Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Kiki Red, both linear switches. The Ink Box Black is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, with a clacky and high-pitched sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a balanced high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not overly loud. The use of POM housings and Ly stems in the Kiki Red contributes to its unique sound signature and smooth actuation, while the medium-light weighting provides a subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and strengths, but ultimately the choice between them will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Kiki Red provide distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback for mechanical keyboards. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a thin, higher-pitched sound described as clacky. In contrast, the Kiki Red's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. The difference in sound generated by the top housings could impact the overall typing experience for users looking for specific auditory feedback.
In terms of bottom housings, the Ink Box Black and the Kiki Red continue to offer unique sound profiles and tactile sensations. The INK blend bottom housing on the Ink Box Black produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that complements its top housing. Meanwhile, the POM bottom housing on the Kiki Red contributes to a deeper sound profile that may offer a more tactile typing experience for users. The combination of these housing materials in each switch could result in different typing experiences based on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Kiki Red will ultimately come down to personal preference for sound and typing feel. While the INK blend top and bottom housing on the Ink Box Black may provide a more clacky and higher-pitched sound profile, the POM top and bottom housing on the Kiki Red offer a deeper and more muted sound experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can find the right fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In comparison, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. This means that the Ink Box Black will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Kiki Red will offer a lighter typing experience that may be more suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key press feel and performance. The comparable travel distance of these switches highlights their similarities in key press experience, making them equally suitable choices for those looking for a smooth and linear typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance that is not excessively loud. Both switches provide unique sound signatures that cater to different preferences, with the Gateron switch leaning towards a sharper and more percussive sound while the Bsun switch aims for a more refined and subtle auditory feedback. When it comes to feel, the Ink Box Black is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance and smooth key travel. The Kiki Red, on the other hand, is described as creamy and frictionless, offering a buttery sensation with effortless keystrokes. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their actuation, providing a pleasant tactile experience for users. Overall, whether you choose the Gateron Ink Box Black or the Bsun Kiki Red, you can expect a smooth and responsive typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force, a silky and polished typing experience, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a creamy and frictionless typing experience, and a clacky sound profile, the Kiki Red could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
Mentioned in this article
