Gateron Ink Box Black vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Mallo mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Ink Box Black offers a smooth and creamy linear typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky sound signature that may appeal to those who enjoy a polished feel. On the other hand, the Mallo provides a gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, accompanied by a neutral and subtle sound signature, making it a versatile choice for various typing environments. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Mallo, we see that both switches have unique characteristics. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Mallo's housing also allows for RGB lighting, which can enhance the aesthetics of the switch. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black's bottom housing, made of the same INK blend, also contributes to the satisfying sound profile that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Mallo have distinct qualities, they both play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black and the polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo both contribute to a higher-pitched sound, but with slightly different characteristics. Similarly, the bottom housings of the switches, with the INK blend in the Ink Box Black and nylon in the Mallo, provide unique sound profiles when typing. The softer nylon material in the Mallo's bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the INK blend in the bottom housing of the Ink Box Black offers a slightly higher-pitched impact on the bottom-out sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches greatly impacts the overall typing experience. While the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Mallo may have different housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying sound profile for users. Whether it's the clacky and high-pitched sound of the INK blend in the Ink Box Black or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate in the Mallo, each switch offers a unique typing experience. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound profiles, with the top housing playing a role in the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Ink Box Black requires a heavier force both for actuation and bottoming out compared to the Mallo. The Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Mallo has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The difference in weight between the two switches provides users with options based on their preferences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Mallo for a smoother typing experience, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may opt for the Ink Box Black for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's typing style and preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Mallo tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black may appeal to gamers looking for a quicker response time, while the longer travel distance of the Mallo may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, with the Ink Box Black being shorter and the Mallo being longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the 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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched experience, reminiscent of a sharp and bright percussive sound, similar to a shaken spray paint can. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch boasts a more neutral and subdued sound profile, providing a more dampened and subtle sound when pressed. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Ink Box Black delivering a more pronounced and attention-grabbing sound, while the Mallo offers a quieter and more understated typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is known for its silky and polished attributes, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the KTT Mallo offers a feathery and mild feel, requiring little exertion and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mallo switch also features a stepped and subtle tactile feedback, contributing to its gentle typing experience and light actuation force. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and pleasant typing feel, with the Ink Box Black leaning towards a smoother and more refined touch, while the Mallo offers a lighter and more subtle keypress.
In conclusion, when comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, each excels in different aspects. The Ink Box Black showcases a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, combined with a silky and polished typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a sharper and smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, along with a feathery and mild feel, designed for users seeking a more gentle and light typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience based on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch or the KTT Mallo tactile switch, you should factor in your preference for typing force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky and polished typing feel, the Ink Box Black may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing force and a neutral, subdued sound with a feathery, mild, stepped, or subtle typing feel, the Mallo switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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