Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the SP-Star Duck. The Silent Ink Black is a linear switch that is best known for its quiet typing experience, making it ideal for environments that require reduced noise. With its pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch provides a smooth and silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Duck switch is a tactile option that offers a more subtle tactile typing experience. It provides a gentle tactility while typing, accompanied by a clean and crispy sound profile. The Silent Ink Black offers a quieter typing experience, while the Duck provides a more subtle tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make the best decision for your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is particularly advantageous if you plan to use RGB lighting as its translucency allows for better light transmission.
While both switches have different housing materials, they share some similarities in terms of sound profile. Both the proprietary INK blend and polycarbonate create a higher-pitched sound, although the Duck's polycarbonate is known for its sharper and crisper profile. This suggests that using either switch will result in a satisfying and clacky sound when typing. Additionally, both switches benefit from their translucent housing, making them suitable for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
When it comes to the impact on typing experience, the differences between the top and bottom housings become evident. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, choosing the Silent Ink Black or the SP-Star Duck will result in similar results in terms of the overall sound profile, albeit with nuanced variations depending on the specific characteristics of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, some similarities and differences can be identified. In terms of weight, the Silent Ink Black has a slightly lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Duck, where the actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a fairly similar bottom out force, with the Silent Ink Black being slightly heavier at 70 grams and the Duck at 58 grams.
Having a lighter actuation force, like the Silent Ink Black, can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a lighter feel during typing or gaming sessions. This lighter actuation force allows for extended typing periods without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, some users may prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For these individuals, a switch with a heavier actuation force, such as the Duck, would be more suitable.
Although the actuation force for the Duck is unknown, the fact that its bottom out force is lighter than that of the Silent Ink Black suggests that it may also have a lighter actuation force. However, without precise information, it is difficult to make an exact comparison. Nevertheless, both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, ensuring a satisfying keystroke.
In summary, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer slightly different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. While the Silent Ink Black has a lighter actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, the Duck has a medium actuation force and a lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch, you can expect to get equally satisfying feedback from both options.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black is best described as a muted switch. 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. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch has a neutral sound profile. It has a moderate sound and actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most purposes. While both switches offer different sound experiences, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is known for its silky and polished typing experience. This switch offers an exceptionally smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing feel. It minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing an overall smooth experience. The SP-Star Duck switch, on the other hand, offers a more mild and buttery typing experience. It is gentle and approachable to most users, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Like the Silent Ink Black, the Duck switch also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferences and typing style.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the SP-Star Duck switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Ink Black provides a muted sound profile with a cushiony bottom-out feel, perfect for those who require a quieter typing experience. Its smooth and polished feel enhances the overall smoothness of typing. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. It provides a gentle tactility and a buttery feel for effortless and uniform typing. While the two switches have their unique traits, users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and refined typing experience due to the polished finishes of both switches. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience and a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is a great option. It offers a cushiony and pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. The sound profile of the Silent Ink Black is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Additionally, it has a silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience and a switch with a medium bottom out force, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is perfect for you. It offers a gentle tactility when typing, and the sound profile is clean and crispy with a neutral characteristic. The Duck switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Similar to the Silent Ink Black, it also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch depends on your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a quieter sound and a heavier bottom out force, go for the Silent Ink Black. But if you prefer a subtle tactile feel and a medium bottom out force, the Duck switch is a great option. Consider these factors when making your decision and enjoy your typing experience with your chosen switch.
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