Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cold Plum 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 Outemu Cold Plum. The Gateron Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is praised for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum, also a linear switch, stands out for its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a unique typing experience for enthusiasts. While the Ink Box Black is known for its clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished characteristics, the Cold Plum offers a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound. Both switches have their own merits, making them attractive options for different preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cold Plum, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and high-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Cold Plum's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Box Black.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches continue to be evident. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing produces a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. Conversely, the Cold Plum's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. This demonstrates how the bottom housing of a switch can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cold Plum offer different sound profiles, they both strive to provide a satisfying and unique typing experience. Whether it's the pointed and clacky sound of the INK blend top housing or the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Cold Plum, users can expect a distinct sound profile with each switch. Ultimately, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we find that they are exactly the same. Both switches have an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making them medium-heavy switches. In terms of weight, both switches offer a similar typing experience, providing a balance between typing for extended periods and a more substantial typing feel. Whether you prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or a heavier switch for a more tactile experience, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cold Plum switches will deliver similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cold Plum has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. The shorter travel distance of the Cold Plum may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Box Black might provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the individual.
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 Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is described as having a thocky sound profile, which offers a unique typing experience with a satisfying sound. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the preference for a sharper and crisp sound versus a thocky sound is subjective and may depend on personal taste.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth key press with minimal resistance. This enhanced smoothness can greatly improve the overall typing feel and reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the Outemu Cold Plum switch is not available, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel aspects of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Outemu Cold Plum switches, it is clear that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Ink Box Black excels in providing a smooth and polished typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Cold Plum switch offers a thocky sound profile that may appeal to enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as well as the overall keyboard setup being used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a smoother and more refined typing experience with a creamy sound profile, the Ink Box Black would be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique thocky sound with fully nylon construction, the Cold Plum switches would provide a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, so the decision will come down to your personal preferences in sound and feel.
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