Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Box Jade is ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and satisfying tactile feedback. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on the Box Jades a delight. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches provide a smoother and lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. The higher-pitched clack when using them adds a touch of elegance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches have a unique sound profile, with the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing producing a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Despite these differences, both materials provide a satisfying sound experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
In terms of aesthetics, the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This allows for a visually pleasing experience when paired with customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing does not have the same translucent quality, which means it may not be as visually striking when used with RGB lighting. However, both switches offer their own unique visual appeal based on personal preference.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Box Jade utilizes a nylon material, while the Ink Box Pink features Gateron’s proprietary INK blend. The nylon material of the Box Jade results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink shares similarities with the Box Jade, offering a relatively high-pitched sound profile. This means that both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct auditory feedback.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron Ink Box Pink differ in their housing materials, they both deliver unique sound profiles that are well-suited for typing. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and slightly higher-pitched sound, while the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and clacky sound. Similarly, both switches have bottom housings that contribute to the overall sound experience, with the Box Jade's nylon creating a deeper sound and the Ink Box Pink's INK blend offering a satisfying high-pitched sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, we find that they are exactly the same. Both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be categorized as medium. This means that regardless of which switch is chosen, the results in terms of force required for keystrokes will be similar.
Looking at the weight aspect, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable them to type for longer durations, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. Others, however, prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, selecting options with heavier forces would be more suitable.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have the same actuation force and bottom out force, providing a comparable experience in terms of force required for keystrokes. The decision between the two switches would then come down to personal preference in terms of weight and the desired feel while typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same for both switches. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch or the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, you can expect to have a similar experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is best described as having a high-pitched sound profile with crisp clicks and a crunchy tactile bump. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is described as having a clacky sound with a higher-pitched clack. The sound produced is sharp, snappy, bright, and percussive. Both switches fall under the category of high-pitched switches, offering a distinct and satisfying sound when typing.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch provides an accented typing experience. This means that it offers a medium level of tactility, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It also has an invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a silky typing experience. It is exceptionally smooth and enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It can be described as polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crunchy tactile bumps, while the Ink Box Pink provides a lighter typing feel with a clacky sound. The Box Jade has an accented and invigorating feel, while the Ink Box Pink offers a silky and polished typing experience. Both switches deliver desirable qualities depending on personal preferences, and the provided information allows for an informed decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. These switches are known for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, providing an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. Additionally, they produce a high-pitched and crunchy sound when pressed, making them ideal for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound profile.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are a great option. These translucent switches offer a silky and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. They produce a higher-pitched clacky sound when pressed, which some may find more crisp, bright, and percussive.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a heavier and clicky typing experience with pronounced feedback, go for the Box Jade switches. However, if you prefer a lighter and smoother typing feel with a higher-pitched clack, the Ink Box Pink switches will be the better choice for you. Consider your preferred sound profile and typing preference to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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