Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options available to cater to individual preferences. Two popular choices for those in search of a linear switch are the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Wine Red. The Silent Ink Black is beloved for its quietness and is particularly suitable for environments that require a hushed typing experience. This switch provides a luxurious and cushion-like feel when bottoming out keys, all while minimizing auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch from KTT offers an intoxicating typing experience with its pillowy light touch and a pleasingly deep and rich sound profile. Categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Silent Ink Black provides a refined and subdued feel, while the Wine Red, characterized as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched', delivers a more vibrant and resonant typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision about which switch best suits your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Wine Red, it is clear that they differ in terms of sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound. This creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Wine Red's polycarbonate top and bottom housing produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of the polycarbonate material contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. Therefore, those seeking a clackier sound may prefer the Silent Ink Black, while those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound may lean towards the Wine Red.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material makes a difference between the two switches. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend that does not offer any information about its translucency. On the other hand, the Wine Red's polycarbonate housing is clear and transparent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. The clear polycarbonate allows the light to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. Therefore, for individuals who prioritize the use of RGB lighting, the Wine Red would be a better choice due to its polycarbonate housing.
Although there are differences between the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Wine Red, there are also some similarities. Both switches offer a relatively high-pitched sound profile, although the Silent Ink Black is described as not overly sharp, while the Wine Red is said to be sharper. Additionally, both switch variants prioritize creating a satisfying clacky sound. Therefore, despite utilizing different materials for their housing, individuals can expect similar results in terms of sound characteristics when using either the Silent Ink Black or the Wine Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Silent Ink Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Wine Red's lighter actuation force of 44 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Ink Black is also heavier with a force of 70 grams, while the Wine Red is lighter with a force of 55 grams.
The weight of these switches can greatly influence the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter feel may opt for the Wine Red as it allows for longer periods of typing comfort, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who desire a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience, the Silent Ink Black with its heavier forces may be the better choice.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ, it is important to note that both fall within the medium range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience, albeit with slight variations in force. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Wine Red will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing sensation – whether one prefers a heavier actuation and bottom out force, or a lighter and more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, resulting in similar tactile experiences while typing or gaming. Whether using the Gateron Silent Ink Black or the KTT Wine Red, users can expect a consistent travel distance that enhances their 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 is known for its muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Ink Black switch minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for environments that require quieter typing. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a deep and rich sound profile. It is characterized by a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Wine Red switch is also described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is often described as silky and polished. A silky switch refers to a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, a polished switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness can be achieved through the use of high-quality materials or factory lubing. With the Silent Ink Black switch, users can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch is not described in the given information.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and KTT Wine Red switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Ink Black switch provides a muted sound profile, making it ideal for environments that require quieter typing. It also offers a silky and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch offers a deep and rich sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range and a bass-heavy tone. However, the feel of the Wine Red switch is unknown based on the given information.
It is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and it is recommended to try out different switches to find the one that best suits your personal taste. If you enjoy a quiet typing experience with a smooth feel, the Silent Ink Black switch is a great choice. Similarly, if you prefer a deep and rich sound profile, the Wine Red switch may provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience and enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making them ideal for environments that require quieter typing. Additionally, their muted sound profile minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is a fantastic option. These switches provide a pillowy light type feel and a bassy, low-pitched sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. While the Silent Ink Black focuses on providing a silky and polished typing experience, the Wine Red does not have specific feel descriptors, but it still offers a smooth and enjoyable typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and KTT Wine Red switches depends on your preferences for typing force, sound profile, and overall feel.
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