Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry MX Red, both linear switches. The Ink Box Black is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the MX Red is a classic Cherry switch known for a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience. The Ink Box Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', 'Polished', while the MX Red falls under 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences, whether you prefer a smoother, lighter feel or a slightly heavier, more audible typing 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
45g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Cherry MX Red, it is clear that both switches offer different sound profiles due to their housing materials. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Red utilizes nylon for its housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. While both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, the sound produced by each switch differs significantly.
Looking at the top housing specifically, the INK blend used in the Gateron Ink Box Black produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In comparison, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Red results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in sound can impact the overall typing experience for users, with the INK blend providing a more sharp and thin sound compared to the rounder sound produced by the nylon top housing of the MX Red. Overall, both housing materials offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the qualities of the housing material also play a significant role in the typing experience. The bottom housing of the Gateron Ink Box Black, made of the proprietary INK blend, contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch when bottoming out keys. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Cherry MX Red affects the sound profile when typing, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the clacky sound produced by the INK blend of the Ink Box Black. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches results in distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the Cherry MX Red is the lighter of the two switches. The Cherry MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the 60-gram actuation force of the Gateron Ink Box Black. Additionally, while the bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black is 70 grams, the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red is unknown. Despite the differences in force requirements, both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience. As weight is a personal preference, choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier key feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, we can see that the Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for individuals seeking quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Ink Box Black offering a slightly shorter distance for those who prefer a more responsive feel, and the MX Red providing a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the specific feel that each user is looking for in their typing or gaming experience.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile that is sharp and bright, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep and bass-heavy, offering a more robust auditory depth. Depending on personal preference, the clacky and high-pitched sound of the Ink Box Black may appeal to those who enjoy a sharper and more percussive typing experience, while the thocky and low-pitched sound of the MX Red may be preferred by those who appreciate a deeper and more mellow sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, offering noticeable friction when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a slightly rougher typing experience. However, for those who prefer a smoother and more refined key feel, the silky and polished nature of the Ink Box Black may be a better fit.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and Cherry MX Red linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Ink Box Black is known for its smooth and creamy feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the MX Red provides a slightly heftier feel with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference in terms of sound and feel, ensuring that typists can find the perfect match for their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile with a thocky and low-pitched sound, along with a potentially textured typing experience, then the Cherry MX Red might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing feel and sound you desire, as well as your personal preferences for switch characteristics.
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