Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Weightlessness can greatly influence both your typing experience and the acoustics of your workspace. The Silent Ink Black, renowned for its plush, cushioned bottom-out feel and muffled sound, is ideal for those who work in quieter environments where minimal audio feedback is paramount, making each keystroke feel soft and serene. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a satisfying tactile feedback that strikes a balance between subtlety and engagement, making it a great choice for typists seeking a more interactive experience without overwhelming noise. Both switches cater to different needs; the Silent Ink Black promotes a hushed workspace, while the Weightlessness enhances tactile enjoyment. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Gateron Weightlessness, it becomes evident that they differ significantly in composition and acoustic properties. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to its distinctive high-pitched and clacky sound profile. This material is engineered to create a sharper auditory experience, projecting a more articulate sound when keys are released. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sound waves more effectively. This disparity in materials manifests in the overall typing experience, with the INK blend promoting a crisper sound and the nylon providing a rounder, more subdued auditory feedback.
In addition to their differing compositions, the Silent Ink Black and Weightlessness switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in how they affect the sound and feel during key presses. The INK blend used in the Silent Ink Black accentuates the higher frequencies, which means the keystrokes feel lighter and more articulate as they bottom out. This is particularly suitable for typists who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the nylon material of the Weightlessness tends to mute some of the sounds and provides a softer, more cushioned feel when keys are pressed. As a result, users who favor a more subdued typing experience may lean toward the Weightlessness, while those who enjoy the sharp sound returning after each keystroke might prefer the Silent Ink Black.
While the individual materials significantly impact the overall feel and sound profile of each switch, it is also interesting to note that both switches deliver unique experiences despite their different materials. If one were to use these switches in a keyboard, the Silent Ink Black would provide a bright and lively auditory experience that is more sharp, while the Weightlessness would offer a quieter, more muted sound environment. Thus, while the housing materials diverge in their characteristics, both can offer satisfying results based on user preference. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal taste regarding the type of sound and feel desired when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch with its 60-gram actuation force and 70-gram bottom out force to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams but an unknown bottom out force, we see some notable differences in typing dynamics. The Silent Ink Black is designed for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, offering a medium-heavy feel that may be favored by users who prefer a stronger resistance while typing. In contrast, the Weightlessness' lighter actuation force suggests a greater ease of key pressing, which is beneficial for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. While the Weightlessness's bottom out force remains unspecified, it is likely that it would be less than the Silent Ink Black's, enhancing the overall lighter feel of the switch. As such, for users who prefer a heavier switch, the Silent Ink Black would be the more suitable choice, while those looking for a lighter switch would gravitate towards the Weightlessness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it's clear that the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness measures a shorter 3.4 mm. This means that users of the Silent Ink Black will experience a deeper feel when pressing the key down, providing a more substantial tactile response, which may appeal to those who prefer a traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness allows for quicker actuation, making it potentially ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that promotes responsiveness, the Weightlessness would be the better choice, while the Silent Ink Black caters to those who enjoy a fuller, more deliberate keystroke.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch with the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, one can notice a distinct difference. The Silent Ink Black is celebrated for its muted auditory profile, designed specifically for environments that require quieter typing. This switch minimizes the sound typically associated with mechanical keyboards, creating a peaceful atmosphere, which is ideal for shared workspaces or quiet environments. In contrast, the sound profile of the Weightlessness switches is not explicitly defined, leaving the auditory experience somewhat ambiguous. However, their balanced profile suggests that they likely produce a more traditional sound that could range from subtle to moderate, maintaining a level of clarity without being overly loud.
In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black switch excels with its smooth and refined characteristics. The silky texture of the switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, reducing resistance and providing effortless key presses. Additionally, the polished finish enhances this experience even further, offering reduced friction and a sleek key travel that many users find desirable. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch has a subtle to moderate tactile feel, which suggests a more nuanced typing experience compared to the entirely linear action of the Silent Ink Black. The tactile feedback may appeal to users who enjoy a slight bump to signify actuation, but specific qualities related to smoothness or refinement for the Weightlessness are not mentioned, leaving some aspects of its feel undefined.
Overall, both switches cater to different user preferences and environments. The Gateron Silent Ink Black is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience with a smooth, luxurious feel, making it ideal for offices or shared spaces. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a moderate tactile feel for those who enjoy some feedback while typing, possibly appealing more to gamers and typists who appreciate a tactile response without excessive noise. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you value silence and smoothness or a tactile sensation while typing, as each switch delivers a unique blend of qualities that can enhance your overall typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself in a quieter setting or require minimal noise while typing, the Silent Ink Black is an excellent choice due to its muted sound profile and silky, polished feel, offering a satisfying yet discreet typing experience. This switch's medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams provides a solid resistance suitable for those who prefer a bit more feedback without the typical clack of mechanical switches. Conversely, if you enjoy a tactile response when typing and prefer a balanced sound profile alongside a subtle but noticeable tactile bump, the Weightlessness switch might be your ideal match. This switch provides a moderate tactile feel that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction without being overly loud, making it versatile for both work and casual gaming. Ultimately, consider where you'll be using your keyboard and how you prefer to interact with it; this will guide your decision toward the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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