Kailh Plum vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum 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, there are a variety of options available to suit different preferences and needs. Two popular choices are the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch. The Plum stands out for its unique combination of weightiness without a pronounced tactile bump, offering a neutral and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is favored for its silenced version, making it ideal for quieter environments. With a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch provides a tranquil typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you determine which switch is best suited for your individual preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, it is evident that they have different characteristics. The Plum utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black has a proprietary INK blend top housing that is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. While not overly sharp, it still produces a satisfying thin sound, often described as being clacky. Despite their differences, both materials are beneficial for switches with clear housings as they enhance the overall aesthetics, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Plum features a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, this material creates a relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While the specific characteristics may differ, both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches.
It is important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are divided. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division allows for a more diverse and nuanced typing experience, as the switch's characteristics can be felt both during key press and release. Therefore, while the Plum and Silent Ink Black may have different housing materials, they ultimately provide similar results in terms of sound and tactile feedback during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we can see that they have some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Plum's exact measurement is unavailable, while the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams. Both switches require a relatively light force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, both switches have a similar measurement of 70 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Silent Ink Black, as it allows for longer typing periods and is suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience might opt for a switch with a heavier force, making the Plum a potential choice for them.
In summary, while the actuation force of the Plum is unknown, it appears to be comparable to the 60 grams required by the Silent Ink Black. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 70 grams, which is medium-heavy. Therefore, individuals looking for a lighter switch may choose the Silent Ink Black, while those in search of a heavier typing experience may consider the Plum.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have different travel distances. The Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Silent Ink Black has a longer distance compared to the Plum. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black is considered more traditional, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Plum is on the shorter side. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Plum a suitable choice for those looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - if you prioritize responsiveness, the Plum is a good option, but if you prefer a more substantial depth in key press, the Silent Ink Black with its longer travel distance may be more suitable.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Plum tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. It is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and can be used in both home and work environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as muted. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, which makes it great for environments that require quieter typing. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a mild typing experience. It has a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable for most users, as its qualities lie in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Plum switch has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. It provides a mild bump during the keystroke, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as silky and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This switch provides minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in an overall sleek typing experience.
In summary, the Kailh Plum tactile switch stands out for its unique combination of weightiness without a huge tactile bump. It has a neutral sound profile and offers a mild, stepped typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its silenced version, making it ideal for quieter environments. It provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the Plum switch and the Silent Ink Black switch have different qualities, they both offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a unique tactile experience and a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is your best choice. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement and is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. The Plum provides a mildly stepped feel, with a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience in your environment, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the ideal option. With a bottom-out force of 70 grams, it offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. This switch is known for its muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black provides a silky and polished typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and the specific environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. Both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Consider the sound, feel, and actuation force of each switch to make the best decision for your needs.
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