Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cream Yellow are two popular options to consider. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, while its sound signature is likened to a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow is a tactile switch that lacks specific standout features but provides a pleasant typing experience. The Ink Box Black offers a clacky and high-pitched typing sound, giving it a polished feel, while the Cream Yellow remains relatively silent. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, making it essential to choose based on personal preference. 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
60g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cream Yellow, one notable difference is in the top housing material. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a thinner and higher-pitched sound profile, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a distinct difference in sound experience between the two switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cream Yellow offer different materials with unique characteristics. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, similar to its top housing, provides a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing complements its top housing by creating a rounder and duller sound, thanks to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. This disparity in bottom housing material contributes to the overall sound and feel of each switch when pressed.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Cream Yellow, both switches share similarities in their approach to sound production. The use of proprietary blends and classic nylon in the top and bottom housings influences the overall sound profile of each switch, with the top housing impacting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. While their sound characteristics may vary, both switches prioritize a satisfying typing experience through unique housing materials that cater to different sound preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams, both falling in the medium range. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. Despite their differences in weight, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Cream Yellow, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the heavier Ink Box Black for a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, considering the actuation force and bottom out force is crucial in selecting the switch that best suits individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. The difference may not be significant, but it can impact the overall typing experience. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more satisfying key press for some users. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience, but those looking for a slightly shorter travel distance may lean towards the Cream Yellow, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses might opt for the Ink Box Black.
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 Yellow 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
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The switch is described as silky and polished, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, as well as a sleek typing experience due to smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have any specific information provided for its feel. However, based on the lack of descriptors, it can be assumed that the Cream Yellow may not offer the same level of smoothness and refinement as the Ink Box Black.
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This produces a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. In contrast, no specific sound characteristics are mentioned for the Outemu Cream Yellow switch. Without detailed information on the sound profile of the Cream Yellow switch, it is unclear how it compares to the distinct sound signature of the Ink Box Black.
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. While the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch lacks specific descriptors for feel and sound, it is likely that it may not provide the same level of smoothness and distinct sound as the Ink Box Black switch. If a smooth and creamy feel, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound, are desired qualities, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be the recommended choice over the Outemu Cream Yellow switch. Similar results in terms of feel and sound may be achieved with the Ink Box Black, while the specific qualities of the Cream Yellow switch remain unknown.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, consider the force required for actuation. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, the Ink Box Black with its 70-gram bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, the Cream Yellow with its 60-gram bottom out force could be more suitable. Additionally, if you value a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a tactile switch without any specific sound profile preferences, the Cream Yellow could be a good option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and requirements.
Mentioned in this article
