Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Milk Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Milk Peach 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 Outemu Milk Peach are two popular options to consider. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Milk Peach is also a linear switch but lacks specific standout characteristics. The Ink Box Black is best suited for those who prioritize a clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished typing experience, while the Milk Peach may appeal to those looking for a more subtle and unobtrusive switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
N/A
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
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 Milk Peach, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Milk Peach's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. While both materials offer a satisfying sound experience, the INK blend is known for its unique pitch, whereas the polycarbonate provides a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it more visually appealing for those who prioritize aesthetics.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the differences between the Ink Box Black and the Milk Peach are equally significant. The Ink Box Black utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as it does for the top, resulting in a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound profile throughout the switch. In contrast, the Milk Peach's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder tone. This difference in material impacts the overall typing experience, with the INK blend providing a more distinct bottom-out sound and feel, while the nylon offers a smoother and more muted typing experience.
In summary, while both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Milk Peach provide unique sound profiles, their housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Box Black contribute to its distinctive clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Peach offers a sharper and crisper tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Milk Peach creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, each switch's housing material offers a tailored typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams, making the Milk Peach the lighter option. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is 70 grams, which makes it heavier in terms of how much force is needed to fully press the key. The Milk Peach's bottom out force is unknown, but it is expected to be lighter than the Ink Box Black due to its lower actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Peach, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Ink Box Black. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Milk Peach has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The shorter travel distance of the Milk Peach may appeal to those looking for a more responsive keystroke, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Box Black may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Milk Peach 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 incredibly smooth and creamy feel, providing a silky and polished typing experience. This results in minimized resistance when pressing keys and a sleek key travel. In terms of sound, the switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch does not have any specific descriptors for sound or feel, making it harder to directly compare. However, based on the information available, the Milk Peach may offer a different sound and feel experience compared to the Ink Box Black. Overall, if you prefer a smooth and clacky switch with a high-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be the better choice for you. If you are unsure, trying out both switches on different boards and keycaps may provide a clearer comparison for your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Peach linear switch, you should choose the Ink Box Black if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, smooth and creamy typing experience, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, opt for the Milk Peach if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force, although it lacks a unique sound and feel characteristic. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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