Gateron Ink Box Black vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Semi Mute. Each switch offers its own unique advantages that appeal to different preferences and needs. The Gateron Ink Box Black is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, delivering a satisfying typing experience. With a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, it provides a tactile and polished sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch, named despite its completely silent operation, is perfect for individuals who value a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions. It boasts a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, resulting in a buttery and mild feel. The switch offers a muted and neutral sound, ensuring a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personalized preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Semi Mute have distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound that is not excessively sharp. On the other hand, the Semi Mute utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate brings a clear and resonant quality to the sound, making it an excellent choice for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.
While the two switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they share similarities in terms of overall sound profile. Both the Ink Box Black and the Semi Mute result in a higher-pitched sound, albeit with slightly different nuances. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing delivers a clacky sound, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper tone. Thus, if you are seeking a switch with an emphasis on a thinner, higher-pitched sound, either of these switches would provide a similar outcome.
When it comes to the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, the bottom housing plays a crucial role for both the Ink Box Black and the Semi Mute. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, making it a significant factor in the overall typing experience. However, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch. It is essential to consider both the top and bottom housing materials when selecting a switch to ensure that you achieve the desired sound characteristics during both key presses and releasing actions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we can observe some key differences. The Ink Box Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams, making it require a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Black is also heavier at 70 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 58 grams. This means that the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Semi Mute's lighter actuation force and bottom out force make it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter switch, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue. Despite these differences, both switches fall under the medium category, so individuals seeking a similar typing experience can expect comparable results from either option.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Box Black falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, providing a more responsive experience preferred by gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Semi Mute offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics. Pressing the keys on this switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, similar to shaking a spray paint can. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch lives up to its name by providing a muted and neutral sound. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making it suitable for those who value a noise-free environment. The choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by these switches. Overall, if you prefer a sharp and crisp sound, the Ink Box Black is the way to go. If you desire a quieter typing experience, the Semi Mute switch is a great option.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The smooth and refined finish of the switch, along with possible factory lubing, results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. These switches offer a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. Whether you prefer an exceptionally smooth feel or a more gentle and approachable typing experience, both switches provide their own unique qualities.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and KTT Semi Mute switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black produces a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel, while the Semi Mute switch provides a muted and neutral sound along with a buttery and mild feel. If you prioritize a noisy-free environment and a quieter typing experience, the Semi Mute switch is the better choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper and crisper sound with an exceptionally smooth typing feel, the Ink Box Black switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, it is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as keycap and keyboard board choices to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs.
If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ink Box Black would be an excellent choice for you. These switches are known for their smoothness and can provide a satisfying typing feel. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black can deliver that crisp and bright sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute is tailor-made for you. With a lower bottom out force and advanced dampening technology, these switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing experience. They are known for their muted sound profile, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the Semi Mute provides a buttery and mild feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is approachable to most users.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and noise level. Consider what factors are most important to you and choose accordingly. Whether you prioritize smoothness and a clacky sound or a noise-free environment with a buttery feel, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and KTT Semi Mute switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience.
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