Gateron Ink Box Black vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Miaowu are two options that stand out for their unique characteristics. The Ink Box Black is praised for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', this linear switch offers a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu leverages the latest molds for enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action. Featuring POK in its stem, it sets itself apart from switches with conventional POM stems. Categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Miaowu switch offers a different tactile 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
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Miaowu switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black produces a thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Miaowu creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both materials have their own distinct characteristics, with the INK blend providing a satisfying sound and the polycarbonate offering a more clear and resonant sound. However, both materials are designed to enhance the sound experience of the switch, making them suitable options for those who enjoy a unique typing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Black features the proprietary INK blend material that contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While the materials differ in terms of sound characteristics, both provide a unique typing experience that is tailored to the preferences of the user. The split between the bottom and top housing materials allows for a balanced sound profile that combines the benefits of both materials for an overall satisfying typing experience.
The choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Miaowu ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The INK blend and polycarbonate materials offer different sound qualities that cater to varying preferences, whether you prefer a clacky sound or a sharper sound profile. Similarly, the nylon and INK blend bottom housings provide contrasting sound profiles that appeal to different tastes in typing sound. Both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their unique housing materials, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts looking for a customized sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it is clear that the Miaowu is the lighter option. The Miaowu has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom-out force of 70 grams, making it a heavier option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Miaowu would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Ink Box Black would be the preferred option. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom-out forces, catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the travel distance spectrum, which is ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. Gamers who prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming may appreciate the slightly shorter travel distance of the KTT Miaowu switch. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more depth and feedback in their keystrokes may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black switch. Overall, both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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, similar to the sharp and snappy sound of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch also offers a clacky sound profile, providing a crisp and bright tone when typing. Both switches may produce a similar sound based on these descriptions, but other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used can also influence the overall sound experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the KTT Miaowu linear switch provides a bouncy sensation, giving a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to each keystroke. While the two switches offer different tactile feedback, they both aim to enhance the typing experience by providing unique sensations for the user.
Considering all the available information, newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world can expect the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch to deliver a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky, high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch offers enhanced stem stability and a smoother keystroke action with a clacky sound and bouncy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, creamy feel with a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bouncy feel with a clacky sound profile, the Miaowu switch could be more suited to your liking. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound, as well as your typing habits, when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
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