Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Purple 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 Purple offer distinct experiences for users. The Ink Box Black, a linear switch, is renowned for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, offers a different typing experience with no specific standout feature mentioned. The Ink Box Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', while the Purple does not have any specific categorization. Deciding between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
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
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 Purple, it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black provides a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple produces a sharper and crisper sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the Nylon bottom housing of the Purple offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black.
While the top and bottom housings of the two switches differ in material, they both play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, while the Nylon bottom housing of the Purple leads to a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound of the INK blend. This split in housing materials showcases how each component can have a distinct impact on the typing feel and sound of a switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Purple will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the INK blend providing a clacky sound and the polycarbonate offering a sharper tone. Whether you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound, understanding the differences in housing materials can help you make an informed decision when selecting a switch for your keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Purple switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 50 grams compared to the Ink Box Black's 60 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is heavier at 70 grams compared to the Purple switch, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that while the Purple switch may feel lighter to type on initially, the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to individual preference, with lighter switches being better suited for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more satisfying tactile experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Ink Box Black has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Purple switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black may appeal to those seeking faster response times, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the Purple switch may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter distance of the Ink Box Black offering quicker key presses and the longer distance of the Purple switch providing a more deliberate typing experience. Additionally, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most common option, making them both viable choices for a variety of users.
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 Purple 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 provides a unique experience with its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks a specific sound description, which could mean it has a more subtle or neutral sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like 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 feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, there is no specific feel description available for the Outemu Purple tactile switch. This could suggest that the Purple switch may not offer the same level of smoothness and refinement as the Ink Box Black linear switch.
Taking all available information into account, it is clear that the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, as well as its distinctive clacky and high-pitched sound characteristics. While the details of the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound and feel qualities are unknown, it is likely that you will achieve a different experience compared to the Ink Box Black switch. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch or the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it's important to first understand your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, then the Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a more tactile feedback, the Outemu Purple switch, with an undefined bottom out force, could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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