Gateron Ink Box Black vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Laurel. The Gateron Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel. It has a distinctive sound signature that reminds some users of the sound of shaking a spray paint can. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel is also a linear switch, but it offers a slightly different experience. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, the Laurel strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, it has a subtly low-pitched sound profile. While these general pointers provide a starting point, it's important to dive in a bit deeper to determine which switch is the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Laurel differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying, thin, and clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Laurel has a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. While both switches offer unique sound experiences, the Ink Box Black leans towards a higher-pitched, clacky sound, while the Laurel provides a deeper and more subdued typing experience.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Ink Box Black and the Laurel also showcase different characteristics. The Ink Box Black utilizes the same proprietary INK blend material for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile to the top housing. This ensures a consistent and cohesive acoustic experience throughout the typing process, with a pointed and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Laurel employs a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper sound profile. The POM housing creates a more muted and mellower sound, offering a contrast to the sharper tones of the Ink Box Black.
It is important to note that the characteristics of a switch's top and bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience. While both switches possess distinct characteristics, the Ink Box Black's properties are split between its top and bottom housings. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Conversely, the Laurel experiences a more consistent sound throughout, as its POM material is utilized for both the top and bottom housings. Overall, whether opting for the Ink Box Black or the Laurel, users can expect a pleasing typing experience with unique sound profiles, each showcasing their own specific qualities.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ink Box Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Laurel's lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Ink Box Black requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ink Box Black has a heavier force of 70 grams while the Laurel has a lighter force of 50 grams. Therefore, the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience due to its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Laurel offers a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. It is worth noting that if one prefers a lighter typing experience, both switches will yield similar results as the Laurel's forces are consistently lower than the Ink Box Black's forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the travel distance of the KTT Laurel linear switch is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating a preference for faster response times in modern keyboards. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for quicker input. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt. In such cases, opting for the KTT Laurel linear switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches should be based on personal preference and desired typing 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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched ones. However, 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. Overall, if you prefer a clacky and higher-pitched sound, the Ink Box Black switch would be a suitable choice, while the Laurel switch offers a more subdued and low-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished. A silky switch refers to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch is known for being snappy. This means that it is super responsive, often due to longer or dual-staged springs, providing a typing experience that feels more alive. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing feel, the Ink Box Black switch would be a great choice, while the Laurel switch offers a snappier and more responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and KTT Laurel switches have unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, while offering a silky and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel switch provides a low-pitched sound profile with a snappy and responsive feel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a sharper and crisper sound with enhanced smoothness, or a more mellow and responsive sound with a snappier typing experience. It is important to consider other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps to further customize the overall sound and feel. If you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying experiences, but with their own unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is a great choice for you. These switches are known for their smooth and creamy feel, as well as their resemblance to the sound of a shaken spray paint can. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Laurel linear switch is the way to go. The Laurel offers a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, with its full POM housing and short travel. Additionally, it provides a subtly low-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black boasts a silky and polished typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Laurel offers a snappy response, making the typing experience feel more alive. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should be based on your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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