KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are numerous options available, each with its own set of features and characteristics. Two popular linear switches worth considering are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound, owing to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a bouncy typing feel that can enhance your overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch stands out for its smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. With a beautiful translucent design, these switches add an aesthetic touch to your keyboard. They also produce a higher-pitched clack when typing, which can be satisfying for some users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your own specific needs.

By the numbers

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Pink have different housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material is relatively stiffer, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink has a proprietary INK blend top housing, which also produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, but without being overly sharp. Both materials offer unique sound characteristics, but the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate housing may provide a more pronounced and vibrant sound compared to the Ink Box Pink's proprietary blend.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink employs its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing. This material also contributes to a thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as "clacky." While both bottom housings offer distinct sound attributes, the Cream Yellow's nylon housing may provide a more noticeable depth and richness in sound compared to the Ink Box Pink's INK blend.

Overall, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the final sound of these switches. While both switches have their unique qualities, the Cream Yellow may offer a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing and a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink may provide a slightly softer and less sharp sound with its proprietary INK blend top housing, while still delivering a distinct clacky sound with its INK blend bottom housing. If you are looking for similar results in terms of sound profile, both switches offer high-pitched characteristics that can provide a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. This means that a keystroke can be triggered with the same amount of force on both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Ink Box Pink has a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Ink Box Pink requires a slightly heavier force compared to the Cream Yellow.

Considering the weight of the switches, some users may prefer the lighter option for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In this case, both the Cream Yellow and the Ink Box Pink can be suitable choices, as they have the same actuation force. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel, they may opt for a switch with a heavier force, in which case the Ink Box Pink would be the preferable choice with its slightly higher bottom out force. Overall, while the actuation force is the same for both switches, the slight difference in bottom out force allows users to choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience based on their individual preferences.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it is worth noting if you have a preference for a specific travel distance.

In general, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the shallowest. However, shorter travel distances have become more popular recently, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Cream Yellow with its slightly shorter travel distance might be the better option for you.

On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. If you prefer a more substantial key press feel, the Ink Box Pink with its slightly longer travel distance might be more suitable for your preferences.

Overall, both the Cream Yellow and the Ink Box Pink provide relatively short travel distances compared to more traditional switches. So, if you are looking for a similar experience in terms of travel distance, either switch would likely meet your needs. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether you prefer a slightly shorter or longer travel distance for your typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are described as clacky. A clacky keyboard switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. However, the Ink Box Pink switches also have a higher-pitched clack compared to other switches. This can be advantageous if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switches are known for providing a bouncy typing experience. These switches have a shortened bottom-out distance and a long-pole stem, which contribute to a uniquely spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The keys feel lively and offer rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches are described as silky and polished. Silky switches are exceptionally smooth and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in an overall smooth typing experience. Polished switches, either due to materials used or factory lubing, offer reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek typing experience.

Based on the available information, the Cream Yellow switches have a distinctively clacky sound, a bouncy and spring-like feel, and are known for their shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches also have a clacky sound but with a higher-pitched tone and offer a lighter typing feel compared to other switches. They are described as both silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.

If you are looking for a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow switches would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a clacky sound with a lighter typing feel and enhanced smoothness, the Ink Box Pink switches could be a great option. It is important to consider personal preferences, as well as the other elements used in your keyboard setup, such as the board and keycaps, to achieve the desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a distinctively clacky sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive tone, the Cream Yellow is a great choice. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem provide resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel, giving you a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack, the Ink Box Pink is a good option. These switches are smooth and offer a lighter typing experience. They produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, and if you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, be sure to pick higher-pitched switches. The Ink Box Pink switches are also described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Furthermore, they may have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and a sleek typing experience. Lastly, consider the bottom-out force, as both switches have a similar medium force of 58 grams (Cream Yellow) and 60 grams (Ink Box Pink). Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Cream Yellow Linear

$2.75

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more