Gateron Ink Box Black vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Ink Box Black, a linear switch, and the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that make them stand out in the world of mechanical keyboards. The Ink Box Black is known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, providing an unparalleled typing experience. Its sound signature reminds us of a spray paint can being shaken, giving it a clacky and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha offers a comfortable and snappy tactility that enhances typing satisfaction. With its long pole stem, you can expect a distinctly clean bottom-out sound. The Matcha switch is characterized by its stepped, snappy, accented, clacky, feathery, and subtle qualities. Both switches have their own merits, making it a matter of personal preference when choosing the best option for your mechanical keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Matcha have distinct differences in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appearance. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Matcha's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting into the switch. While both top housings result in a thinner and higher-pitched sound, the Matcha's polycarbonate housing provides a clearer and more resonant sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Ink Box Black and the Matcha differ in material and bring distinct qualities to the overall switch performance. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of the polycarbonate bottom housing is advantageous for showcasing RGB lighting. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed.
It is important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and the bottom of the switch. As a result, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the Ink Box Black and the Matcha may have similar thin and higher-pitched sound profiles, the choice of housing material can affect the overall clarity, resonance, and tactile experience of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Gateron Ink Box Black has a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams, meaning it requires a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, its bottom out force is slightly higher at 70 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch offers a lighter actuation force of only 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. Additionally, its bottom out force is lower at 45 grams, resulting in a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter switch that allows them to type for longer periods of time, the KTT Matcha would be the ideal choice. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be the better option. Overall, the comparison between these two switches highlights the importance of considering weight when selecting a keyboard switch, as it can greatly impact typing comfort and endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it is clear that the Matcha has a longer travel distance, measuring 4 mm compared to the Ink Box Black's 3.6 mm. The Matcha falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, while the Ink Box Black is slightly shorter. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often opt for switches with shorter travel distances. In this case, the Ink Box Black would be the preferred choice. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may prefer the Matcha with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of response and depth.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 and the KTT Matcha switches both fall under the category of clacky switches, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. However, the Ink Box Black has an additional high-pitched characteristic, which gives it a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Matcha. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Ink Box Black is known for its silky and polished qualities. The silky attribute indicates an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished feature adds to the switch's smoothness, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Matcha switch is described as stepped, meaning it has a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. It is also considered snappy and accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. Interestingly, the Matcha switch is also described as feathery, making it exceptionally light to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Box Black and KTT Matcha switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Black provides a clacky sound with high-pitched tones and a silky, polished feel, the Matcha switch offers a clacky sound with a clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem. It has a stepped, snappy, accented, and feathery feel, providing a mild yet present tactile experience with reduced finger fatigue. If you are looking for a sharp and snappy sound with a smooth and refined typing experience, the Ink Box Black will be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound combined with a more tactile and lightweight feel, the Matcha switch will deliver similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with a smooth and creamy feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is a great choice. It has a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience. The sound profile of this switch is clacky and high-pitched, producing a crisp and sharp noise when pressed. In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a snappy feel, the KTT Matcha is an excellent option. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it requires less exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Matcha also has a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. Its feel is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle, offering a mild and responsive tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Matcha depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the desired weight, sound, and feel for your mechanical keyboard.
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