Outemu Silent Grey vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the Gateron Silent Ink Black offer unique typing experiences. The Outemu Silent Grey switch is a tactile switch that provides a quiet and highly satisfying typing experience with its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is a linear switch that offers a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making it ideal for quieter environments. While both switches prioritize silence in their design, the Silent Grey focuses on tactile feedback, while the Silent Ink Black provides a smooth and muted 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
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, it is clear that they both offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound. Both materials provide unique auditory experiences, with the polycarbonate offering a clearer and resonant sound, while the INK blend produces a satisfying and thin sound. However, the differences in sound characteristics might cater to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend bottom housing offers a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile to its top housing, ensuring a consistent auditory experience across the switch. While the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey provides a duller and rounder sound, the INK blend bottom housing maintains a pointed and higher-pitched sound quality, adding to the overall tactile response of the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of each keystroke. While the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and resonant sound, the INK blend top and bottom housings of the Silent Ink Black offer a consistent and satisfying clacky sound profile. Whether one prefers a clearer and sharper sound or a higher-pitched and clacky sound, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to varying preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for sound aesthetics and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Grey is lighter in both aspects. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a tactile typing experience with a noticeable amount of force required. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a slightly heavier feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide a similar typing experience, especially for those who prefer a shorter travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and efficient typing experience, with no significant difference in travel distance between the two.
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 Grey 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 Grey switch offers a quiet typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, making it satisfying and silent. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as producing a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to regular mechanical switches. Both switches aim to minimize typing noise, making them suitable for quiet environments, but the Silent Ink Black may provide a more subtle sound compared to the Silent Grey.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switch delivers a tactile typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel. It offers a satisfying bump and smooth keypress, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, the Silent Ink Black may have a smoother and more refined feel compared to the Silent Grey.
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches both aim to provide a quiet and satisfying typing experience. While the Silent Grey focuses on a tactile feel with a pronounced bump, the Silent Ink Black offers a muted sound and silky, polished feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience with their unique qualities. Ultimately, it is important to consider factors such as sound preference, typing feel, and overall typing experience when choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, you would want to choose the Outemu Silent Grey switch. With its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, it is perfect for those seeking a satisfying yet silent typing experience. On the other hand, if you need a switch that offers a cushioned bottom-out feel with minimal noise, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be the better choice. It provides a softer and quieter typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your preference for tactility and noise level in your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
