KTT Rose vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the KTT Rose and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. On one hand, the Rose switch stands out for its stunning aesthetics and unique typing experience. With progressive springs, it provides a satisfyingly substantial yet not heavy feel, reminiscent of raindrops hitting bass in a melody. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, the Rose switch offers a truly immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is perfect for those seeking a quieter environment. This silenced version of the Ink Black switch ensures minimal audio feedback, while still providing a comfortable, pillow-like bottom-out feel. Its silky, muted, and polished characteristics make it an excellent choice for those who value peace and tranquility while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The KTT Rose and the Gateron Silent Ink Black have different top housing materials. The Rose utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While both materials contribute to a distinct sound, the Rose's polycarbonate produces a clearer and more resonant tone compared to the Silent Ink Black's INK blend, which is described as clacky.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Rose employs a nylon housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black incorporates Gateron's INK blend bottom housing, which shares similar qualities with its top housing in terms of sound profile. The clacky sound associated with the INK blend is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched tone, offering a satisfying auditory experience.
When both the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more influence on the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, determining the bottom-out sound. In contrast, the top housing's impact is more prominent when releasing a key, contributing to the overall sound profile. While the Rose and the Silent Ink Black offer distinct materials for their housings, the differentiation in sound and feel remains consistent with their respective top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of actuation force, the Rose switch's value is unavailable, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Both switches can provide a medium-heavy feel, with the Rose switch having a bottom out force of 63.5 grams and the Silent Ink Black having a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Silent Ink Black, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing and is suitable for those who often use their keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who seek a more substantial typing experience may favor the Rose switch, as its bottom out force provides a stronger push feel.
While the specific actuation force of the Rose switch is not available, its similarity to the Silent Ink Black's 60-gram actuation force suggests that users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and ease of triggering keystrokes. Overall, the Silent Ink Black can be considered the lighter option, while the Rose switch offers a heavier force for those in search of a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Consequently, whether you opt for the Rose switch or the Silent Ink Black switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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 Rose linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Rose switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of the Rose switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is specifically designed for quieter typing environments. It is described as offering a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. This makes it a great option for situations where noise reduction is a priority. Again, it's worth mentioning that the sound of the Silent Ink Black switch can also be influenced by other factors like keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the KTT Rose linear switch provides a mild typing experience. This means that it offers a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Rose switch falls into a safe, middle-ground zone, making it suitable for most users. It is described as being polished, which indicates a smooth and refined finish. This contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch also offers a polished feel. It is designed to provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This silky switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel, resulting in a satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Rose linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Rose switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a mild typing experience with a polished feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a muted sound profile and a silky typing experience with a polished feel. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide a pleasant typing experience. It's important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps when determining the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch that offers a unique typing experience with a bassy raindrop sound, the KTT Rose linear switch might be the perfect choice for you. With its progressive springs, it provides a substantial yet not heavy typing experience. Additionally, the Rose switch is described as low-pitched and has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. In terms of feel, the Rose switch offers a mild and polished experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is a great option. With a bottom out force slightly heavier than the Rose, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a cushy and pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. It is described as muted, producing softer and quieter sounds compared to regular switches. In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black switch is silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Ultimately, your choice between the KTT Rose and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch depends on your preferences. If you enjoy a bassy raindrop sound and a substantial typing experience, the Rose switch is a great choice. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a cushiony feel, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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