Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both present compelling options, each offering a unique typing experience suited to different preferences. The Ink Box Black is revered for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a clacky, high-pitched sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Its polished characteristics make it ideal for those who value a fluid keypress and a distinct auditory feedback during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out as a medium-weight switch crafted from high-quality POM material, delivering a thocky sound profile and an exceptional smoothness that appeals to users seeking a tactile yet premium experience without breaking the bank. While both switches excel in their respective qualities, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference in sound and feel. However, 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
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it's evident that their sound profiles significantly diverge due to the materials used in their construction. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is designed to produce a pointed and high-pitched sound that many users describe as clacky. This distinct sound is likely to appeal to those who favor auditory feedback while typing, as it provides a lively and stimulating experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie uses POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its housings, offering a deeper and more muted sound profile. The contrast in sound signature reflects the inherent properties of the materials: while the Ink Box Black aims for clarity and brightness, the Sea Salt Smoothie's design prioritizes a richer and softer auditory experience.
Despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches share a unique construction influence on the overall feel when pressed down. For the Ink Box Black, the proprietary INK blend contributes a consistent high-pitched response, resonating through both the top and bottom housings, which leads to a highly interactive typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM material provides a more subdued response, with a focus on a smooth and rich feedback that many typists find enjoyable. Even though the sound profiles are notably different, the tactile sensation remains significant in both switches; users will experience the qualities of the bottom housing when bottoming out, which highlights the importance of housing material in defining the switch's character.
Ultimately, while both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie feature differing sound characteristics, they also exhibit complementary design elements that can lead to pleasing typing experiences. If a user appreciates the auditory feedback of the Ink Box Black, they may not achieve the same sharpness with the Sea Salt Smoothie; however, the POM materials provide a unique texture and more muted sound that could appeal to those looking for a different typing feel. Therefore, while choosing between the two may come down to personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct advantages that can enhance the overall typing experience based on individual needs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, one can observe notable differences in their actuation force. The Ink Box Black requires an actuation force of 60 grams, which positions it in the medium-heavy range, making it suitable for typists who prefer a more substantial push feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie operates with a lighter actuation force of only 48 grams, catering to users who favor a softer touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unavailable, making it difficult to assess its complete performance in that regard. With the Ink Box Black's bottom out force sitting at 70 grams, it is evident that this switch is the heavier option overall. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the better choice, while the Ink Box Black appeals to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, we find that the Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Ink Box Black the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to users who prefer quicker actuation, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer 3.7 mm distance, could be seen as offering a more substantial depth of keystroke, catering to those who enjoy a fuller typing or gaming experience. Thus, users seeking a snappier response may gravitate toward the Ink Box Black, while those who appreciate a more pronounced key travel may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 linear switch has a distinct auditory character, often compared to the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. This unique sound signature is both clacky and high-pitched, delivering a sharp and snappy tone that can be crisp and bright when the keys are pressed. This could be particularly enjoyable for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback from their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound profile, which tends to be more muted and deeper compared to the Ink Box Black. While both switches provide different sound experiences, the overall acoustics will also be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and creamy typing experience, with descriptors like silky and polished highlighting its ability to minimize resistance. The refined finish and potential factory lubing contribute to a sleek typing experience, making it easy for users to enjoy an enhanced tactile feedback. In contrast, the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unspecified, which suggests it may not have distinctive qualities or updated information available for comparison. Nevertheless, the Ink Box Black’s silky and polished attributes imply that users looking for smoothness would be more inclined to select it.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a unique sound experience characterized by its high-pitched and clacky nature, alongside an incredibly smooth and polished feel. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie provides a thocky auditory signature, but its feel qualities remain unknown. Thus, while the Ink Box Black seems to cater well to those who value both sound and touch, the Sea Salt Smoothie's strengths lie in its overall sound quality yet may have less known about its tactile feedback. Therefore, users should consider their personal preferences in sound and feel to determine which switch suits their typing needs best.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound profile, and usage scenarios. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bottom out force of 70 grams, the Ink Box Black is a strong contender. Its silky and polished feel combined with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature offers an engaging typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that balances quality with affordability, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie would be your go-to option. This switch is designed for those who desire a thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it perfect for long typing sessions or quiet environments where you want to minimize noise without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, consider the context in which you'll be using the switch, as well as your individual preferences in sound and feel, to determine which of these remarkable switches better suits your needs.
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