Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options such as the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry MX Orange. The Gateron Ink Box Black offers an exceptionally smooth keystroke, characterized by a silky and polished feel reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, providing a subtle yet satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, a reissued version of the highly sought-after original, combines modern enhancements with the classic touch that many gamers and typists adore. While the Gateron Ink Box Black is celebrated for its clackier sound profile, perfect for those who appreciate auditory feedback, the Cherry MX Orange excels in reliability and consistency, rooted in its strong legacy. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches hinges on personal preference and intended use, but 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
55g
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
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry MX Orange switches are constructed from distinctly different housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and overall typing experiences. The top housing of the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron’s proprietary INK blend, which is designed to produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that many users describe as crisp and clacky. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange uses a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, creating a more muted, rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing sound, their materials cater to different auditory preferences: the Ink Box Black leans towards brightness, while the MX Orange favors warmth.
When we examine the bottom housings of both switches, we find a similar division in sound characteristics based on the materials used. The Ink Box Black, featuring the proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, mirrors the pointed and clacky sound profile of its top housing. This contrasts with the Cherry MX Orange, which again utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, producing a fuller and deeper auditory sensation. The softness of the nylon contributes to the sound absorption, resulting in a more dampened bottom-out sound compared to the sharper response of the Gateron switch. This shows that the differences between the two switches are not merely superficial; they underpin distinct tactile experiences and sound profiles during key presses and releases.
In summary, although both the Gateron Ink Box Black and Cherry MX Orange switches offer unique qualities shaped by their respective housing materials, they cater to different audio preferences for typists. Those who appreciate a bright, clacky sound will likely gravitate towards the Gateron Ink Box Black, with its INK blend materials, while users who prefer a deeper, softer sound profile may find the Cherry MX Orange more to their liking due to its nylon construction. The differences, particularly in the sound produced while bottoming out and releasing keys, highlight how varying materials impact sensory feedback, suggesting that typists may choose between them based on their preferences for sound and tactile response.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ink Box Black requires an actuation force of 60 grams, while the MX Orange has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams, making the MX Orange the easier switch to press. This could be advantageous for users who engage in long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as a lighter force can help reduce fatigue. However, the Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a more robust feel when keys are fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is listed as unavailable, leaving a gap in comparing how these switches feel when bottomed out. Despite this uncertainty, it’s clear that the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a heavier typing experience overall due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback during use. Thus, depending on individual preferences for typing feel, potential users might lean towards the lighter Cherry MX Orange or the heavier Gateron Ink Box Black.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Ink Box Black the shorter of the two options, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quick actuation, whereas the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial depth that some users might find preferable for a satisfying typing experience. Thus, if quick response times are a priority, the Ink Box Black is the better choice; however, those looking for a more pronounced keystroke may lean towards the MX Orange. Overall, the difference in travel distance between these two switches highlights diverse user preferences in mechanical keyboard design.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 linear switch delivers a unique acoustic experience characterized by its clacky and high-pitched tonal qualities. This sound profile resembles the sharp and crisp noise generated when a spray paint can is shaken, which can be quite engaging for those who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Orange switch are not specified, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, it's important to remember that the ultimate sound output will also depend on other factors, such as the keyboard's construction and keycap choice, which can modify how each switch sounds in practice.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black switch shines with its incredibly silky and polished typing experience. The design of these switches minimizes resistance and friction, resulting in a smooth key travel that many users find appealing. The refinement apparent in the Ink Box Blacks enhances overall performance, making them a favorite among typists who value a seamless feel. On the other hand, no specific tactile feedback or feel characteristics are attributed to the Cherry MX Orange switches, rendering it difficult to provide a direct comparison against the Ink Box Black's notably smooth operation.
In conclusion, if you seek a switch that is smooth and produces an engaging sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black could be a compelling choice due to its clacky and polished nature. However, the Cherry MX Orange remains a more enigmatic option, with little information available regarding its sound and feel. Both switches may serve enthusiasts well, but the Ink Box Black stands out for its user experience based on the qualitative descriptions available, making it a strong contender for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboard options.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry MX Orange switch, consider your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy key feel and crave a silky, polished typing experience with a distinct clacky sound, the Ink Box Black would be an excellent choice. Additionally, if you appreciate a smooth, creamy action that enhances your typing convenience, you will likely find the Ink Box Black to be very appealing. On the other hand, if you value the historical significance and enhancements of the MX Orange, which aim to replicate the beloved original MX Orange switches, you might lean towards this option, especially if sound and tactile feedback is less of a concern for you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, whether you prefer the robust and refined feel of the Ink Box Blacks or the classic homage of the MX Orange switches.
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