KTT Peach vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the KTT Peach and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Peach is a linear switch that boasts a smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, making it highly sought after. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is also a linear switch, but it is specifically designed for quieter environments. It offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and provides minimal audio feedback. Both switches have their unique advantages and can greatly enhance your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision and choose the switch that best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Peach and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have some similarities and differences. The Peach switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is described as pointed and relatively high-pitched, but not overly sharp. Both switches offer a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, although the Peach switch leans towards a sharper tone compared to the Silent Ink Black.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Peach switch employs a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch utilizes Gateron's INK blend for its bottom housing as well, which shares similar characteristics with the top housing. Therefore, both switches provide a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound profile when bottoming out.
Considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is worth noting that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. When pressing down on either switch, you will experience the qualities of the respective bottom housing. However, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the KTT Peach and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in their top housing materials and their resultant sound profiles. Nevertheless, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their distinct qualities and provide a similar higher-pitched and clacky sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Peach linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, noticeable differences become apparent. The Peach switch has a lighter actuation force, requiring only 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Ink Black switch requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. This means that the Peach switch allows for a more effortless typing experience, ideal for those who need to type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Peach switch also proves to be lighter, requiring 53 grams of force, compared to the Silent Ink Black switch's heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. For individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a stronger push feel. Overall, those seeking a lighter and smoother typing experience should opt for the KTT Peach linear switch, while those who prefer a stronger and more substantial keystroke should consider the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch.
Travel distance
The KTT Peach 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 with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches provide a consistent tactile experience and allow for precise typing. Whether you choose the KTT Peach or the Gateron Silent Ink Black, you can be assured that your keystrokes will have the same level of responsiveness and feedback.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 KTT Peach linear switch is known for its low-pitched characteristics. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Alongside this, the Peach switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate overall sound. These qualities make the Peach switch suitable for most users, whether they are beginners or advanced, and whether they plan to use the switch at home or in a work environment. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound profile. Being a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Ink Black switch is designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an ideal choice for those who require a quieter typing experience, particularly in environments where noise should be minimized.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Peach switch offers a mild typing experience. The switch provides a gentle and approachable feel to most users, as its qualities all fall within a safe, middle-ground zone. This means that the Peach switch strikes a balance between being too light or too heavy, offering a comfortable typing experience for various users.
On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished. A silky switch refers to a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This could be a result of either the materials used or factory lubing. With these qualities, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a frictionless and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Peach linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Peach switch provides a deep, thocky sound profile with a syrupy smooth typing experience. It has a neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel that appeals to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch produces a muted sound and offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. It has a silky smooth typing experience with a polished finish. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Choosing between them would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing requirements. However, if you're after a quieter typing experience or a smooth and refined feel, both switches can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-light switch with a syrupy smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach linear switch is a great option for you. It has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a mild and approachable feel. The Peach switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It also has a neutral sound descriptor, making it suitable for various environments and purposes.
On the other hand, if you need a switch that offers a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel. The Silent Ink Black switch is known for its cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. It produces a muted sound, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the decision between the KTT Peach and the Gateron Silent Ink Black will depend on your personal preferences and requirements. If you prioritize a smooth and gentle typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Peach switch is a solid choice. However, if you need a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance, the Silent Ink Black switch is the better option.
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