Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Dustproof Green. The Gateron Ink Box Black is a linear switch known for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. It is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green is a clicky switch with no specific standout characteristics mentioned. While the Ink Box Black may appeal to those looking for a more refined and quieter typing experience, the Dustproof Green could be a good choice for those who prefer the satisfying click sound associated with mechanical keyboards. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Polycarbonate
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 Dustproof Green, one key difference is seen in their top housings. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound profile, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Dustproof Green utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. The use of polycarbonate in the Dustproof Green's housing also allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting applications. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Green may provide a more resonant and clear typing experience compared to the Ink Box Black's INK blend top housing.
When it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, another point of contrast arises between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Dustproof Green. The Ink Box Black features a bottom housing made from the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Dustproof Green utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The use of nylon in the Dustproof Green's bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black. This difference in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Dustproof Green plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches may have similar traits in their top housings, such as being transparent and providing a sharp sound profile, the differences in the bottom housings result in distinct typing experiences. The Gateron Ink Box Black's use of INK blend materials in both its top and bottom housings may offer a more uniform sound profile, characterized by a pointy and clacky typing feel. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green's combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing results in a typing experience that balances crispness with depth, providing a unique sound profile that may cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch to the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it is evident that there is a difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black has a lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dustproof Green's 65 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is 70 grams, lighter than the Dustproof Green's 80 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Ink Box Black makes it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the heavier bottom out force of the Dustproof Green provides a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals who prefer either a lighter or heavier typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dustproof Green switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Ink Box Black provides a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Dustproof Green switch offers a deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance - whether you prefer a shorter, quicker press or a longer, more deliberate press.
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 Green 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has no known sound description available, making it hard to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is renowned for its silky and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance when pressing keys. Conversely, there is no known feel description available for the Outemu Dustproof Green switch. If one were to anticipate based on the lack of information, it may be assumed that the Dustproof Green could potentially lack the smoothness and refined finish of the Ink Box Black.
Overall, based on the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch seems to offer a smoother and more refined typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound. While the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch lacks specific sound and feel descriptions, the comparison suggests that the Ink Box Black may provide a more enjoyable typing experience. However, individual preferences may vary, so it's essential for newcomers to try out different switches to determine the best fit for their needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch or the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, then the Ink Box Black would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy bottom out force and are looking for a switch with dustproof feature, the Dustproof Green might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize typing feel, sound, or other features in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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