Outemu Tom vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Tom and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are two popular options that offer different typing experiences. The Tom switch is best known for None and is categorized as []. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is loved for its silenced version, making it ideal for environments where quieter typing is essential. This switch provides a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback and is categorized as ['Silky', 'Muted', 'Polished']. If you are looking for a tactile switch, the Outemu Tom may be the way to go, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black is an excellent choice for those seeking a more quiet and smooth linear switch. 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
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Tom and the Gateron Silent Ink Black feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Tom's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. The difference in sound profile between the two switches can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate in the Tom switch versus the blend used by Gateron in the Silent Ink Black.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Tom utilizes a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and greater sound absorption. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black also uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar high-pitched sound profile to its top housing. Despite the different housing materials used in the bottom of each switch, both provide a unique sound experience when typing.
Overall, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch affects both the sound and feel when typing. The qualities of the bottom housing are felt when pressing down on the switch, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. While the Outemu Tom and Gateron Silent Ink Black may have differences in their housing materials, they both offer a unique typing experience that enthusiasts and users alike can appreciate.
Weight
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but the Silent Ink Black is noted as having a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Tom switch may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent Ink Black may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial and precise typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and the overall typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Tom has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. The Tom's 3.3mm travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter distance to actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's 4mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a longer keystroke. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference whether one prefers the shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Outemu Tom comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for being relatively quiet, but specific descriptors are not widely used to describe its sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is often described as producing a muted sound. This means that the Silent Ink Black switch offers a softer and quieter typing experience compared to many other mechanical switches, making it a great choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Tom tactile switch lacks specific descriptors commonly used to talk about its typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is praised for its silky and polished feel. This means that when typing on the Silent Ink Black switch, users can expect an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness can enhance overall typing comfort and precision.
Overall, if you are looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch may be the better choice between the two. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience without specific emphasis on smoothness, the Outemu Tom tactile switch could also be a suitable option. Remember that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material, so be sure to consider all aspects when making your decision.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Tom tactile switch or the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a switch with a bottom out force of None and are looking for a tactile typing experience, the Tom switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of 70 grams and need a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch is the way to go. The Silent Ink Black offers a unique silenced version of the Ink Black switch, providing a cushiony feel with minimal audio feedback, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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