Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Type S are both popular choices to consider. The Silent Ink Black is favored for its quiet typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. With a cushioned and smooth bottom-out feel, this switch is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S boasts a weightier keystroke with a pleasingly balanced sound signature, leaning towards a neutral yet deeper acoustic experience. Categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Subdued', this switch is part of Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" and incorporates contemporary factory lubing techniques for a unique typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Type S switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing create a thinner and higher-pitched clacky sound, providing a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Type S's nylon top and bottom housing produce a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users.
While both switches offer a different sound profile, they also share similarities in terms of durability and quality. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend housing material is designed to provide a satisfying typing experience that is not overly sharp, while the Type S's nylon housing material offers a classic feel that is known for its durability. Despite the differences in sound profile, both housing materials are designed to withstand heavy daily use and provide a reliable typing experience for users.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Type S switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. Users looking for a thinner and higher-pitched clacky sound may prefer the Silent Ink Black, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may opt for the Type S. Regardless of the choice made, both switches offer quality housing materials that are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, we can see that the Type S is lighter in both aspects. The Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Type S has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly lighter. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Type S may be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Silent Ink Black could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that pressing down on a key with either switch will result in a similar amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance of both switches allows for a consistent typing experience and tactile feedback for users. Overall, whether you choose the Silent Ink Black or Type S switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance and key feel.
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 Gateron Type S comes in at $4.70 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch offers a more neutral sound with a subtle, subdued quality when pressed. The Type S switch strikes a pleasing balance between sound and tactility, appealing to users who prefer a deeper acoustic experience. Factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material can also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is renowned for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth keypress with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch provides a cushioned, pillow-like bottom-out feel that enhances the overall typing comfort. Although the description of the Gateron Type S linear switch's tactile feel is not provided, it can be assumed that its factory lubrication and weightier 65g bottom-out contribute to a smooth and refined typing experience, similar to the Silent Ink Black switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch excels in providing a muted and subdued sound profile, along with a silky and polished typing feel that minimizes resistance and enhances typing comfort. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S linear switch offers a neutral sound with a weightier keystroke, appealing to users seeking a deeper acoustic experience. Both switches prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, thanks to factors such as factory lubing techniques. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience for different environments and user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, consider the environment you will be using your keyboard in and your desired typing experience. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a weightier keystroke and a more neutral yet subdued sound profile, the Type S would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific usage scenario you have in mind. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
