Glorious Gateron, Linear Silent - Black Switches

Product Information

Gateron switches are not rated as high for durability as Cherry MX. Due to their rigorous testing and standards, Cherry MX switches are rated for 100 million keystrokes, while Gateron are 50 million. While being Cherry MX clones, Gateron’s main switch lineup does differ slightly from Cherry MX. Gateron switches are typically smoother due to a slightly smaller stem which can make using a Gateron linear switch much more enjoyable than a Cherry MX one. With a full aluminum keyboard and all of the switch mods, lets see just how well these Gateron Ink switches perform. The Verdict Travel Distance – the travel distance of a switch is the distance from the top of the key (un-pressed) to the bottom of the key (when pressed all the way down.) The point at which the switch is fully bottomed out is the end of the travel distance. It is also measured in millimeters (mm). For a long time, Gateron has been considered as the best choice to have where Cherry MX switches are absent. Sure, they are clones, but they are good enough for a raft of purposes. This includes gaming and typing. Moreover, they are designed to have a smoother feel.

That being said, many external factors affect the loudness of the switch, such as the keycaps, keyboard plate, mounting style of the keyboard, and housings of the keyboard that hold the switches in place. If you’re looking at Gateron switches though it’s hard to pass up on the linear switches, due to the smoothness. This refers to how far your fingers can go with each keypress. Whether you opt for a Gateron or Kailh bran, ensure the travel distance works for you. Switches that are low profile tend to be lighter and less bulky.The KBD75 was an excellent keyboard to put these switches inside of as the aluminum build really lets these switches shine, both in terms of aesthetic and sound.

Regardless of the type of Gateron switch, you can rest assured that you will get a 50 million keystroke lifespan for each switch. Gateron is known to have some of the smoothest keystrokes on the market. Overall, we think Gaterons are slightly ahead. Perhaps more information on how they both operate will clear things up. Let’s look at them individually: 1. Gateron Switches Pros While I enjoy the aesthetic of the switch, I couldn’t help to think it would look much better with the Ink Red, Ink Yellow, or Ink Blue design. But that’s a test for another day. THE BAD POINTS: This is where this switch loses a lot of points. It’s a linear switch after all. Sound definitely wasn’t the main focus when designing this switch, but that’s not why you buy it anyway. Typing Performance: 6/10 Gateron yellows are one of the quietest switches around, even though they aren’t designed to be silent, primarily because they are linear and require a low amount of force to actuate.The smoky housing is what gives the Ink’s their name, both the lower and upper housing are the same colors depending on what type of switch you use. Their tactile switches aren’t as good, though, and aren’t as close to Cherry switches in terms of quality. Further, Gaterons have a good spring force and travel distance, which is pegged at 4mm. Depending on the Gateron switch you opt for, the actuation force will vary. 2. Kailh Switches Pros