Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Phoenix. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch known for its smoothness and creamy feel. It produces a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Phoenix is a clicky switch that stands out with its unique under-skirt click mechanism. It offers a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile. The Ink Box Black falls into the categories of clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished, while the Phoenix is categorized as crunchy and polished. These general characteristics can provide a starting point for selecting the switch that suits your preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Phoenix switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles, but both offer distinct advantages. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housings, which creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as "clacky." On the other hand, the Phoenix switch features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer plastic used in polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Phoenix switch's polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for those using RGB lighting due to its translucent nature.
While the compositions of the housing materials vary, the Ink Box Black and the Phoenix switches ultimately offer similar results in terms of sound profiles. Both switches have pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profiles, although the Ink Box Black is characterized as being slightly less sharp. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Phoenix switch's top housing and the INK blend in Gateron's Ink Box Black bottom housing contribute to a clacky sound when pressed.
When it comes to the overall feel of the switches, the bottom and top housings play different roles. The bottom housing material significantly influences the sound and feel of the switch when it bottoms out, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. This differentiation allows users to experience distinct qualities depending on the part of the switch they interact with, providing a comprehensive typing or gaming experience regardless of the chosen switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Phoenix's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force is 62 grams, which puts it in the medium category.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions, which is especially beneficial for work or extended gaming sessions. In this regard, the Ink Box Black would be a suitable choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, opting for switches with heavier forces is recommended.
In terms of actuation force, the information provided does not allow for a direct comparison between the two switches, as the Phoenix's exact actuation force is unknown. However, it is worth noting that if the Phoenix had a similar actuation force to the Ink Box Black, it would provide a similar typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes.
In summary, the Ink Box Black is a medium-heavy switch with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Phoenix has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch have different travel distances. The Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Phoenix has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Ink Box Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Phoenix.
In terms of preference, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, opting for the switch with the shorter travel distance, which in this case is the Phoenix, would be a good choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer the sense of depth provided by switches with longer travel distances. If you enjoy a more substantial keystroke feeling, the Ink Box Black, with its longer travel distance, would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision on whether to choose the shorter or longer travel distance switch depends on personal preferences and typing style.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 offers a clacky and high-pitched experience. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. This can be likened to the sound of shaking a spray paint can. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix features a crunchy sound profile. With its under-skirt click mechanism, it delivers a unique and distinct clicky sound that resembles the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Keep in mind, however, that the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Phoenix offer a polished typing experience. The Ink Box Black is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience. Similarly, the Phoenix also possesses a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. It offers reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Phoenix offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black produces a clacky, high-pitched sound reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can, while the Phoenix delivers a crunchy sound resembling stepping on autumn leaves. In terms of feel, both switches provide a polished and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Overall, if you prefer a smoother and creamier sound, as well as a silky typing feel, the Ink Box Blacks would be the ideal choice. However, if you seek a unique and distinct clicky sound with a polished typing experience, the Outemu Phoenix switches would be a great fit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which can be described as sharp and crisp. They also provide a silky and polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a unique clicky experience, the Outemu Phoenix switch is the better choice. These switches feature an under-skirt click mechanism, offering a crystalline and sparkling sound profile that can be likened to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. They also provide a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Outemu Phoenix switches comes down to personal preference. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound signature, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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