Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Gateron Jupiter Brown stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Ink Box Black offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. It falls under the category of linear switches, providing a 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished' typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that combines tradition with innovation, featuring a single-stage spring for a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. Categorized as 'Mild', 'Polished', and 'Stepped', these switches offer high-precision molds and softer backlight effects for both performance and aesthetic appeal. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing needs, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials provide a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, but the INK blend is described as not overly sharp, whereas the polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and clear resonant sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Brown switch allows for RGB lighting to shine through the clear housing, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.

In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Gateron Jupiter Brown also differ in material. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black contributes to its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Brown results in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer properties of the INK blend material. This contrast in bottom housing materials leads to a difference in the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing on them.

While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Gateron Jupiter Brown differ in terms of top and bottom housing, both switches deliver a unique sound profile that can be attributed to the specific qualities of their housing materials. Whether it be the high-pitched and clacky sound of the INK blend housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing, each material contributes to the overall typing experience of the switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel when typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Ink Box Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Jupiter Brown's 55 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 70 grams, making them equally heavy in that aspect. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Jupiter Brown for a smoother typing experience, while others may enjoy the slightly heavier actuation force of the Ink Box Black for a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether you prefer a lighter or heavier switch, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Jupiter Brown offer a reliable and quality typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Ink Box Black has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Jupiter Brown's 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black makes it ideal for those seeking a more responsive typing experience, especially favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown's longer travel distance may appeal to individuals who prefer a deeper keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more abrupt keystroke or a longer, more pronounced typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, the Ink Box Black is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a sharp and percussive spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Jupiter Brown is not specified in the information provided, so it is difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In comparison, the Gateron Jupiter Brown is described as mild, polished, and stepped. The mild tactile feel provides a gentle typing experience, while the polished finish ensures smooth and sleek key travel. Additionally, the stepped nature of the switch gives a more subtle tactile feedback compared to a hypetactile switch with a more pronounced bump.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the Jupiter Brown offers a mild tactile feel with a polished finish for a gentle and refined typing experience. Choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, as both switches are designed to provide reliable performance and aesthetic appeal in mechanical keyboards. It is important to consider these qualities along with other factors such as keyboard customization options and intended usage to determine which switch best suits individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, then the Ink Box Black may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more traditional tactile feel with a medium-heavy weight and a mild, polished typing experience, then the Jupiter Brown could be the better option. Both switches offer high-quality performance and aesthetics, so it's all about choosing the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose, you can't go wrong with Gateron quality and innovation in mechanical keyboard switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more