Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°

Overview

When looking at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° mechanical keyboard switches, both fall under the linear switch category, offering a smooth typing experience without the tactile feedback of a clicky or tactile switch. The Ink Yellow is ideal for those seeking a balance between laptop-like typing and traditional mechanical keyboards, as it features a shorter travel distance and a pleasant smoothness with a subtle clackiness. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° sets itself apart with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, promising unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a dampened sound experience for quieter typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Gateron Zero Degree 0° Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.50

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Zero Degree 0° both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, both switches share a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile, albeit with slight variations in tone.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Yellow utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as the top housing, contributing to its distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° features a nylon bottom housing known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of the Ink Yellow. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.

Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow and Zero Degree 0° ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The INK blend housing in the Ink Yellow offers a unique clacky sound, while the polycarbonate and nylon housing in the Zero Degree 0° provides a crisper and fuller sound. Both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in creating distinct sound profiles, with each material offering its own set of characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience.

Weight

In comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Ink Yellow requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the 45 grams of the Zero Degree 0°, making it the heavier option. Additionally, the Ink Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the bottom out force of the Zero Degree 0° is unknown. This shows that the Ink Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier touch compared to the Zero Degree 0°. However, it is important to note that the lighter actuation force of the Zero Degree 0° may be preferred by those looking for a smoother and lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with heavier forces offering a more substantial feel and lighter forces allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular among gamers for their quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing or gaming experience. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Gateron Ink Yellow, while those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes may favor the Gateron Zero Degree 0°. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each individual user is seeking in their mechanical keyboard.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, and for both home and work environments. It also provides a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, adding a crisp and bright tone to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch boasts a silent typing experience with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, significantly reducing noise and absorbing sound for a quieter workspace.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, offering a gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, it is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the feel is not specified, but given its design for silent typing and stability, users can expect a soft, elastic feel that enhances comfort and typing accuracy.

Overall, both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow appeals to those looking for a smoother and clackier typing experience, while the Zero Degree 0° excels in reducing noise and providing stability. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing performance, but rest assured that both switches deliver top-notch quality in their own right.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, you should choose the Ink Yellow if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a typing experience that falls between a laptop and standard mechanical keyboard. The smoothness and clackiness of the Ink Yellow make it a great choice for those looking for a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° switch is best suited for those who prioritize silent typing, as it offers unparalleled smoothness, stability, and noise reduction with its innovative design. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a switch with a known bottom out force and specific characteristics like the Ink Yellow, or if you value silence and unique design features like the Zero Degree 0°.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Zero Degree 0° Linear

$6.50

$5.50 per 10

Learn more