Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth considering are the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Strawberry, both being linear switches. The Silent Ink Black is the go-to choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience, making it perfect for environments that require minimal noise. This switch offers a cushiony and pillow-like bottom-out feel, while also providing minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch stands out with its attractive pink and clear housings. It is praised for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Classified as low-pitched, frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, it offers a delightful typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Strawberry switches have distinct differences. The Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, creating a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. This blend provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material also allows for RGB lighting to be more prominently displayed, making it visually appealing.
Though the housing materials differ, both switches offer a satisfying and unique auditory experience. The Silent Ink Black's use of the proprietary INK blend in both the top and bottom housing results in a pointed sound profile that is not overly sharp. Similarly, the polycarbonate housing in the Strawberry switch provides a higher-pitched and crisper sound. In terms of sound, these switches offer a similar audio profile with their respective materials. Additionally, both switches take advantage of the translucent properties of their housing materials to enhance the aesthetics when paired with RGB lighting.
When it comes to the impact on keypresses, the bottom housing material plays a significant role. The Gateron Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend in the bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Strawberry switch adds to the overall sound profile during keypresses. Conversely, the top housing material has a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the characteristics of each housing material, whether it be the proprietary INK blend or polycarbonate, are distributed between the top and bottom housings, leading to distinct sound profiles for each switch during keypresses.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Silent Ink Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Silent Ink Black is also higher at 70 grams, while the Strawberry requires 62 grams to fully bottom out.
The difference in actuation force suggests that the Silent Ink Black may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push to trigger keystrokes. On the other hand, the Strawberry offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those who value a lighter typing feel for extended periods of use. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy range for bottom out force, with the Silent Ink Black being slightly heavier.
In terms of weight considerations, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Strawberry switch, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. This lighter feel can be beneficial for longer typing sessions, such as in work environments or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Ink Black, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Overall, while there are differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and KTT Strawberry switches, the similarities in their medium-heavy ranges may yield comparable results for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. Whether you choose the Silent Ink Black or the Strawberry, you can expect similar results in terms of the 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This is ideal for environments where typing noise needs to be minimized. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as low-pitched, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer different sound profiles, and the actual sound can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience. These switches offer exceptionally smooth key travel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similarly, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, and buttery. It provides an effortless and uniform typing sensation, with a fluid travel. Both switches prioritize smoothness and minimize any sense of resistance or friction.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and KTT Strawberry switches offer similar qualities in terms of feel, with both emphasizing smoothness and reduced friction. However, they differ in sound profiles, with the Silent Ink Black providing a muted experience and the Strawberry offering a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone. Which switch to choose ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired sound and feel for the typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are in need of a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is a great choice. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, it offers a cushiony and pillow-like bottom-out feel without causing much audio feedback. The muted sound produced by this switch is perfect for environments where noise reduction is necessary. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, these switches provide a silky and polished feel when pressing and releasing keys. The frictionless and buttery nature of these switches ensures a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the low-pitched sound produced by the Strawberries adds a touch of elegance. Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the KTT Strawberry switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quiet typing experience or a smooth and refined feel.
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