Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Kailh Plum 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 Kailh Plum. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch, while the Plum is a tactile switch. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. The Ink Box Black is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, giving users a satisfying typing experience. Its sound signature resembles a spray paint can being shaken, creating a clacky and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Plum stands out for its heftiness without a prominent tactile bump, making it a truly distinctive choice. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum offers a more neutral and enjoyable sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
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 Kailh Plum differ in their housing materials. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Plum utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The INK blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, polycarbonate, as a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Plum makes it suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Despite these differences, both housings contribute to a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gateron Ink Box Black incorporates a proprietary INK blend, while the Kailh Plum utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The INK blend, similar to its impact on the top housing, adds a pointed and high-pitched sound profile to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, nylon, being a softer plastic, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. These variations in bottom housing materials contribute to distinct sound experiences when pressing down on the switches.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the sound, it becomes clear that the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Kailh Plum will exhibit different characteristics when a key is pressed and released. The bottom housing, whether it is the proprietary INK blend or nylon, has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing, whether it is the INK blend or polycarbonate, affects the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the materials differ, both switches offer similar results in terms of a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Kailh Plum differ in their housing materials, which contribute to different sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black provides a pointed and clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Plum produces a sharper and crisper sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Plum generates a deeper and fuller sound, while the proprietary INK blend of the Ink Box Black adds a pointed and high-pitched sound to the bottom-out experience. Despite these distinctions, both switches offer a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, with the top and bottom housings playing different roles in influencing the overall sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, while the actuation force of the Plum switch is unavailable. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke on the Ink Box Black is known, but not for the Plum switch. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
Considering the weight aspect, the Ink Box Black switch may be considered lighter in terms of actuation force, as it requires 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for users who prefer to type for longer periods of time, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Plum switch's actuation force is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare it in terms of weight. However, both switches share a common bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known and lighter compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, the bottom out force of both switches is the same, offering a similar level of resistance. This allows users to achieve similar results when it comes to durability and typing experience, with the option to choose between lighter actuation force or a more substantial push feel based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch is the same, measuring at 3.6 mm. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying key press experience, ensuring a similar level of comfort and responsiveness. Whether you choose the Ink Box Black or the Plum, you can expect a smooth and tactile typing experience, with the key traveling a distance of 3.6 mm from the top to the bottom position.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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. When typing on these switches, you can expect a silky and polished typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In terms of sound, the Ink Box Black produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This sharp and crisp sound profile adds to the overall tactile experience of using these switches.
On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a unique feel compared to other tactile switches. These switches feel quite hefty and do not feature a huge tactile bump, which sets them apart. Despite the weightiness, the Plum switches provide a mild and stepped typing experience. You can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, making them approachable to most users. In terms of sound, the Plum switches have a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and suitable for various purposes.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with an incredibly smooth and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a mild and stepped feel with a neutral sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities and can be chosen based on personal preference. If you are looking for a smooth and creamy linear switch with a sharp and crisp sound, the Ink Box Black is a great choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a hefty feel, mild tactility, and a neutral sound profile, the Plum switch is a good option. Overall, both switches will provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're 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. These switches are known for their silky and polished feel, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The sound profile of the Ink Box Black is described as clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Kailh Plum switch is worth considering. These switches offer a hefty feel without a huge tactile bump, making them stand out from other tactile switches. The Plum switch has a neutral sound profile, which is enjoyable and suitable for most purposes. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific typing experience you're looking for.
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