioned typing feel without much noise, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky and polished typing experience with a muted sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, if a quiet and smooth typing experience is the goal, both switches can deliver similar results with slight variations in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the level of quietness you need for your typing environment. If you require a quieter switch for use in shared spaces or noise-sensitive environments, the Silent Ink Black may be the better option with its cushioned bottom-out feel and muted sound. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter bottom-out force and are less concerned about noise, the Silent Green could be the choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should depend on your preference for typing feel and the volume level that is acceptable to you and those around you.
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