Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Dustproof Brown. The Gateron Ink Box Black is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. It has a sound signature described as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch with no specific standout features mentioned. While the Gateron Ink Box Black may appeal to those seeking a unique sound and feel, the Outemu Dustproof Brown offers a more traditional tactile typing experience. 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
65g
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
Partial box
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and Outemu Dustproof Brown both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Brown produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While both materials create a clear and resonant sound, the INK blend offers a slightly less sharp sound compared to the polycarbonate.
In terms of the bottom housing, the INK blend of the Ink Box Black and the nylon of the Dustproof Brown also offer different sound profiles. The Ink Box Black's bottom housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Browns elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the INK blend. These differences in bottom housing materials impact the overall typing experience and sound output of each switch.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Outemu Dustproof Brown differ, they both play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. The top housing material influences the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Whether you prefer the slightly softer and fuller sound of the Dustproof Brown's nylon housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Ink Box Black's INK blend, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Dustproof Brown lighter. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Black also has a higher force at 70 grams compared to the Dustproof Brown's 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out force. This means that users can expect a more substantial typing experience from both switches, with the Dustproof Brown offering a slightly lighter feel during actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Dustproof Brown's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired. Both switches offer reliable performance, but the slight difference in travel distance may create a unique typing experience for each.
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 Dustproof Brown 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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, which can provide a crisp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown. Sound preference is subjective, so choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a quieter one.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is praised for its silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch remains unknown. Feel is a crucial factor in determining typing comfort, so if you prioritize a smooth and refined key feel, the Ink Box Black may be the better option for you.
Considering all available information, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a smooth and polished feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch's sound and feel qualities are unknown. Ultimately, the decision between these switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If you are seeking a similar smooth typing experience with a different sound profile, experimenting with different switches may help you achieve your desired results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a sharp and clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams and are not concerned about sound profiles, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience. Consider the qualities that are most important to you when making your choice.
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