Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Master are two popular options to consider. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Dareu Master, also a linear switch, offers users a medium weight with a classic clacky sound and exceptional smoothness. Both switches are categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Polished', offering a satisfying typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Master differ in terms of sound profile. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Master's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This distinction in sound profile can greatly affect the typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound when using their keyboards.
While the top housing materials of the two switches vary in sound profile, their bottom housing materials also exhibit differences. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that complements its top housing by producing a similar thin and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Master's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. This means that even the act of pressing down on the keys can result in a different sound and feel depending on the switch being used.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Dareu Master play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the Ink Box Black offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile thanks to its INK blend top and bottom housing, the Master delivers a deeper and more muted sound through its POM housings. Despite these differences, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences, making them suitable options for users seeking specific sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, it is evident that the Master is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the 60 grams required by the Ink Box Black. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is heavier at 70 grams, while the Master's bottom out force remains unknown. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches offers a choice between a lighter typing experience with the Master switch or a more substantial and slightly heavier feel with the Ink Box Black switch. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to personal preference, with lighter actuation forces being preferable for longer typing sessions, and heavier bottom out forces providing a more satisfying keystroke experience for some users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Master linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two may not be significant to some users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Gateron switch with the longer travel distance may be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional options, providing a quick and responsive 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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Dareu Master linear switch also offers a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer a crisp and bright sound that can vary based on the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Dareu Master linear switch is also noted for its polished feel, providing a sleek typing experience with smooth and refined key presses. The Master switch falls into the mild category in terms of feel, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and Dareu Master linear switches offer smooth and polished typing experiences with clacky sound signatures. While the Ink Box Black leans towards a higher-pitched sound and a silky feel, the Master switch provides a medium weight with a classic clacky sound and a mild feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences with similar smoothness and refinement.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a smoother, creamier typing experience with a spray paint can-like sound signature, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-weight switch with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness, the Dareu Master switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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