Jerrzi Coral vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
We are excited to compare and contrast two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The Coral switch is renowned for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, offering a balance of sophistication and stellar performance with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Blacks are known for their incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While the Coral switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Silky', the Ink Box Black is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, providing users with a variety of options to choose from. 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
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Coral and Gateron Ink Box Black both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Coral's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and clacky sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate material of the Coral allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency, while the INK blend of the Ink Box Black offers a sleek and smooth appearance.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Coral's nylon material creates a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder effect. Similarly, the Ink Box Black's INK blend bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile with its high-pitched and clacky characteristics. Both switches showcase the importance of the bottom housing material in determining the feel and sound of a key press.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and Gateron Ink Box Black may differ, they both play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate and nylon materials of the Coral work together to create a clear and resonant sound, while the proprietary INK blend of the Ink Box Black provides a unique and satisfying clacky sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer a distinct typing experience that can cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is evident that the Coral is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is heavier with an actuation force of 60 grams. The bottom out force of the Coral is unknown, while the Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Coral switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Ink Box Black due to its heavier actuation force. Overall, understanding the actuation force and bottom out force of a switch is crucial for selecting the right one based on personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch both offer different travel distances. The Coral has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional, the slight difference between the two may be noticeable to some users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Coral. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
The Gateron Ink Box 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 Ink Box Black 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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone, enhancing the overall typing experience with a more bass-heavy resonance. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch produces a sharp and clacky sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, thanks to its high-pitched and percussive nature. Depending on personal preference, the Coral switch's lower-pitched sound may provide a more soothing typing experience, while the Ink Box Black's clacky sound can add a sense of energy and responsiveness to typing sessions.
In terms of feel, both the Jerrzi Coral and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches offer a silky smooth typing experience. This means that users can expect reduced resistance when typing, resulting in a more effortless and enjoyable feel. Additionally, the Ink Box Black switch is described as polished, indicating an even sleeker typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The combination of silky smoothness and polish in the Ink Box Black switch can provide an exceptionally refined and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Coral switch provides a lower-pitched tone and a nuanced sophistication to typing, the Ink Box Black switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a silky smooth and polished feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results, ensuring that newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches can find an option that suits their specific preferences and typing style. Ultimately, whether choosing the Coral or the Ink Box Black, users can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a lower-pitched sound with a silky typing feel, the Coral switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force, a clacky, high-pitched sound, and a smooth, polished typing experience, the Ink Box Black switch might be more suited to your liking. Consider factors such as typing speed, key feel, and noise level when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy your enhanced typing experience.
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