Kailh Sage vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options for different preferences are the Kailh Sage and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The Sage switches are clicky switches that offer a distinct and invigorating typing experience. With a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, these switches provide a satisfying crunch with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switches are linear switches that prioritize a quieter typing experience. Perfect for environments that require minimal audio feedback, this switch offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel, creating a silky and muted typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities and benefits, making them suitable for different individuals and typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Kailh Sage Clicky

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$6.25 per 10

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Sage and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches provide distinct sound profiles. The Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched sound. While it is not excessively sharp, this material lends the switch a distinctive clacky sound that is often described as satisfying.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Sage incorporates a nylon material, which delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This material also contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Similar to the top housing, the bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black adds to the switch's clacky nature.

While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Sage and Silent Ink Black, they both have distinct impacts on the sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the respective bottom housing become evident in the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, although utilizing different materials, both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Sage's weight is unavailable, while the Silent Ink Black requires 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. This suggests that the Silent Ink Black is lighter in terms of actuation force. On the other hand, both switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a similar level of heaviness when fully pressed down.

For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch may be a more suitable option due to its lower actuation force. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, which is particularly beneficial for those who use their keyboards for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sage clicky switch, with its unavailable actuation force, may not provide the same lightness.

However, for users who prefer a more substantial push feel and a stronger typing experience, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, they provide a similar level of resistance, allowing for a satisfying, tactile feedback during typing. Thus, in terms of bottom out force, the results obtained from using either the Sage clicky or Silent Ink Black switch would be comparable.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch depends on an individual's personal preference regarding the actuation force. If a user desires a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Silent Ink Black switch would be the preferable option. However, if a user prefers a stronger push feel and a heavier typing experience, their preference may lean towards the Sage clicky switch, although the exact actuation force for the Sage is not provided.

Travel distance

The Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have different travel distances. The Sage has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Silent Ink Black has a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, which provides a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sage offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation and may be more suitable for those seeking increased responsiveness. Therefore, the Sage would be the shorter option, while the Silent Ink Black would be the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference - whether one prioritizes a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a distinct and crunchy typing experience. This means that when typing, you will hear a sharp and satisfying click, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted sound. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. 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.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. This means that it provides pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Typing on these switches will give you an immersive sensation with each keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch has a silky and polished feel. This means that it provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The smoothness can be achieved through materials used and/or factory lubing of the switch, reducing friction and allowing for smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, the Kailh Sage and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer different subjective qualities. The Sage switch provides a heavy and sharp clicky sound, along with an invigorating and sharp tactile feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel, with a muted sound and a polished and silky typing experience. If you are looking for a satisfying and clicky typing experience with pronounced feedback, the Sage switch is a good choice. However, if you need a quieter typing experience with smooth key travel and minimal noise, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable. It's important to consider your personal preferences and the environment you'll be using the keyboard in when choosing between these switches.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you are looking for a distinct clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Kailh Sage switch is an excellent choice. These switches offer a refreshing and sharp clickiness that adds a satisfying tactile feedback to each keystroke. The Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp, providing a reactive and immersive typing sensation.

On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, especially in environments that require minimal audio feedback, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is the way to go. With the same medium-heavy bottom out force as the Sage switch, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a cushy and pillow-like bottom-out feel. These silenced switches produce a muted sound that significantly reduces the noise usually associated with mechanical keyboards.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy the crunchy sound and invigorating feel of a clicky switch, the Sage switch would be a great fit. However, if you value a quieter typing experience with a silky smooth feel, the Silent Ink Black switch is the better choice. Consider your environment, personal sensitivity to noise, and the typing experience you seek when making your decision. Both switches offer their unique advantages, so choose the one that enhances your typing enjoyment the most. In the end, the decision rests in your hands.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more