Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Oreo. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel. Typing on these switches is akin to the satisfying sensation of shaking a spray paint can. With a clacky, high-pitched sound signature, the Ink Box Black offers a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo is a tactile switch that provides a delightful treat for your fingertips. It features a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With an accented, chirpy sound profile, the Oreo strikes the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing. 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Everglide Oreo differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Oreo utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting.
While the materials used in the top housing of both switches differ, they share some similarities. Both the INK blend and polycarbonate contribute to a higher-pitched and relatively sharp sound. However, the INK blend of the Gateron Ink Box Black is described as not overly sharp, while polycarbonate is known for its clear and resonant sound profile. Therefore, if you prioritize a slightly less sharp sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be a better choice. However, if you desire a crisper and more resonant sound, the Everglide Oreo with its polycarbonate top housing would be a suitable option.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize the same materials. The proprietary INK blend of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the polycarbonate of the Everglide Oreo contribute to a similar pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. The bottom housing, in particular, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, regardless of which switch you choose, the bottom housing will provide a consistent experience in terms of sound and feel.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Oreo differ in their housing materials and resulting sound profiles. The INK blend of the Gateron switch offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate of the Oreo creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The top housing materials contribute to the sound when a key is released, with the Gateron switch having a slightly less sharp sound and the Oreo offering a clearer and more resonant profile. However, the bottom housing of both switches provides a consistent experience, ensuring a similar pointed and high-pitched sound when keys are pressed.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ink Box Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Oreo requires a lighter 45 grams to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Black is also slightly heavier at 70 grams, compared to the Oreo's 55 grams. This means that the Ink Box Black switch offers a more substantial and firm typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Oreo switch provides a lighter touch, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions where fatigue can be a concern. While the forces of these switches differ, both switches fall within the medium range. Therefore, those who enjoy a medium actuation and bottom out force can expect similar results from either switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is clear that there is a difference. The Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Oreo has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Oreo falls into the more common range at 4.0 mm, while the Ink Box Black provides a slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize quicker response times may gravitate towards the Ink Box Black due to its shorter distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Oreo more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel of the 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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is characterized by its smooth and creamy feel. Typing on these switches offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness is attributed to the switch's silky and polished characteristics, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. The sound signature of the Ink Box Black is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, reminiscent of a shaking spray paint can. It is important to note that the sound of the switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch provides a different typing experience. These switches feature a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, giving users a satisfying keystroke. This tactile bump is not overwhelming, but still prominent enough to provide a pleasant typing sensation. When bottoming out, the Oreo switch offers a delightfully cushioned feeling, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. The sound profile of the Oreo switch is described as subtle and mellow, with a unique chirpy characteristic that sets it apart from other switches.
Comparing the two switches, the Ink Box Black is a linear switch with smooth and creamy qualities, offering a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo is a tactile switch with a crisp and responsive tactile bump, providing an accented and stepped feel, accompanied by a subtle and mellow sound profile. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, but in different ways.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Box Black focuses on its smooth and creamy feel, providing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo emphasizes its crisp and responsive tactile bump, resulting in an accented and stepped feel, accompanied by a subtle and mellow sound profile. Depending on the individual's preference for linear or tactile switches, both options provide a pleasurable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black is the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. With their silky and polished feel, you can expect an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Everglide Oreo is the way to go. These switches provide a delightful tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The sound profile of the Oreos is subtly mellow and chirpy, setting them apart from other switches. With their accented and stepped feel, you can enjoy a prominent amount of tactility without it being overwhelming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as your desired sound and feel.
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