Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Kailh Sage

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Kailh Sage. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is best known for its incredible smoothness and creamy feel while typing. Its sound signature is often compared to a spray paint can being shaken, adding a unique sense of clackiness and high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Sage switch is a clicky switch that offers a distinct typing experience. Users often appreciate its hefty weight that provides a satisfying and refreshing sharp clickiness. Categorized as invigorating, sharp, and crunchy, the Sage switch adds an extra layer of excitement to every keystroke. However, beyond these generalities, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Kailh Sage Clicky

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Kailh Sage offer different sound profiles and properties. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Sage's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The polycarbonate material also allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency. Both switches have distinct sound profiles, with the Ink Box Black offering a slightly less sharp tone compared to the Sage.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Sage's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Sage offers a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Ink Box Black. These differences in sound profiles can impact the overall typing experience and preference for users, as some may prefer a sharper sound while others may prefer a deeper and fuller sound.

Considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall switch, it is important to note the division of qualities between the top and bottom housing. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material can have an impact on both the typing sound and the tactile feedback experienced when using the switches. While the Ink Box Black and the Sage offer different housing materials, each brings its own unique qualities to enhance the typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is evident that both switches have a bottom out force of 70 grams, making them fall into the medium-heavy category. However, there is a difference in their actuation forces. The Gateron Ink Box Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the actuation force of the Kailh Sage is unknown.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be the better option as its actuation force is lower. This allows for longer periods of typing without experiencing fatigue or strain. It would be an ideal choice for individuals who use their keyboard for work or engage in extended gaming sessions.

On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Kailh Sage, as its actuation force is either unknown or potentially heavier. A stronger push feel can provide a sense of satisfaction and stability while typing.

It is important to note that while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between these two switches, they both fall into the medium-heavy range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing resistance and feedback. Whether one switch is lighter or heavier ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The sound is sharp, snappy, and percussive when pressed, resembling the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch provides a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The Sage switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a weight that is considered heavy, contributing to a refreshingly sharp clickiness. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you prefer a sharp and crisp sound, both the Ink Box Black and Sage switches can provide similar results.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch delivers a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, offering an overall smooth feel. The polished finish of the switch, either through the materials used or factory lubing, results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. It provides pronounced feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, creating a snappy and reactive feel while typing. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the Sage switch can be distinctly felt with every keypress. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Ink Box Black focusing on smoothness and the Sage emphasizing feedback and intensity.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Sage offers a crunchy sound with a distinct clicky typing experience. The Ink Box Black provides a silky and polished feel with exceptional smoothness and reduced friction, while the Sage offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with pronounced feedback. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between a smoother and more refined feel or a more immersive and tactile typing sensation. Both switches excel in their respective qualities, allowing users to enjoy different typing experiences.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a sharp and snappy sound, the Ink Box Black is the switch for you. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a solid typing feel. Additionally, the Ink Box Black is described as both clacky and high-pitched, producing a crisp and bright sound. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy and refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage is the switch to go for. It also has a bottom out force of 70 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. The Sage is characterized as crunchy, sounding like stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for the typing feel and sound signature.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more