TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Ink Box Black each present unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Flaming Pink switches are celebrated for their smooth and responsive feel, coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound that strikes a balance between being bright yet not overly loud—making them ideal for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. Their clacky and silky nature provides a premium experience that many typists cherish. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are known for their incredibly smooth and creamy action, featuring a sound profile reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, which adds an intriguing auditory element to their performance. Categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished, these switches offer a refined typing experience that may appeal more to those who enjoy a distinct sound alongside their tactile feedback. Ultimately, while both switches excel in delivering satisfying performance, they cater to slightly different tastes. 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
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Ink Box Black switches each utilize distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Flaming Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This rigidity leads to a clear and resonant sound that is particularly amplified when paired with RGB lighting, thanks to the housing's translucency. In contrast, the Ink Box Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing. While Gateron's INK blend still yields a high-pitched sound, it is noted for being not overly sharp, resulting in a satisfyingly clacky auditory experience. Both switches, therefore, deliver higher-pitched tones, but the Flaming Pink leans towards a sharper resonance, while the Ink Box Black seeks a balanced pitch without excessive piercing edges.
When examining the bottom housings, the differences between the switches become even more pronounced. The Flaming Pink has a nylon bottom housing, which is traditionally known for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softer material contributes to a rounder auditory experience, making the overall typing sound more subdued and rich. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black features the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as it does for the top. This results in a sound profile that retains the pointed and clacky characteristics, similar to its top-level material, further emphasizing a high-pitched tone. Consequently, whereas the Flaming Pink's nylon bottom dampens sound, the Ink Box Black continues its high-pitched theme throughout both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a drier auditory experience compared to the warmer notes produced by the Flaming Pink.
Ultimately, the tactile and auditory impacts of these switches will vary based on the specific material composition of the housings. The polycarbonate top of the Flaming Pink release a more pronounced resonance, while its nylon base rounds out the sound, evoking a compelling combination of high and low tones. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black's sound remains consistently sharp and clacky from the top down due to the use of the same INK blend material. Thus, while both the Flaming Pink and Ink Box Black can produce satisfying results, the differences in their housing materials lead to unique sound signatures that cater to varying preferences for auditory feedback during typing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch with the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Flaming Pink boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more effortless typing experience over extended periods. In contrast, the Ink Box Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. Consequently, while the Flaming Pink is ideal for lengthy typing or gaming sessions, the Ink Box Black may appeal more to users who appreciate the feedback of a firmer switch. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the TTC Flaming Pink is the clear winner, while the Gateron Ink Box Black is heavier, providing a different tactile sensation.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key for either switch, you'll experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect a similar feel in terms of key actuation and feedback when using either switch, making them comparably effective in scenarios that prioritize linear motion.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Ink Box Black switches present a clacky sound profile. The Flaming Pink delivers a sharp and snappy acoustics that is crisp and bright, lending itself to an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black also produces a clacky sound, but it is coupled with a high-pitched characteristic that sharpens its auditory feedback. This duality in the Ink Box Black's sound gives it a unique edge, reminiscent of the sound made when shaking a spray paint can. While both switches exhibit bright and percussive tones, the incorporation of a higher pitch in the Ink Box Black adds a layer of complexity to its audio signature.
When it comes to feel, both switches excel in delivering smooth typing experiences. The Flaming Pink is noted for its silky touch, providing an exceptionally smooth action with minimal resistance for both pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Ink Box Black not only shares this silky sensation but also offers a polished feel, suggesting a refined finish that augments the overall smoothness. This polished element contributes to a sleek experience, likely resulting from quality materials or factory lubrication that work together to reduce friction and enhance key travel. Hence, users can expect a similarly delightful typing feel from both options, with the Ink Box Black offering an additional layer of sophistication.
In conclusion, the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Ink Box Black switches both provide premium experiences but in slightly different ways. While they share a clacky sound profile and silky feel, the Ink Box Black stands out with its high-pitched tonal characteristics and polished finish, which may appeal to users seeking a little extra refinement in their typing experience. Ultimately, either choice promises smoothness and satisfying acoustics, making them excellent options for anyone looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between TTC Flaming Pink linear switches and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter keypress with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Flaming Pink switch would be ideal, especially if you enjoy a smooth and responsive experience, paired with a well-balanced sound that is satisfying without being intrusive. This makes it an excellent option for both gaming and everyday typing, allowing for quick inputs and a pleasing auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a heavier keypress and appreciate a medium-heavy feel, the Ink Box Black switches may serve you better. With a bottom-out force of 70 grams, they provide a sturdier typing experience complemented by a unique sound profile that mixes both clacky and high-pitched tones. Their silky and polished characteristics deliver a creamy feel that is enjoyable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, consider how light or heavy you prefer your switches, along with the type of sound and feel that resonates with your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
