Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular linear options stand out: the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TTC Yunhai. The Silent Ink Black is renowned for its muted auditory feedback and plush, pillow-like bottom-out feel, making it an ideal choice for those who work in quieter environments or prefer a more subdued typing experience. Its silky and polished characteristics contribute to an overall sense of comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai caters to typists who enjoy a lighter, more effortless keystroke, featuring a distinctive deep sound profile that enhances the overall tactile experience without the jarring noise. Both switches offer unique benefits—ranging from the Silent Ink Black's focus on silence and comfort to the Yunhai's emphasis on light actuation and auditory satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the TTC Yunhai, notable differences emerge that significantly influence the acoustic and tactile experiences of each switch. The Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings, which contributes to its distinctive sound profile, characterized as thin, pointed, and relatively high-pitched. This sound is often described as clacky, providing a unique auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai employs nylon for its top and bottom housings. This classic material is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is rounder and less piercing compared to the Silent Ink Black. Thus, while both switches offer different auditory experiences, the Silent Ink Black's design leans towards a higher-pitched clarity, while the Yunhai enhances a more muted resonance.
The implications of the materials on the typing experience extend further than just sound profile; they also affect the overall feel when keyboards are pressed. The Gateron Silent Ink Black's consistent use of its proprietary INK blend across both housing components means that the clackiness of the sound is consistent, allowing for a cohesive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai's use of nylon makes it feel softer and more forgiving during use, creating a smoother tactile sensation. This difference in hardness directly influences how the switches respond under pressure; with the Soft nylon bottom housing absorbing some of the impact, users can expect a plush typing experience. The Gateron Silent Ink Black, conversely, would provide more pronounced feedback with each keystroke thanks to its harder housing material.
Ultimately, both the Gateron Silent Ink Black and TTC Yunhai switches serve distinct preferences for keyboard enthusiasts. Even though they employ different materials for housing, such as the INK blend against nylon, users can achieve similarly satisfying results based on their individual typing styles and sound profile preferences. If a user is looking for a loud, clacky experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is a clear choice, while those preferring a subdued, rounded sound will find the TTC Yunhai more to their liking. Therefore, the aesthetic and functional aspects of keyboard switches are deeply tied to the materials employed, shaping the user experience in unique ways.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces are evident. The Silent Ink Black requires an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. This distinction means that the Silent Ink Black is suited for users who appreciate a stronger push feel, while the Yunhai is ideal for individuals looking for a lighter touch, which can enhance comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the preferences for weight and feel will guide users toward their ideal switch choice, with the Silent Ink Black being the heavier option and the Yunhai the lighter one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find that the Silent Ink Black boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Silent Ink Black offers a more traditional and heartier depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Yunhai's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor faster response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers seeking quick actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference: if you gravitate towards responsiveness, the TTC Yunhai is the better option; conversely, if you value the depth and a more deliberate keystroke, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 notably muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is especially beneficial in environments where noise reduction is a priority. This switch minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards, creating a more discreet auditory profile. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switch is not specifically described in terms of its sound characteristics, but the deeper, rounded sound profile suggested may indicate a more resonant experience, thus it likely produces a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Silent Ink Black. The overall sound experience for both switches will still be influenced by the keyboard build and keycaps used, which adds an additional layer of complexity to their acoustic profile.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Ink Black switch excels with a silky and polished typing experience, characterized by its smooth key travel, reduced friction, and pleasant cushioning upon bottoming out. This gives it almost a pillow-like feel, making each keystroke gentle and comfortable. The TTC Yunhai switch does not have an explicit description of its feel qualities, leaving its tactile feedback and overall typing experience somewhat ambiguous. However, its lighter actuation force suggests a more effortless typing experience, which is appealing to those who prioritize gentle keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch shines with its muted sound and plush, smooth feel, making it ideal for quieter settings and a comfortable typing experience. The TTC Yunhai switch, while lacking detailed descriptions, hints at an enjoyable typing experience with its light actuation force and deeper sound profile. Despite the differences in their sound and feel characteristics, both switches can deliver positive typing experiences, appealing to different preferences in tactile sensations and audibility. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on your specific needs for sound and feel in your typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and environment. If you find yourself in a setting that requires discretion, such as an office or shared workspace, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is perfect due to its muted sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. This switch not only provides a quiet typing experience, but its silky and polished feel enhances the overall smoothness of your keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions where noise might be a concern. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a playful typing experience, the TTC Yunhai with its 50 grams bottom-out force will suit you well. The light actuation makes for an effortless feel, allowing you to type quickly and comfortably without requiring much pressure, all while delivering a deep and rounded sound signature that many find enjoyable. Ultimately, consider your typing environment and preferences to choose the switch that will make your keyboard experience most enjoyable.
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