Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cream Blue are popular choices, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is highly regarded for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Cream Blue is a clicky switch that offers a satisfying tactile feedback without any particular known characteristics. While the Ink Box Black is preferred for its clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel, the Cream Blue remains a bit of a mystery. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cream Blue switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. On the other hand, the Cream Blue's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to nylon's softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users seeking a specific auditory feedback from their keyboard switches.
The bottom housings of the two switches also showcase differing sound characteristics. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black complements its top housing, offering a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that adds to the overall clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the tactile feedback when pressing down on keys. These variations in bottom housing materials further distinguish the typing feel and sound output between the two switches, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Despite the differences in materials, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cream Blue switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique housing compositions. While the INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Box Black create a harmonious and clacky sound profile, the Cream Blue's nylon top and bottom housing offer a deeper and fuller typing sound. Regardless of these distinctions, both switches prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users looking for specific sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch. The Ink Box Black requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, while the Cream Blue only needs 50 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a balance between a light touch and a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Cream Blue would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black provides a more robust typing experience with its heavier forces, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Cream Blue may provide a more satisfying keystroke feel for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Outemu Cream Blue 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 Cream Blue clicky switch lacks specific descriptors for sound qualities. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Ink Box Black providing a sharp and percussive sound, while the Cream Blue's sound remains unknown.
When it comes to the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key presses and minimal resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch does not have specific descriptors for tactile qualities. The Ink Box Black's smooth and refined finish enhances typing comfort and reduces friction, providing a polished typing experience that can significantly impact user satisfaction.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, as well as its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch lacks specific descriptors for both sound and feel, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in these aspects. However, based on the available information, users can expect a unique auditory and tactile experience with the Ink Box Black, while the Cream Blue switch's qualities remain undisclosed.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch or the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a slightly higher actuation force, then the Ink Box Black would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a clicky switch, the Cream Blue may be more suitable for your typing style. Remember to also consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you is the one that provides the most comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
