Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. The Ink Box Black is known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This switch falls under the categories of 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and somewhat noisy typing experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch from Gateron is designed specifically for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle', this switch is perfect for those who require discretion and a more subdued sound profile in professional settings. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you determine the best switch for your individual needs.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Mountain Top both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Mountain Top utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the material. While both housing materials offer distinct sound qualities, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black leans towards a sharper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top produces a rounder and duller sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Mountain Top showcase the differences between their housing materials. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black creates a thin and higher-pitched sound that complements the top housing, resulting in a cohesive sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top absorbs more sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches demonstrates how different materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound output.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Mountain Top play a crucial role in the sound and feel of each switch. While the Ink Box Black's INK blend housing materials create a more high-pitched and sharp sound, the Mountain Top's nylon housing materials produce a deeper and fuller sound. The bottom housing of each switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the combination of their housing materials, giving users the opportunity to choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch. The Ink Box Black requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Mountain Top only needs 40 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mountain Top switch, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue setting in. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial and satisfying push feel for those who prefer heavier forces while typing. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on the actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we find that the Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mountain Top has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. When it comes to typing or gaming, this subtle difference in travel distance can impact the feel and performance of the switches. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may lean towards the Ink Box Black. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top providing a quicker response and the Ink Box Black offering a slightly deeper key press feel.
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 Mountain Top 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, reminiscent of a sharp and percussive sound akin to a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement that suits a variety of settings, especially professional environments where quietness is desired. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so both switches can yield different results depending on these variables.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. This results in a sleek and frictionless key press, enhancing the overall typing feel. Conversely, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is characterized by a bouncy and easy-to-press sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and gentle resistance during key presses. The light actuation force of these switches makes typing effortless and reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, the Mountain Top switch falls in the category of mild and subtle switches, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile alongside its silky and polished feel, catering to those who prioritize smoothness and distinct sound feedback. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch caters to office environments with its neutral sound profile and bouncy, easy-to-press feel that ensures a quiet yet comfortable typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences and the setting in which they are used.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, you should take into account the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky, polished typing feel, then the Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, or subtle typing feel, then the Mountain Top switch may be more suitable, especially for professional settings where quiet typing is essential. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal typing style and environment.
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