Kailh Box White vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch? Look no further, as we compare two popular options: the Kailh Box White, a clicky switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch. The Box White excels in delivering maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch while typing. Its pronounced tactility creates a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is perfect for those seeking a quieter option. This switch has a cushioned, pillow-like bottom-out feel, significantly reducing audio feedback during typing sessions. While these general descriptions can guide your decision, let's delve deeper into the characteristics of each switch to help you determine which one best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Color coated
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in their housing materials, with the Box White featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. These differences in materials lead to variations in sound profiles and typing experiences.
The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic material resonates clearly, resulting in a crisper sound when typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the keyboard. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Box White's polycarbonate brings a sharper tone, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend provides a satisfying and thin sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the nylon used in the Box White creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. In comparison, the Silent Ink Black also utilizes the INK blend for its bottom housing, which produces a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing.
Despite the differences in housing materials, the impact of each housing is felt differently. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the specific qualities of each housing material may differ, both switches provide a unique and satisfying typing experience due to the distinct sound profiles they offer.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, some distinct differences emerge. The Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. This means that it is easier to trigger a keystroke with the Box White switch. Additionally, the Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, slightly lighter than the Silent Ink Black's 70 grams. As a result, the Box White switch offers a more comfortable typing experience with less force required for both actuation and bottoming out. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a heavier and more substantial push feel, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, meaning that they offer similar results in terms of weight and force. Therefore, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box White. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black is more traditional, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Box White is shorter, which can be preferred by gamers for faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Box White. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press experience may find the longer travel distance of the Silent Ink Black more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
The Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a unique and immersive auditory experience. It is described as resonant with a higher-pitched sound profile, creating a clean and sharp noise when pressed. The sound is often likened to the satisfying crunch of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves, which adds to the overall sensory experience of typing on these switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound. It produces a softer and quieter noise compared to regular or clacky switches, making it ideal for environments that require minimal noise. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box White switch offers an accented tactility with a polished finish. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined surface resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel provided by the polished finish contribute to a satisfying typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky. This indicates that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. Additionally, like the Box White switch, the Silent Ink Black switch also has a polished finish, further enhancing the smoothness of the typing feel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is best suited for those who desire maximum audio feedback and a satisfying tactile experience. It offers a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, along with a polished finish that provides reduced friction and a smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the ideal choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. It offers a muted sound and a cushion-like bottom-out feel, providing a softer and more comfortable typing experience. Although they differ in sound and feel, both switches have a polished finish, ensuring a smooth typing experience. With these switches, you can expect subjective qualities such as enhanced tactility, reduced noise, and a refined typing feel, making them excellent options depending on your preferences and typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize maximum audio feedback and enjoy a crunchy sound profile while typing, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the better choice for you. This switch provides a clean and sharp, high-pitched sound that resembles stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Additionally, the Box White offers a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience and prefer a muted sound profile, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making it ideal for environments that require minimal noise. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky typing experience with enhanced smoothness and reduced resistance.
In summary, if you prioritize audio feedback and prefer a clicky sound, choose the Kailh Box White switch. If you value a quieter typing experience and a muted sound profile, opt for the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch. Consider your preferences and the environment you'll be typing in to make the best decision.
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