Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Ink Box Black is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of shaking a can of spray paint. Categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished, this switch offers a unique sound signature. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is hailed as one of the most innovative linear switches in recent times. It earns its semi-silent label by producing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. With a silky smooth type feel that isn't over-polished, this switch is categorized as subdued, neutral, mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This thin and higher-pitched sound is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile. While both materials produce higher-pitched sounds, the Ink Box Black leans towards a slightly less sharp and clacky tone compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Box Black and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear also utilize different materials. The Ink Box Black features its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which contributes to the pointed and high-pitched sound profile similar to its top housing. It is often described as being clacky as well. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and higher-pitched sound produced by the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black.

While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ in their materials and resulting sound profiles, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite the contrasting materials, both switches offer a satisfyingly high-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the use of clear polycarbonate in the top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, which may be a desirable feature for those looking to customize their keyboard aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Gateron Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the actuation force for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is not known, but it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch.

In terms of weight, both switches fall within a similar range, with the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear potentially being lighter due to the lack of information about its actuation force. This lighter weight can be beneficial for users looking for a keyboard that allows for longer typing periods or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black provides a stronger push feel with its higher actuation and bottom out forces, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch.

While the force required for actuation is not available for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, if it is similar to the Gateron Ink Box Black or falls within a similar range, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of trigger sensitivity. However, it's important to consider that bottom out force differs between the two switches, with the Gateron Ink Box Black being slightly heavier at 70 grams compared to the 62 grams of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear.

Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, while users seeking a more tactile and heavy switch may opt for the Gateron Ink Box Black.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a more substantial depth to their key presses. In this case, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better fit. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear being marginally longer.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics. Pressing this switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, giving a crisp and bright sound profile. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a subdued sound. While not completely silent, it provides a dampened sound when pressed. This switch has a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. 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.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished. This switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish enhances the overall smoothness and sleekness of the typing feel. Similarly, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear provides a mild and snappy typing experience. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, offering a gentle and approachable feel for most users. The switch's snappiness is a result of longer or dual-staged springs, adding a lively and responsive touch to the typing experience. Furthermore, the Semi-Silent Linear can also be considered buttery and polished, as it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience similar to the Ink Box Black.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a subdued and more subtle sound signature. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and polished typing feel, with the Ink Box Black being silky and polished, and the Semi-Silent Linear being mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, choosing between these switches will result in different outcomes, but they both offer similar smoothness and refined finishes.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be your ideal choice. These switches offer an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience, making them perfect for those who prefer a silky and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a more subdued and neutral sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch would be a better fit. These switches provide a semi-silent topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. They offer a mild and snappy typing experience, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more