TTC Bluish White vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two distinctive mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. On one hand, the Bluish White offers a tactile typing experience, perfect for those seeking a satisfying and poppy feel. With its snappy sound profile and characteristics such as being buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, polished, and low-pitched, it provides a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink stands out with its smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. Known for its beautiful translucent appearance, it delivers a higher-pitched clack while being categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. Both switches have their appeal, appealing to different typing preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can make the most informed decision when choosing the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, we can see that both switches have different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Bluish White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is particularly useful if you plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for impressive lighting effects. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink has a proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. While the sound profiles differ slightly, both materials result in a satisfying and clear sound when typing.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Bluish White utilizes a nylon material. This classic switch housing material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic, allowing it to absorb more sound and create a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This material also contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. While both bottom housings differ, they both provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of these switches have distinct characteristics, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will be distributed differently depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound generated when you let go of a key. Therefore, while the housing materials of the TTC Bluish White and Gateron Ink Box Pink may have their differences, the overall experience and results will be quite similar, providing an enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Bluish White has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Bluish White would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out. This can result in a comfortable typing experience for longer periods of time, making it ideal for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or intense gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink offers a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This provides a stronger push feel, which some individuals prefer for a more satisfying and tactile typing experience. It may be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger and more responsive key press.
Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preferences. If a lighter typing experience is desired, the TTC Bluish White would be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink would be a suitable option. Both switches provide their own unique benefits and deliver reliable performance in their respective force ranges.
Travel distance
The TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Bluish White switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ink Box Pink switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the TTC Bluish White switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance, such as the Gateron Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Bluish White switch offers a low-pitched tone, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. The sound of both switches can be described as sharp and snappy, but with different characteristics. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
As for feel, the TTC Bluish White switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. These switches have a subtle resistance which is not too heavy, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the Bluish White switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is referred to as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, further enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Similar to the Bluish White switch, the Ink Box Pink switch is also described as polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch is known for its satisfyingly poppy typing experience with a snappy sound profile. It offers a buttery and mild feel, with a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch provides a smoother and lighter typing feel, with a clacky and higher-pitched sound. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for sound and feel. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary, and it is recommended to try out different switches to find the one that best suits your typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire. If you value a satisfyingly poppy and snappy typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, then the Bluish White switches are the way to go. These switches provide a buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished feel, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer smooth switches with a lighter typing feel and a clacky, high-pitched sound, then the Ink Box Pink switches are a great choice. These switches have a silky and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of your typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Consider your preferences for typing feel and sound profile when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Bluish White and the Gateron Ink Box Pink will depend on which qualities align with your typing style and preferences.
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