Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Spring Breeze. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch, known for its incredible smoothness and creaminess, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze is a clicky switch, offering a satisfying click with each keystroke. While the Ink Box Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Spring Breeze does not have any specific known characteristics. When choosing between these switches, you may prefer the smoothness and quiet operation of the Ink Box Black, or the audible feedback and tactile feel of the Spring Breeze. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Outemu Spring Breeze switches bring different sound profiles to the table. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Box Black.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend continues to provide a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is clacky in nature. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softness of nylon that absorbs more sound. This creates a rounder and duller sound compared to the Ink Box Black's bottom housing.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Outemu Spring Breeze switches differ in their sound profiles, they both offer unique qualities that enhance typing experiences. The INK blend top and bottom housings of the Ink Box Black provide a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound, while the nylon housings of the Spring Breeze offer a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences, both switches deliver satisfactory typing experiences, showcasing the impact that housing materials can have on sound profiles.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods of time. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their weight, with the Ink Box Black being on the heavier side and the Spring Breeze on the lighter side. However, if you prefer a similar feel, you can opt for either switch as they both provide medium weight typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier switch will depend on personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gateron switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu switch. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Gateron switch falls between the traditional 4.0 mm and 3.0 mm distances, while the Outemu switch falls on the longer end at 4 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gateron switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Outemu switch. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Gateron switch providing a shorter and quicker press, while the Outemu switch offers a slightly more deliberate key 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 Spring Breeze 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 known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, resembling the sharp and snappy noise of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound qualities is unavailable, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Ink Box Black switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined key press. This results in a minimal amount of resistance when pressing and releasing keys, creating an overall pleasant typing sensation. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Spring Breeze switch is not specified, making it challenging to contrast with the Ink Box Black in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, if sound and feel are crucial factors for your decision-making process, opting for the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would provide you with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, accompanied by a silky and polished typing experience. If you are unable to access specific information on the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's subjective qualities, selecting the Ink Box Black may lead to comparable results in terms of key feel and sound production. Ultimately, it is essential to consider all available information and test out different switches to determine which one best suits your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience with a sharp and clacky sound profile, then the Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a switch with a high-pitched sound profile, along with a silky and polished feel, then the Spring Breeze clicky switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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