Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch known for its shorter travel, making it a great choice for those seeking a typing experience between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, this switch offers a polished feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out for its sharp tactile feel. Featuring a unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing, these switches provide a rare and premium typing experience. Notably, they feature a strong downstroke tactile bump, but what sets them apart is an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. With a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt and accentuated bottom-out, the Moyu Blacks offer a distinctive and impactful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$12.00

$7.59 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) have different housing materials that contribute to their overall sound and feel. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This results in a satisfying, clacky sound that is not overly sharp. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT top housing, which offers a more neutral sound profile. While not as crisp as the INK blend, it still provides a satisfying typing experience without being dull.

In terms of bottom housing, both switches differ once again. The Ink Yellow incorporates the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This clacky sound adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) uses a PBT bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This PBT material provides a neutral sound profile, neither overly sharp nor dull.

When comparing the two switches, it's important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Consequently, pressing down on the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) may offer a slightly different bottom-out sound compared to the Ink Yellow, while the release sound will be influenced by the PBT top housing in both switches.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offer distinct typing experiences due to their housing material differences. The INK blend top and bottom housings of the Ink Yellow create a clacky and pointed sound profile, while the PBT top and bottom housings of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) deliver a more neutral sound. However, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences, giving users similar results in terms of overall functionality and performance.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it is clear that they have some similarities and differences. The Ink Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Moyu Black's 50 grams. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls within the medium-heavy range.

If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Moyu Black would be the better choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and stronger push feel, the Ink Yellow would provide a slightly heavier actuation force.

It is worth noting that both switches have the same bottom out force, so the typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be similar. Overall, the Ink Yellow is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force compared to the Moyu Black, providing a different tactile experience. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier force is desired for typing or gaming purposes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it is evident that the Moyu Black has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance and offers a sense of familiarity, while 3.0mm is considered more shallow and might not provide the same level of depth for some users. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who seek faster response times. For those who value quick and precise keystrokes, opting for the Ink Yellow with its shorter travel distance may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and satisfying keystroke experience might find the Moyu Black's longer travel distance more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow is considered a neutral switch with a clacky profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is known for its resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches will result in a higher-pitched and clean sound experience. It is important to note that the sound of switches is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual results may vary. However, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow is considered a mild switch with a polished finish. It offers a gentle and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is classified as an accented switch with a sharp tactile feel. It provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch features a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences.

Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow provides a clacky sound and a mild, polished feel, offering a smooth and pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a resonant sound and an accented, sharp tactile feel, providing a unique and impactful typing experience. While the Ink Yellow falls between the typing experience on a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) stands out with its hypertactile sensation and distinctive sound profile. It is important to consider personal preferences and requirements when choosing between these switches as they offer different subjective qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great choice. These switches provide a smooth and clacky feel, with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. They offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any environment.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more unique and premium typing experience, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a sharp and strong tactile feel, with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. They feature a hypertactile sensation due to their distinct upstroke bump, resulting in a satisfyingly short, snappy, and punchy sound. The Moyu Blacks have an accented and sharp tactile bump, making each keypress feel precise and distinct.

So ultimately, if you prioritize a smooth and clacky typing experience with a shorter travel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switches are the right choice for you. However, if you value a unique and impactful typing experience with a strong tactile feel, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches will be more suitable. Consider your preferences and use cases to make the decision that best fits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) Tactile

$12.00

$7.59 per 10

Learn more