Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves debating between various options, each with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Box Black stands out with its reputation for a smooth and creamy typing experience, complemented by a sound signature reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. Its clacky yet polished feel makes it an enticing choice for those who appreciate a tactile sensation with a high-pitched auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers an impressive blend of smooth operation and a rich, deep sound, delivering a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. This versatility is heightened by its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to users interested in performance and adaptability. Both switches have their unique charm—Gateron Ink Box Blacks for a silky and polished feel, and Everglide Rice Pudding for a harmonious blend of sound and precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, notable distinctions arise in both sound profiles and acoustic characteristics. The Ink Box Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend in its top housing, which lends a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding switch uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a similarly sharp and higher-pitched sound profile, though this material provides additional clarity and resonance due to its rigidity. Both housings prioritize producing a bright acoustic output, making them suitable for users who appreciate crisp key presses. Even though the two materials differ, their sound signatures offer a comparable auditory experience, ensuring a level of satisfaction for typing enthusiasts.
In terms of bottom housings, the differences between the Ink Box Black and Rice Pudding switches become more pronounced. The Ink Box Black utilizes the same proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing, maintaining a consistent higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Rice Pudding features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and rounder sound due to its softer texture and greater sound absorption. This inherently results in a fuller acoustic experience when bottoming out the key, contrasting with the more pointed sound from the Ink Box Black. The combination of a nylon bottom and a polycarbonate top in the Rice Pudding serves to balance sound clarity and depth, whereas the Ink Box Black's homogenous use of the INK blend leads to a more consistent tonal signature throughout.
Ultimately, the juxtaposition of the two switch designs showcases how housing materials influence sound characteristics in distinct ways. The Ink Box Black provides a consistently clacky sound profile owing to its proprietary INK blend in both the top and bottom housings, making it ideal for users who prefer a uniform acoustic experience. Conversely, the Rice Pudding incorporates a combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials that yield a nuanced sound, offering a brighter release and a deeper impact when pressed down. For users who are keen on experimenting with sound profiles, both switches have their unique advantages, yet they share a common tendency toward higher-pitched auditory experiences, reflecting the care taken in the design processes of both Gateron and Everglide.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Rice Pudding offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a preferable choice for those who seek a more effortless typing experience. As a result, users who favor the lighter touch of the Rice Pudding may find it more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel might gravitate toward the Ink Box Black for its heftier resistance. Ultimately, the two switches provide different tactile experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we find that the Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option of the two, while the Rice Pudding's travel distance is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This small difference may influence user experience, particularly for those who favor responsiveness. Gamers, in particular, might appreciate the Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance for its quicker response time, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming environments. Conversely, the extra 0.1 mm of the Ink Box Black could provide a more satisfying depth for users who enjoy a firmer feel during key presses. Overall, those who prefer a more traditional feel might gravitate towards the Ink Box Black, while those looking for quicker actuation may opt for the Rice Pudding.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 stands out with a sound that resembles the light, clacky quality of a spray paint can being shaken. This auditory experience often resonates with users who appreciate a crisp and percussive sound while typing. The high-pitched characteristics of the Ink Box Black make for a sharper and brighter typing experience, catering to those who prefer less muffled sounds. In contrast, while the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is recognized for its deep sound quality, specific descriptors for its sound profile have not been provided. However, its balanced auditory output compliments its smooth operation, emphasizing a typing experience that remains satisfying and precise.
On the feel front, the Ink Box Black linear switch excels with its exceptionally silky and polished attributes. These switches provide a remarkable smoothness, enhancing the overall typing experience while minimizing resistance during key presses. Users can expect a refined touch due to the combination of high-quality materials and potentially effective factory lubing, resulting in effortless key travel. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Rice Pudding switch remain unspecified. However, from the general reputation of Everglide switches, one can infer that they likely provide a commendable typing experience that aligns well with enthusiasts' expectations.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Black switch offers recognized qualities in both sound and feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch promises a similar smooth typing experience with its compatible features, although its specific auditory and tactile characteristics are less defined. Users can expect a satisfying blend of performance from either switch, depending on their personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you gravitate towards a heavier feel and appreciate a smooth, creamy keystroke with a clacky sound profile, the Ink Box Black will likely suit you well, especially for typing tasks that benefit from more tactile resistance. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams can provide a satisfying response for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch coupled with the versatility of hall effect technology, the Rice Pudding switch is an excellent option. Its lower bottom out force of 48 grams facilitates quick typing and gaming scenarios where speed is essential. Moreover, the balanced sound and smooth operation of the Rice Pudding can enhance enjoyment during both casual and competitive play, making it a solid choice for gamers and typists alike. In essence, your preference for weight, sound, and intended use will dictate the ideal switch for you; choose the Ink Box Black for a more substantial, tactile experience or the Rice Pudding for a lively, smooth engagement.
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