Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Maple Leaf 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 Maple Leaf offer two distinct experiences for users. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is highly praised for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf is a tactile switch with no particular standout feature. Those who prefer a clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished feel may find the Ink Box Black to be the perfect match, while others may appreciate the simplicity of the Maple Leaf switch. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Maple Leaf differ in their housing materials. The Gateron Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf uses a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the clacky sound of the INK blend top housing.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Black also uses its proprietary INK blend, known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf utilizes a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its nylon top housing. This means that the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice of housing material for a switch, whether it be the Gateron Ink Box Black or the Outemu Maple Leaf, greatly affects the sound profile and feel of the key press. While the INK blend top housing of the Gateron switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, the nylon housing of the Outemu switch offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches showcase how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with softer plastics producing a duller sound and harder plastics creating a sharper sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, we can see that the Ink Box Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's 55 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Ink Box Black at 70 grams and the Maple Leaf at 65 grams. This means that while the Ink Box Black may require a slightly stronger press to register a keystroke, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the force needed to bottom out. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Maple Leaf, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Ink Box Black for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference between the two may not be significant, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Gateron switch with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience each individual user is looking for.
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 Maple Leaf 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 characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a sharp and snappy noise similar to a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Conversely, there is no available information regarding the tactile feedback and typing feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch. Similar results are unlikely to be achieved in terms of feel due to the unique characteristics of each switch.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the lack of information on the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that the former is favored for its smooth and creamy feel and clacky, high-pitched sound. However, without detailed information on the sound and feel of the Maple Leaf switch, it is essential to try out both switches personally to determine which aligns best with your preferences in terms of sound and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom-out force and do not mind sacrificing some sound characteristics, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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