Gateron Ink Box Black vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and KTT Purple Star are both popular options to consider. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, and it is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Purple Star is also a linear switch with all-POM construction, providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Categorized as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Easy-to-press', the Purple Star's very light 45g bottom-out makes it an ideal choice for light typists seeking ease and comfort. While these general pointers may help in choosing between the two switches, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will ensure you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Purple Star switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the POM top housing of the Purple Star creates a deeper and more muted sound. This results in a noticeable difference in the auditory experience when typing on these switches. Additionally, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black also contributes to the higher-pitched sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star adds to the deeper sound experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Ink Box Black and Purple Star switches differ in composition, they both play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the top housing affects the sound that is produced when a key is released, creating a distinct sound signature for each key press. Despite their differences in material, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Purple Star switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel. The INK blend housing of the Ink Box Black offers a clacky and higher-pitched sound, ideal for those who enjoy a more crisp and pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the POM housing of the Purple Star provides a deeper and more muted sound, perfect for users who prefer a quieter and more subtle typing sound. Regardless of the choice, both switches are crafted with high-quality materials to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch which has an actuation force of 43 grams, making the Purple Star a lighter option. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Black requires 70 grams while the Purple Star requires 50 grams, making the Purple Star lighter in this aspect as well. The medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force of the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience, while the light actuation and bottom out force of the Purple Star allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two depends on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Ink Box Black may be the better option, whereas if you prefer a quicker, more abrupt feel, the Purple Star may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches provide a relatively similar travel distance that would result in comparable results when used.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile reminiscent of a sharp and snappy spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch produces a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison. Both switches bring unique auditory experiences to the table, with the Ink Box Black providing a sharp and crisp sound while the Purple Star offers a more subtle and relaxed tone. Ultimately, your choice of keycaps and keyboard case will also play a role in shaping the overall sound profile you experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. These qualities enhance the overall smoothness and reduce friction during key presses, resulting in a sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch is characterized as mild and easy-to-press, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal force required to activate the keys. The light actuation force of the Purple Star switch makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations, with the Ink Box Black focusing on smoothness and refinement and the Purple Star prioritizing ease of use and comfort.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and KTT Purple Star switches each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a sharper, more clacky sound profile with a smooth and polished typing experience, the Ink Box Black switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more mellow, bass-heavy sound with an easy-to-press and gentle typing feel, the Purple Star switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance in their respective sound and feel categories, allowing you to achieve similar levels of satisfaction based on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Black may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom-out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Purple Star switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you type. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing habits and preferences for the most satisfying typing experience.
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