KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Ink Box Black. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch, designed to provide a satisfying feedback that is noticeable but not overwhelming. It offers a light touch combined with crisp actuation, resulting in a delightful blend of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is incredibly smooth and creamy, providing a unique typing experience. Its sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken adds to its appeal. The Ash Gray is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', while the Ink Box Black is classified as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches have distinct differences that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing. This blend produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials contribute to an overall satisfying sound, the Ash Gray's polycarbonate is sharper and higher-pitched, while the Ink Box Black's blend is slightly less sharp.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material enhances the overall typing experience and adds depth to the switch's sound. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Box Black employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This blend also contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound, described as clacky. Here again, while both materials produce a satisfying sound, the Ash Gray's nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Ink Box Black's blend offers a slightly different high-pitched tone.

When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that differences in material will influence different aspects. The bottom housing is primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, if the top and bottom housings are different, the qualities of each material will be divided between the two halves of the switch. In the case of the Ash Gray, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate top housing adds a sharper sound upon key release. For the Ink Box Black, both the proprietary INK blend bottom and top housings contribute to a characteristic clacky sound throughout the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Ink Box Black's 60 grams. This means that the Ash Gray requires less force to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter and potentially smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Ash Gray is 53 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Ink Box Black's 70 grams. This means that the Ash Gray requires slightly more force to fully depress the key, resulting in a more substantial typing feel when compared to the Ink Box Black. Additionally, the Ink Box Black's actuation force and bottom out force are both higher than the Ash Gray, indicating a heavier overall typing experience. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience may opt for the Ash Gray, while those seeking a heavier and more substantial feel may prefer the Ink Box Black. However, it is important to note that both switches provide different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, so individual preferences should be considered when making a choice.

Travel distance

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Comparing the two, it is clear that the Ink Box Black has a slightly longer travel distance than the Ash Gray switch. While the difference may seem minimal, it can still have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered traditional, while 3.0 mm is considered shallow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and more pronounced keypress, the slightly longer travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black switch could be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for use at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. If you prefer a sharper and more crisp sound, the Ink Box Black switch would be a great choice.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press experience. It requires minimal force to activate the switch, making typing effortless and comfortable. This low-impact typing feel reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch falls in the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that most people will find approachable. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch provides a silky and polished typing experience. It is exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of these switches, achieved through either materials used or factory lubing, results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray switch provides a neutral sound profile with easy-to-press and mild characteristics in terms of feel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a silky and polished typing experience. If you prefer a moderate sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Ash Gray switch would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper sound and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Ink Box Black switch would be a great fit.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you value a light touch with a crisp actuation and a blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, yet still noticeable, the Ash Gray switch would be a great choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a keyboard switch with an easy-to-press feel and a low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the Ash Gray switch would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a polished typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is the way to go. This switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Furthermore, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black switch will provide you with that crisp, bright, and percussive sound that resembles a shaken spray paint can. Ultimately, it is important to consider your own preferences in terms of sound and feel when making a decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more