Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura 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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Gateron Ink Box Black is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, likened to the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. With a sound signature described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', it provides a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a quieter and smoother key press. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura is a tactile switch known for its snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke. Its tactile feedback is pronounced yet gentle, with a sound signature that is 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. While the Ink Box Black caters to those who enjoy a linear switch with a smooth feel, the Purple Sakura appeals to users who appreciate tactile feedback with a balance of responsiveness and comfort. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, we see a clear difference in sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black offers a satisfying and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Sakura stands out for its clear and sharp sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black produces a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile to its top housing. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Purple Sakura elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of the INK blend. This contrast in bottom housing materials further emphasizes the differences in sound profiles between the two switches, with the Purple Sakura offering a more muted and substantial typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch. While the INK blend housing of the Ink Box Black produces a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound, the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a sharper and fuller sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials. Whether you prefer a sharp and crisp sound or a deeper and fuller sound, these housing materials provide distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch. The Ink Box Black requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. The Purple Sakura, on the other hand, only needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, placing it in the medium category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Purple Sakura for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those in search of a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier Ink Box Black. In both cases, users can expect a smooth and responsive typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Purple Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ink Box Black may offer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress 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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a more neutral sound, which is mild and unobtrusive. The Ink Box Black will deliver a sharper and more percussive typing experience, while the Purple Sakura offers a gentler and smoother sound for a quieter typing session.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offers a buttery and mild feel, giving a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, the Purple Sakura features a snappy response, making it super responsive and lively during typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Gateron Ink Box Black and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Box Black excels in providing a sharp and clacky sound with a silky and polished feel, while the Purple Sakura delivers a neutral and mild sound with a buttery and snappy feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, more percussive typing experience or a gentler, more fluid typing sensation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch or the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy 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 medium bottom out force and value a snappy and buttery tactile response with a neutral sound profile, then the Purple Sakura switch might be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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