Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry Nixie mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Black is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation. While the Ink Box Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', 'Polished', the Nixie falls under 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched'. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry Nixie switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the Nixie's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This results in a difference in the overall typing experience, with the Ink Box Black providing a more distinct and sharp typing sound compared to the Nixie's softer and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing shares similar characteristics with its top housing, producing a pointed and higher-pitched sound. Conversely, the Nixie's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, with the Ink Box Black offering consistency in its sound profile between the top and bottom housings, while the Nixie provides a varied typing experience from top to bottom.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Cherry Nixie switches differ in their sound profiles, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend material creates a unique and clacky sound, appealing to those who prefer a sharper typing sound. On the other hand, the Nixie's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound, catering to users who enjoy a softer and more rounded typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Ink Box Black or the Nixie will depend on your preference for either a sharper or softer sound profile in your mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is clear that there are some significant differences between the two. The Gateron Ink Box Black has a lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Cherry Nixie's 63.5 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gateron is 70 grams, lighter than the Cherry Nixie's 80 grams. This means that while the Gateron may have a lighter initial press, it requires more force to fully bottom out compared to the Cherry Nixie. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may lean towards the Gateron, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Cherry Nixie. In cases where the actuation forces are similar, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of force required for both triggering a keystroke and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry Nixie linear switch's travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Box Black provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster activation. On the other hand, the Nixie switch offers a more substantial keypress feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches have their own advantages based on individual preferences, with the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black offering a faster response compared to the longer travel distance of the Nixie switch, providing a more pronounced keypress.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie 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 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a sharp and percussive spray can being shaken. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, giving a deep and rich tone when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Ink Box Black may appeal to those who enjoy a crisp and bright sound, while the Nixie might be more suitable for those seeking a bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined finish that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as having a textured feel, potentially indicating noticeable friction when pressed. Individuals who prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience may lean towards the Ink Box Black, while those who enjoy a subtle texture may opt for the Nixie.
Considering both the sound and feel qualities of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Cherry Nixie linear switches, it becomes evident that they offer distinct experiences to the user. While the Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished typing feel, the Nixie offers a thocky and low-pitched sound along with a potentially textured typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel, ensuring that users will achieve different results based on which switch they select.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black and Cherry Nixie linear switches, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a smoother and lighter bottom out force with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier bottom out force and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, along with a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie may be more suited to your preference. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels best for you when typing. Choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience and enjoy the journey into the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
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