Kailh Box Navy vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you are in search of a mechanical keyboard switch that delivers a heavy typing experience, with a satisfyingly crunchy sound and pronounced tactile feedback, then the Kailh Box Navy switch is the perfect fit for you. These switches bring back the nostalgic feel of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s, providing a truly invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel, along with a higher-pitched clack sound, then the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is a great option. These beautiful translucent switches offer a polished and silky typing experience, with a touch of elegance. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best choice based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
90g
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 Navy and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches differ in their composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its translucency makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. While both offer a thin and satisfying clacky sound, the Box Navy has a clearer and resonant profile, while the Ink Box Pink is characterized as being less sharp.
Moving to the bottom housing, the Box Navy features a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder profile compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares the same pointed and high-pitched sound characteristics as its top housing. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with the nylon bottom housing offering a deeper tone, while Gateron's INK blend bottom housing offers a similar clacky sound.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, the differences become clear. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning the nylon bottom housing of the Box Navy will provide a deeper and more impactful sensation when typing. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, in terms of sound profile and typing experience, the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, as well as the Ink Box Pink's INK blend top and bottom housing, offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. However, both switches deliver a satisfying clacky sound that enthusiasts appreciate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in weight. The Box Navy switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a suitable option for individuals who prefer a lighter switch for longer periods of typing or gaming. While the forces differ between the two switches, individuals seeking similar results of a heavy typing experience can opt for the Box Navy switch, while those desiring a lighter feel can choose the Ink Box Pink switch.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing 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 Navy 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
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is well-known for its heavy typing experience and nostalgic sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. When typing on the Box Navy, you can expect a resonant and crunchy sound profile. The higher-pitched clack adds to the immersive auditory experience, creating a satisfying and crisp sound when pressed. The strong and crisp tactile feedback of the Box Navy enhances the typing feel, providing a distinct and invigorating sensation with each keypress. This switch is also described as relatively stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a smoother and lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. The Box Pink switches have a silky and polished finish, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The sound of the Ink Box Pink is described as clacky and high-pitched, with a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This switch offers a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive feel while typing.
In summary, the subjective qualities of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch are quite distinct. If you are seeking a heavy typing experience with a resonant sound profile and strong tactile feedback, the Box Navy is a great choice. However, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Pink is more suitable for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a heavy typing experience and love the sound and tactility of a clicky switch, then the Kailh Box Navy switches are a perfect fit for you. Their heftiness and sound signature hark back to the vintage buckling keyboards of the 80s. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and smooth switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches are an excellent choice. These beautiful translucent switches offer a higher-pitched clack and provide a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding typing force, sound profile, and tactile feedback.
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