TTC Brother vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The TTC Brother is renowned for its lightweight actuation of 37g, providing a tactile experience without being burdensome. Its satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and articulate tactile bump make it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is known for its smoother and lighter typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack sound. While the Brother switch is characterized as 'Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the Ink Box Pink is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, ultimately catering to a personalized typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, we see that the Brother features a polycarbonate top housing while the Ink Box Pink has a proprietary INK blend top housing. Both materials contribute to a relatively high-pitched sound profile, with the polycarbonate providing a sharper and crisper sound compared to the slightly less sharp sound of the INK blend. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the INK blend offers a satisfying "clacky" sound that is unique to Gateron switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Brother utilizes a nylon material while the Ink Box Pink features the proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the INK blend in the bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink contributes to the switch's overall sound profile by adding a pointed and high-pitched element that complements the top housing material. Both bottom housings play a crucial role in the sound and feel of typing on the switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials interact within each switch, it's evident that they both play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound as you release a key. While the materials may differ between the Brother and the Ink Box Pink, their respective housing materials work in tandem to create unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Box Pink is heavier than the Brother. The Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the Ink Box Pink requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium, whereas the bottom out force of the Brother is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Brother switch, as it requires less force to type, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Conversely, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Ink Box Pink, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces providing a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and tactility.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. The Brother switch may feel slightly snappier due to its shorter travel distance, while the Ink Box Pink switch may provide a slightly more substantial keypress with its slightly longer distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound that resonates with each keystroke, providing a clear and precise auditory experience beloved by enthusiasts of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch produces a higher-pitched clack, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. While both switches provide distinct sound profiles, the Brother emphasizes a crunchy sensation, whereas the Ink Box Pink leans towards a higher-pitched tone, catering to different preferences in sound aesthetics.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers an easy-to-press experience with a light actuation force of 37g, making each keypress effortless and comfortable, ideal for reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the tactile bump in the Brother switch strikes a perfect balance, providing a satisfying feedback without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a silky and polished typing feel, ensuring a smooth and refined key travel with minimized resistance. While the Brother switch presents itself as easy-to-press and stepped, offering a distinct tactile sensation, the Ink Box Pink focuses on delivering a smooth and polished typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Brother switch delights users with its crunchy sound signature and easy-to-press feel, the Ink Box Pink switch impresses with its high-pitched clack and silky, polished typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide exceptional qualities that enhance the overall keyboarding experience, ensuring a satisfying and personalized typing experience for newcomers delving into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch that offers a lightweight actuation and a satisfyingly crunchy sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is the way to go. Its tactile feedback is balanced and precise, making each keystroke a delight for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter linear switch, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a medium typing feel with a high-pitched clacky sound. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will come down to your preference for either a clicky or linear switch, as well as the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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