Gateron Ink Box Black vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TKC Kiwi. Both switches have their own unique features and advantages that make them appealing. The Ink Box Black is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, its clacky and high-pitched sound signature adds a touch of personality to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi offers a tactile experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. This enhances typing accuracy and provides a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. The switch's stepped and low-pitched characteristics give it a distinct feel, while its factory lube ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Both switches have a polished finish, adding a sleek aesthetic to any keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the TKC Kiwi differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE top housing. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black is known for providing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as "clacky." On the other hand, the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi offers a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing on switches with such housings.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Ink Box Black utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, while the Kiwi incorporates UHWMPE material. These bottom housing materials also influence the sound and feel of the switch. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black contributes to its satisfying, thin, and higher-pitched sound profile, which is often described as clacky. Meanwhile, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Kiwi, being a newer material, adds to its overall sound signature, providing resonant clacks when typing.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This means that the qualities of the INK blend or UHWMPE bottom housing will be more noticeable when you press down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, while the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TKC Kiwi may differ in their housing materials, they both offer unique qualities that enhance the typing experience, albeit in different ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Gateron Ink Box Black is slightly heavier than the TKC Kiwi. The Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, while the Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Kiwi requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ink Box Black.
As for the bottom out force, both switches have a medium-heavy rating. The Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Kiwi has a slightly lower bottom out force of 67 grams. This indicates that pressing the keys fully down on the Ink Box Black requires a slightly firmer push compared to the Kiwi.
Considering the preferences of individuals, those who favor a lighter typing experience or need to type for extended periods may lean towards the TKC Kiwi with its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel or desire a stronger push may find the Gateron Ink Box Black to be a suitable choice with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
While the Ink Box Black and the Kiwi have different actuation and bottom out forces, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium-heavy range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and overall feel when using either switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, it is clear that there is a difference in length. The Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kiwi has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Box Black falls into the category of a shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Kiwi offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or key depth. Both options, however, offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing or gaming preferences.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel. It provides a highly satisfying typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The sound of this switch can be described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black is a good choice.
On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. This switch offers a stepped feel, meaning that it has two stages of tactility. It provides a satisfying snappy sound profile that immerses you in the typing experience. The Kiwi switch is lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing feel right out of the box.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Black and TKC Kiwi switches have different qualities, they both offer a smooth typing experience. The Ink Box Black provides a creamy feel and produces a clacky, high-pitched sound, while the Kiwi offers a stepped feel and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile. Both switches have a polished finish, which reduces friction and results in smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for linear or tactile switches, either option will provide a satisfying and immersive typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, smooth and creamy feel, and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Box Black is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lower bottom out force, a polished and accented feel, and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, then the TKC Kiwi is the switch to consider. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound, as well as your typing style. So, take into consideration how you want your typing experience to be and make your decision based on whether you prioritize smoothness and creaminess or a tactile bump and snappiness.
Mentioned in this article
