Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Box Black is known for its smooth and creamy feel, coupled with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red switch but operates silently, providing a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a polished and silky typing experience, the Cherry MX Silent Red presents a muted and thocky feel. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry MX Silent Red use unique housing materials to achieve their distinct sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky, while the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in materials results in a noticeable contrast in the sound produced by these switches, with the Ink Box Black offering a sharper sound compared to the rounder sound of the Silent Red.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Black utilizes its proprietary INK blend material, which also results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in bottom housing materials further emphasizes the contrasting sound characteristics of these two switches, with the Ink Box Black leaning towards a higher-pitched and clacky sound, while the Silent Red provides a more rounded and dull sound experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry MX Silent Red plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the INK blend of the Ink Box Black produces a sharp and clacky sound profile, the nylon material of the Silent Red creates a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a sharper sound, the Ink Box Black may be the better option, whereas if you prefer a rounder and fuller sound, the Silent Red may be more to your liking.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Cherry MX Silent Red is the lighter of the two. The MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is significantly lighter than the 60 grams actuation force of the Ink Box Black. However, it is important to note that the bottom out force for the MX Silent Red is unknown, while the Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams. The heavier bottom out force of the Ink Box Black may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we see that the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Silent Red has a slightly longer distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ink Box Black being just slightly shorter and the MX Silent Red being just slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel in terms of travel distance, offering users a comfortable typing 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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This sharp and percussive sound may be preferred by those who enjoy a more crisp and bright auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch provides a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound. The soft and quiet nature of the MX Silent Red switch makes it ideal for environments where noise is a concern, offering a deep and satisfying sound with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The sleek and refined finish of the switch enhances the overall typing feel, providing a premium tactile sensation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture for a unique typing experience, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free feel.
Overall, when considering both sound and feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. While the Ink Box Black excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel, the MX Silent Red stands out for its muted and thocky sound profile with a textured typing experience. Depending on personal preference and environmental considerations, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that can be tailored to individual needs. If you enjoy a sharper sound and smoother feel, the Ink Box Black may be the better choice, while those seeking a quieter sound and textured feel may find the MX Silent Red more suitable. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron Ink Box Black or the Cherry MX Silent Red, you can expect a high-quality and reliable mechanical keyboard switch that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, along with a silky and polished feel, then the Gateron Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent operation, a muted, thocky, low-pitched sound profile, and a textured feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and noise level in your environment.
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