Outemu Silver vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silver and Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique qualities to consider. The Outemu Silver is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump or audible click. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is also a linear switch, but it stands out for its silent typing experience, making it ideal for environments that require minimal noise disruptions. The Silent Ink Black is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', providing a cushiony bottom-out feel with subtle feedback. While the Silver offers a traditional linear typing experience, the Silent Ink Black caters to those who prefer a quieter and more refined 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, one key difference is the materials used in their top housings. The Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Both materials offer unique sound profiles, with polycarbonate being more resonant and clear, while the INK blend provides a satisfying thin and clacky sound.
In terms of bottom housings, the Silver utilizes a nylon material that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being softer and absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black also uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with the top housing. Both the top and bottom housings of the Silent Ink Black contribute to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, offering consistency in sound across the switch.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Silent Ink Black may differ, they both play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switch. The Silver's polycarbonate top housing lends itself to a clearer and more resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness. In comparison, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings work together to create a cohesive, clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and distinct. While the materials may vary, both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Silver at 65 grams and the Silent Ink Black at 70 grams, both falling within the medium-heavy range. The lighter actuation force of the Silver may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier actuation force of the Silent Ink Black may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent typing experiences between the two switches. Despite any other differences between them, the travel distance remains the same for both the Outemu Silver and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches.
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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch doesn't have a specific reputation, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound profile. The Silent Ink Black switch is designed to produce softer and quieter keystrokes, making it a great choice for environments where noise is a concern. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Silver switch lacks a specific description of its tactile experience, whereas the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is praised for its silky and polished feel. The Silent Ink Black switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel due to either high-quality materials or factory lubrication. This results in a refined and sleek typing feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch that provides a quieter typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch may be the better choice between the two. While the Outemu Silver switch does not have specific characteristics mentioned in terms of sound and feel, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a combination of muted sound and silky, polished feel that caters to typing comfort and quiet operation. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a basic linear switch without any specific features, the Outemu Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience and enjoy a cushiony bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be a better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound level, and overall typing experience. Whether you value a smooth and polished feel or a muted sound, both switches have their unique advantages to cater to different user preferences. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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