Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer different typing experiences are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Durock Light Tactile. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel. Typing on these switches produces a clacky, high-pitched sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a softer and more gentle tactility compared to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches provides an angelic tactility accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. If you prefer a smooth and clacky typing experience, the Ink Box Black may be your best bet. However, if you prefer a softer and gentler touch, the Light Tactile switch might be more to your liking. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Durock Light Tactile differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which delivers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. This results in a satisfying, clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. Overall, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Ink Box Black provides a slightly softer and less sharp sound compared to the Light Tactile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Box Black again features the proprietary INK blend material, which maintains its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This consistent sound profile complements the top housing, creating a cohesive typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Ultimately, while the Ink Box Black offers a thinner and higher-pitched sound, the Light Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to their respective bottom housing materials.
When considering the impact of both the top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, when pressing down on either the Ink Box Black or the Light Tactile, the qualities of their respective bottom housing materials will come into play. Conversely, the top housing has a larger impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the sound you hear when a key is released will be slightly different between the two switches, with the Ink Box Black offering a slightly softer sound profile compared to the crisper sound of the Light Tactile. However, overall, both switches deliver satisfying and distinct typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that both switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience. However, there are slight differences in their weights.
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Durock Light Tactile switch. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes and may be preferred by individuals who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions.
On the contrary, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch provides a stronger push feel due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This may be favored by individuals who appreciate a tactile feedback and a more forceful typing sensation.
In summary, while both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is slightly heavier than the Durock Light Tactile switch. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing feel for specific use cases.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch's travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Box Black falls on the shorter end of the traditional travel distance scale, while the Light Tactile is more in line with the average. Gamers often opt for shorter travel distances to achieve faster response times, making the Ink Box Black a popular choice among them. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press experience, the Light Tactile's longer travel distance may be preferred. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 praised for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel. It offers a silky typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The switch can be described as polished, resulting in a sleek and refined finish that enhances the overall smoothness and minimizes friction. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch stands out for its super gentle tactility, providing a pleasant contrast to sharper tactile switches in the market. It offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Similarly, the Light Tactile switch also features a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch produces a clacky sound when pressed, reminiscent of a sharp and snappy noise. It is also described as high-pitched, delivering a crisp and bright sound profile. In comparison, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, having a moderate sound quality suitable for various purposes. It is neither too rich nor too bassy, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users.
Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the Ink Box Black and Light Tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Ink Box Black is known for its smoothness and clacky, high-pitched sound, the Light Tactile provides a gentle tactility and a more neutral sound profile. Both switches feature a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, either of these switches can result in a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black is an excellent choice. These switches produce a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, which can be satisfying for those who enjoy a crisp and percussive sound profile. The Ink Box Black also offers a silky and polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Light Tactile is a great option. This switch stands out for its gentle tactility, which provides a pleasant contrast to the sharper tactile switches available. The Light Tactile switch offers an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. With a neutral sound profile, it is suitable for various uses and preferences.
Both switches share a polished feel, ensuring a sleek and refined typing experience. Whether you choose the Gateron Ink Box Black for its smooth and creamy typing or the Durock Light Tactile for its gentle tactility, you can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel from either option.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Durock Light Tactile depends on your personal preferences for linear or tactile switches and the specific qualities you prioritize in terms of sound and feel. Remember to consider factors such as typing experience, sound profile, and preferred actuation force when making your choice.
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