Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Lime (V3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Lime (V3) 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 Outemu Lime. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch, best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, earning it a reputation for being clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. On the other hand, the Lime switch is a tactile switch that stands out for its lightweight nature and approachable tactility, making it perfect for those who want a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. Additionally, the Lime switches are also silenced, adding to their appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Lime differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, while the Lime utilizes nylon for both. The INK blend of the Ink Box Black is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, which is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Lime produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness and ability to absorb more sound. Therefore, the Ink Box Black will provide a more sharp and clacky sound experience, while the Lime will offer a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ink Box Black and the Lime use different materials. The INK blend of the Ink Box Black results in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile when bottoming out, giving it a distinct clacky feel. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Lime contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to its softer material that absorbs more sound. This means that the bottom housing of the Ink Box Black will provide a sharper and clackier bottom-out sound, while the Lime will offer a more muffled and rounded sound.
When it comes to the impact on sound when releasing a key, the top housing material plays a significant role. The proprietary INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black produces a relatively high-pitched and satisfying thin sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Lime results in a deeper and fuller sound experience. Therefore, pressing down on the Ink Box Black will give you a thin and higher-pitched sound when releasing a key, while the Lime will provide a deeper and fuller sound during the same action. Despite the differences, both switches will provide a distinct sound when releasing a key due to their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it becomes apparent that they offer different experiences. The Ink Box Black has a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams, requiring a moderately strong push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Lime has a significantly lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it easier to activate. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ink Box Black requires a force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Meanwhile, the Lime requires a lighter force of 45 grams, resulting in a smoother and potentially more comfortable typing experience. In terms of weight, the Lime switch is lighter overall, making it an appealing choice for those seeking extended typing periods or long gaming sessions. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push and a more substantial feel, the Ink Box Black would be the better option. While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between these switches, they both offer quality performance, allowing users to achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Lime switch is slightly shorter than the Ink Box Black switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing the shorter travel distance option, such as the Lime switch, can provide a more responsive typing or gaming experience. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance, such as the Ink Box Black, for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the preference for travel distance depends on individual preferences for responsiveness or a deeper key press.
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 Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound. This means that when the switches are pressed, they produce a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches have a neutral and muted sound profile. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The sound of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches have a silky and polished typing experience. The switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished finish of the switches further contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches offer a mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience. They have a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics and require little exertion from the fingers. The light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and makes them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Like the Ink Box Black, the Lime switches also feature a polished finish for smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are best known for their smooth and creamy feel, clacky and high-pitched sound, and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches are unique in that they are lightweight, offer an approachable tactility, and have a neutral and muted sound profile. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience due to their polished finish. While the switches have their distinctive qualities, if you prefer a smooth typing experience and a polished feel, you can achieve similar results with either of these switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Lime depends on personal preferences for sound, feel, and the desired level of tactility.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs.
If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Ink Box Black is a great choice for you. Its clacky and high-pitched sound profile adds a crisp and percussive element to your typing.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and desire a tactile typing experience, the Lime switch is a perfect fit. Its lightweight nature combined with the approachable tactility provides a feathery light typing experience. Additionally, the Lime switch is silenced, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In summary, if you value smoothness, medium-heavy actuation force, and a clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be an ideal choice. However, if you prioritize a light actuation force, tactile feedback, and a silenced typing experience, the Outemu Lime switch would be a better fit for you. Consider your typing preferences and requirements to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
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