Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TTC Speed Silver are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches with distinct features. The Silent Ink Black is highly regarded for its silenced version of the Ink Black switch, making it perfect for environments that require quieter typing. It offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, resulting in a smooth and comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver by TTC is notably chosen by those who prioritize a fast and precise typing experience. These tactile switches have a light-medium resistance and a pristine sound profile. With a reduced travel distance, the Speed Silver switches enable quick and effortless actuation. Both switches possess a polished feel, but the Silent Ink Black is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', while the Speed Silver is known as 'Neutral', 'Mild'. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TTC Speed Silver differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Speed Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver is particularly advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While the top housings of the Silent Ink Black and the Speed Silver differ, their bottom housings share similarities. Both switches use different materials for their bottom housings. The Silent Ink Black continues with its proprietary INK blend, which maintains a pointed and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Speed Silver incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon as a material offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile. Therefore, despite the differences in materials, both switches provide unique sound experiences that can be chosen based on personal preferences.
When considering the overall impact of the housing materials, it is important to note their influence on the bottom-out and release sound and feel. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material are more prominent during the pressing down of a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In the case of the Silent Ink Black, the proprietary INK blend contributes to its distinct clacky sound. Meanwhile, in the Speed Silver, the nylon bottom housing helps create a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the qualities attributed to the top housing material have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This means that the polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver produces a sharper and crisper sound when compared to the Silent Ink Black's INK blend.
In summary, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TTC Speed Silver differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black's INK blend provides a pointed and clacky sound, while the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share similarities in their bottom housings, with the Silent Ink Black and the Speed Silver employing proprietary INK blend and nylon respectively. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and desired sound experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Silent Ink Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Speed Silver's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that it requires more force to trigger a keystroke on the Silent Ink Black. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Silent Ink Black is also higher at 70 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. In contrast, the Speed Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is comparatively lighter.
If lighter weight is preferred, the Speed Silver would be the ideal choice as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for easier and more effortless typing. This can be especially beneficial for those who use their keyboard for extended periods, such as for work or gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Silent Ink Black with its higher actuation and bottom out forces would be a better option.
In terms of similarity, both switches provide a linear typing experience, meaning there is a smooth and consistent feeling throughout the keystroke. This similarity ensures that regardless of the specific force required, typing on either switch will result in a consistent and reliable performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black is more traditional, providing a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.4mm travel distance of the Speed Silver is shallower and preferred by gamers for faster response times. While both options have their advantages, the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver offers a more responsive experience. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt, and may prefer the deeper feeling provided by the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 switch is best characterized as producing a muted sound. This means that it creates a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, effectively minimizing the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound level that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you plan to use it at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and the keycaps chosen.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a silky and polished typing experience. A silky switch refers to one that provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch adds to the overall sleekness and reduces friction during key travel. Similarly, the TTC Speed Silver switch is also described as having a polished feel. This means that it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a seamless typing experience. The use of materials and factory lubing contribute to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience, suitable for users with different preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and TTC Speed Silver switches have their own distinct qualities. The Silent Ink Black switch is known for its muted sound and silky, polished feel, offering a cushion-like bottom-out sensation with minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch delivers a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel, providing a fast and precise typing experience with light-medium resistance. Ultimately, these switches cater to different preferences. However, if you are looking for a switch with similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, either choice will provide a comparable result based on the available information.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a cushiony, pillow-like bottom out feel with minimal audio feedback. The Silent Ink Black switch is best suited for environments that require quieter typing, making it ideal for office or shared space settings. Additionally, it is described as having a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches.
On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision in your typing, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the better choice. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches allow for quick and effortless actuation. They offer a reduced travel distance, making them perfect for those who value a fast and precise typing experience. The Speed Silver switches have a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile, described as neutral. This makes them suitable for a wide range of users, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist or if you plan to use them at home or work.
In terms of feel, both switches provide a polished typing experience due to their smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel for an overall sleek typing experience. However, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switch is described as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. These qualities make them approachable to most users, as they stand in a safe, middle-ground zone.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and TTC Speed Silver switches will depend on your specific preferences and requirements. Whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience or seek speed and precision, both switches offer unique features that cater to different needs. Consider factors such as noise level, typing speed, and overall feel to make an informed decision.
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