Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Silent Ink Black is perfect for those who value a quiet typing experience, as it offers a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal sound feedback. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow provides a unique and indulgent typing experience, with its rich and bassy sound profile. These Creamsicle-colored switches have a medium weight, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel. It's important to note that the Silent Ink Black is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', while the Sunset Yellow is classified as 'Bassy', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', and 'Thocky'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black, with its proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. This gives the switch a satisfying and crisp sound when pressed down and released. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch features POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. This creates a unique and pleasant sound experience that is distinct from the more pronounced sound of the Silent Ink Black.

While the sound profiles of the two switches differ, they also share some similarities. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with their respective housing materials contributing to an overall smooth and pleasant feel. Additionally, both switches are designed to minimize noise, making them suitable for quiet environments or users looking for a more discreet typing experience. However, it is worth noting that the Silent Ink Black leans towards a higher-pitched sound, while the Sunset Yellow embraces a deeper and more muted sound.

It is important to consider the impact of the housing materials on different aspects of the switch. When it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the housing material of the bottom housing becomes more prominent. In the case of the Silent Ink Black, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its clacky sound and crisp bottom-out feel. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow adds to its deeper sound profile and potentially softer bottom-out experience. The top housing, on the other hand, influences the sound when you release a key, further differentiating the sound profiles of these two switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is clear that there are notable differences between the two. The Silent Ink Black requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Sunset Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Silent Ink Black provides a slightly stronger push feel when typing compared to the Sunset Yellow.

In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Ink Black requires 70 grams of force to fully press the switch down, which again falls into the medium-heavy category. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow has a lower bottom out force of 51 grams, making it lighter compared to the Silent Ink Black. This difference in bottom out force can result in a more substantial typing experience with the Silent Ink Black, as it requires a slightly firmer press to fully activate the switch.

Overall, if a lighter typing experience is preferred, the Sunset Yellow switch would be the better choice, as it has a lower actuation force and bottom out force. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable. It is important to consider personal preferences and the intended use of the keyboard, as lighter switches are generally favored for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, while heavier switches may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for some users.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it becomes apparent that they have different distances. The Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Silent Ink Black, therefore, has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow. Despite this difference, it is important to note that both switches fall within the range of what is considered to be a typical travel distance. The Silent Ink Black offers a more traditional feel, while the Sunset Yellow provides a slightly shallower experience. However, with the rising popularity of shorter travel distances, the 3.2 mm distance of the Sunset Yellow may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, particularly among gamers. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial keypress may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is best described as providing a muted typing experience. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, typing becomes an indulgent experience. The Sunset Yellow switch can also be characterized as thocky, meaning it produces a deep, satisfying sound resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. However, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black will provide similar results to the Sunset Yellow switch.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. The switch is exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and factory lubing. Similarly, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience. This switch is smooth and buttery, gliding effortlessly with each keystroke. It is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a refined and smooth feel, making typing a pleasant and comfortable experience. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience, you can expect similar results from both the Silent Ink Black and the Sunset Yellow switches.

Based on the available information, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches provide distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Ink Black offers a muted sound profile and a silky, polished typing experience with minimal audio feedback. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a rich, bassy sound and a creamy, frictionless feel with a shorter travel and longer-pole stem for sharper and highly responsive typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as well as the other factors involved, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience in environments that require minimal audio feedback, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the choice for you. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, this switch offers a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel. The Silent Ink Black is described as having a muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, it is praised for its silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction.

On the other hand, if you prefer a captivating and indulgent typing experience with a rich, bassy sound, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is the perfect option. With a medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams, these cream-colored switches offer a unique sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. Described as both bassy and thocky, the Sunset Yellow switch produces a deeper and satisfying sound during key presses. Furthermore, it provides a creamy and frictionless feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with effortless and fluid key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Everglide Sunset Yellow comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a muted sound, as well as a silky and polished feel, the Silent Ink Black is the optimal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more indulgent typing experience with a captivating sound profile that is bassy and thocky, along with a creamy and frictionless feel, the Sunset Yellow is the switch for you. Consider your specific needs and preferences to make an informed decision and enhance your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more