Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Durock Sea Glass. The Ink Box Black is known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. Its sound signature resembles that of a shaken spray paint can, giving it a unique auditory appeal. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock offers a captivating selection of five pastel colors, making them visually stand out. These switches emanate a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness while still maintaining their smoothness. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, they possess a surprising weightlessness that defies expectations. Typing on them also reveals a hollow sound signature, adding to their unique character. Both switches have their own set of characteristics and benefits, but 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Durock Sea Glass differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. The INK blend of the Ink Box Black offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend provides a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. Therefore, enthusiasts seeking a slightly clacky sound may prefer the Ink Box Black, while those looking for a brighter sound experience might lean towards the Sea Glass.
Both switches also differ in terms of their bottom housing materials. The Ink Box Black employs the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, providing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile just like its top housing. Similarly, the Sea Glass incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, creating a unique sound profile that is pleasant and not too sharp. In terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the bottom housing has a significant impact on the overall experience. However, when it comes to the sound produced when letting go of a key, the top housing takes precedence. Therefore, if the focus is on the bottom-out sound, both switches would yield similar results due to their similar housing materials. However, for those who pay more attention to the sound when releasing a key, the differing top housings may provide the desired variation.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Durock Sea Glass bring different qualities to the table due to their distinct housing materials. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black delivers a slightly clacky and higher-pitched sound, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a brighter and pleasant sound profile. Similarly, both switches have bottom housings made of their respective materials, which contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. However, the impact of the top housing becomes more noticeable when releasing a key. Ultimately, enthusiasts can choose between the two based on their preference for either a clacky or brighter sound experience and whether they prioritize the sound when pressing down or letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The Ink Box Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Sea Glass's 45 grams. This means that the Ink Box Black requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Ink Box Black is also heavier at 70 grams, while the Sea Glass measures at 62 grams.
The Ink Box Black can be considered medium-heavy in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass falls within the medium range for both forces, providing a lighter typing experience.
If you prefer a lighter switch, the Sea Glass would be the way to go, as it has a lower actuation and bottom out force compared to the Ink Box Black. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. However, if you prefer a more substantial and forceful typing experience, the Ink Box Black would provide that with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch. However, both switches offer medium to medium-heavy typing experiences, providing the desired level of resistance for different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In comparison, the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Sea Glass. The Ink Box Black falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a slightly deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you value a more responsive feel, the Ink Box Black would be the suitable option. However, if you prefer a more substantial depth to your keystrokes, the Sea Glass with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Regardless of the difference in travel distances, both switches will provide a satisfying 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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 switch is best characterized as clacky and high-pitched. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch does not have a specific sound description provided. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, if you are aiming for a similar clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black switch would likely provide similar results.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. These characteristics indicate that the Sea Glass switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Additionally, its light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. While the feel of the two switches may differ slightly, they both prioritize smoothness and ease of typing.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch and the Durock Sea Glass switch have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel, while the Sea Glass switch offers a uniquely hollow sound and a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press feel. If you are looking for a similar sound and feel to the Ink Box Black switch, you can expect to achieve comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound signature, the Gateron Ink Box Black is the switch for you. These switches offer a silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom-out force, a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in sound, and a typing experience that feels frictionless, the Durock Sea Glass is the switch of choice. The Sea Glass switches have a weightlessness that defies expectations and offer a uniquely hollow sound signature. Furthermore, the Sea Glass switches are described as mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Durock Sea Glass depends on your preference for bottom-out force, sound signature, and typing feel.
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