Gateron Ink Box Black vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which are linear switches. The Ink Box Black is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is known for its representation of a high-quality linear switch, offering a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. The Ink Box Black falls on the clacky and high-pitched end of the spectrum, while the Sea Salt Lemon is characterized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. These general pointers can help you determine which switch might suit your preferences, but let's delve deeper into the specific features and qualities to help you make the best decision for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon differ in their housing materials. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. In terms of sound profile, the INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Box Black creates a pointed and high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sea Salt Lemon contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon, in contrast to the INK blend bottom housing, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Another aspect to consider is the aesthetic appeal of the housing materials. The Ink Box Black's INK blend top and bottom housing do not have a translucent appearance, which means it may not be suitable for use with RGB lighting. However, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it a great choice if you plan to incorporate RGB lighting into your setup. The clear housing allows the lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual experience. In terms of aesthetics, the housing of the Sea Salt Lemon has an advantage for those who prioritize RGB lighting compatibility.
When it comes to the impact on typing experience, the differences in the top and bottom housings become apparent. While the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. This means that the INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Box Black will provide a consistent and clacky sound throughout typing, while the Sea Salt Lemon's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing will offer a varied sound experience depending on whether you are pressing or releasing a key.
Overall, while both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon contribute to a satisfying and unique sound profile, their housing materials bring different qualities to the switches. The INK blend housing of the Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate and nylon housings create a sharper and fuller sound profile. Additionally, the Sea Salt Lemon's translucent polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting compatibility, adding to its aesthetic appeal. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing of the switches plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we can observe some noticeable differences. The Ink Box Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon requires less force to register a keystroke, providing a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ink Box Black requires 70 grams of force, making it slightly heavier compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, which has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This implies that when fully pressing the key, the Ink Box Black would offer a more substantial and slightly firmer typing experience, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon would give a lighter and less forceful feel.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Sea Salt Lemon may make it a preferred choice for individuals seeking a lighter typing experience. This can be particularly advantageous for those who intend to use their keyboard for extended periods, such as in professional settings or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience would gravitate towards the Ink Box Black.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provides a medium-heavy typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a medium-light feel. Depending on personal preferences and specific use cases, one can choose between the lighter and more effortless typing experience of the Sea Salt Lemon or the firmer and more substantial feel of the Ink Box Black. Both switches provide unique advantages, catering to different typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is clear that the Sea Salt Lemon has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Sea Salt Lemon falls closer to the average of 4.0 mm, while the Ink Box Black is slightly shallower. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. In this case, the Ink Box Black with its shorter travel distance may be preferred. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and prefer a switch with more depth. In this scenario, the Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for either responsiveness or a more substantial key press 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing an incredibly satisfying typing experience. This switch is also described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a lovely representation of a linear switch. Its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design contribute to a buttery smooth typing experience. In terms of sound, the Ink Box Black is high-pitched, resulting in a crisp and bright sound profile. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon is low-pitched, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The sound of each switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. When it comes to feel, the Ink Box Black is silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon, on the other hand, offers a milder typing experience that appeals to a wider range of users. In conclusion, while the Ink Box Black and Sea Salt Lemon differ in sound and feel, both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences. Choosing between them would depend on personal preferences regarding sound pitch and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a clacky high-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are incredibly smooth and creamy, providing an overall silky and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched, neutral sound, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be more suitable. These switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a mild, approachable feel. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you desire. Whether you prioritize a heavier force with clacky high-pitched sound or a lighter force with a low-pitched and neutral sound, both switches guarantee a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
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