Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to examine are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Mini i. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. It is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that offers gentle tactility in each keystroke, striking a balance with a fairly muted sound profile that doesn't sacrifice the satisfying feedback of typing. It is lightweight and ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without the intrusive clack, suitable for office environments. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Mini i differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings create a thin and higher-pitched, clacky sound, while the Mini i's nylon top and bottom housings produce a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nylon material of the Mini i absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the sharper sound of the INK blend in the Ink Box Black.
In terms of feel, the housing materials also play a role in the overall typing experience of the switches. The Nylon bottom housing of the Mini i impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, offering a softer and more cushioned feel compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black. On the other hand, the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key, with the INK blend providing a pointed and high-pitched sound, while the nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound upon key release.
If the top and bottom housings are the same for a switch, such as in the case of the Gateron Ink Box Black, you can expect a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience. The INK blend in both the top and bottom housings of the Ink Box Black offers a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i's use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials will depend on personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it's clear that the Mini i is the lighter option. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter and smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is heavier, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Mini i would be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience with a heavier push feel, the Ink Box Black would be the preferred option. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preference, with the lighter force of the Mini i allowing for longer typing periods while the heavier force of the Ink Box Black offers a more solid and substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. This means that individuals who prioritize quick keystrokes may prefer the Mini i for its slightly faster actuation. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may favor the Ink Box Black for its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Mini i being the shorter option and the Ink Box Black being the longer option.
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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is well-known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of environments, including office settings. When it comes to feel, the Ink Box Black provides a silky and polished typing experience, with exceptionally smooth key presses and minimal resistance. In contrast, the Mini i switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, offering a more varied tactile feedback with gentle resistance and responsive rebound.
Overall, if you enjoy a sleek and polished typing experience with a sharp and clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more versatile switch with a gentle resistance and balanced sound profile, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be a great option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences. Whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, choosing between the Ink Box Black and Mini i switches will ultimately depend on what specific qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound profile with a silky, polished feel, then the Ink Box Black may be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile with a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, or stepped feel, then the Mini i might be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of force, sound, and feel to ensure a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
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