Gateron Ink Box Black vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Purple Click are two popular options that provide unique typing experiences. The Ink Box Black switches are best known for their smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. Categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished, these switches offer a delightful tactile feedback while ensuring a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switches, also known as Purple Sauce, feature a fairly high-pitched, satisfying click that adds a touch of invigorating crunchiness to every keystroke. The keystrokes are light yet tactile, striking the perfect balance between pronounced tactile feedback and an overwhelming keypress. However, while these general pointers give you an idea of each switch's characteristics, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
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
1.90 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
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Purple Click differentiate in both their characteristics and performance. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The INK blend of the Ink Box Black produces a pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound profile, described as clacky. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced compatibility with RGB lighting.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the Ink Box Black incorporates the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, providing a similar thin and higher-pitched clacky sound profile. However, the Purple Click utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics like the INK blend, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the sound and feel of the switches are influenced by both the top and bottom housing materials. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down the switch, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Consequently, the Ink Box Black and the Purple Click offer contrasting sound experiences due to the differences in their housing materials, with the Ink Box Black providing a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and the Purple Click delivering a sharper and crisper sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is clear that there are differences in their weight considerations. The Gateron Ink Box Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. This switch would be suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, resulting in a medium-light feel. This switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter keyboard, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. While the Gateron Ink Box Black provides a more robust typing experience, the KTT Purple Click offers a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. It is important to note that both switches provide a medium level of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring similar results in terms of responsiveness and keystroke activation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it becomes evident that the Purple Click has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This slight difference in travel distance can have an impact on the overall typing experience.
For those who prefer a more traditional travel distance, the Purple Click may be the preferred choice, as its 4 mm travel distance falls within the standard range. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming or situations that require rapid typing.
However, it is important to note that personal preference plays a significant role when choosing between these switches. Some individuals may find the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black to be too abrupt, while others may appreciate the added responsiveness. Conversely, those who enjoy a more hearty depth to their typing experience may be inclined to choose the Purple Click with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 well-known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel. When typing on these switches, there is very minimal resistance and the overall typing experience feels silky and polished. The keystrokes glide effortlessly, resulting in a satisfying and enjoyable typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offers a different feel. It has a pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force, creating an invigorating and reactive feel. While it may not be as smooth as the Ink Box Black, it still offers a snappy and immersive typing sensation. The Purple Click switch can also be described as having a stepped feel, meaning that there is a slight pre-travel or post-travel sensation, providing a mild tactile experience.
As for sound, the Ink Box Black produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, similar to the sound of a crisp and percussive slap. Meanwhile, the high-pitched sound adds a sharp and crisp element to the keystrokes. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is described as crunchy and resonant. The crunchy sound is reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, adding a satisfying tactile and audible experience. The resonant sound profile of the Purple Click switch is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black provides an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience, with a clacky and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers a more invigorating and reactive feel, with a crunchy and resonant sound. Depending on personal preference and typing style, one can choose between the smoothness and clacky sound of the Ink Box Black or the invigorating feel and crunchy sound of the Purple Click. However, it is important to note that the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a slightly heavier switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and a smooth and creamy feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the ideal choice for you. This switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which is crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed. Additionally, it offers a silky and polished typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and a satisfying, high-pitched click, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the perfect fit. This switch produces a crunchy and resonant sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Despite being light, it offers a pronounced feedback and an invigorating typing sensation. It feels more mild compared to hypertactile switches, with the ability to feel pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a heavier switch with a smooth and creamy feel, and enjoy a sharp, clacky sound profile, the Ink Box Black is the way to go. However, if you prefer a lighter switch with a satisfying click and a crunchy, resonant sound profile, along with a reactive and immersive typing sensation, the Purple Click is the switch for you. Consider your desired typing experience and sound preference when making your choice.
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