Gateron Ink Box Black vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Bluish White. The Ink Box Black is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, making typing effortless and enjoyable. With a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, it adds a satisfying auditory element to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White offers a medium tactile feel, providing the right level of resistance for precise and comfortable typing. What sets it apart is its quiet operation, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. Both switches are polished and offer different levels of smoothness and sound, giving you the opportunity to personalize your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Bluish White have different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed, high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound. This creates a clacky and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, producing a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches have different materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which provides a pointed and higher-pitched sound when bottoming out. Similarly, the TTC Silent Bluish White incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a rounder and duller sound when typing. Therefore, the choice of bottom housing material significantly influences the overall sound and feel of the switch, providing different sensory experiences.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Bluish White have differing housing materials, each adds its individual characteristics to the sound profile. The Ink Box Black's INK blend top housing creates a clacky, satisfying sound, while the Silent Bluish White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to a higher-pitched sound, while the Silent Bluish White's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Therefore, users can expect distinct auditory experiences when using these switches, with the materials playing a key role in shaping their sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, the first noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, while the Silent Bluish White requires only 42 grams of force to actuate. This means that the Silent Bluish White is lighter in terms of actuation force. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is 70 grams, while that of the Silent Bluish White is 50 grams. Again, the Silent Bluish White requires less force for bottoming out.
These differences in actuation and bottom out forces have implications for the typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the Silent Bluish White allows for quicker keystrokes and may be preferred by users who value a lighter touch and want to minimize finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and satisfying keystroke.
It is important to note that while the Silent Bluish White is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, resulting in a more effortless typing experience, the Ink Box Black provides a medium-heavy feel, offering a stronger push and potentially a more satisfying feedback. Depending on individual preferences and typing style, either switch can be chosen to suit different needs.
Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. If one prefers a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Silent Bluish White would be the more suitable option. However, for those who prefer a stronger and more substantial keystroke, the Ink Box Black would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, and it is up to the user to decide which characteristics best meet their needs and preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it is evident that the Ink Box Black has a slightly longer travel distance, measuring at 3.6 mm, while the Silent Bluish White has a distance of 3.5 mm. While this difference may seem minimal, it can still impact the overall typing experience. For those who prioritize a quicker response time, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Bluish White may be preferable. Gamers, in particular, tend to opt for shorter travel distances to enhance their speed during intense gameplay. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter distance to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the Ink Box Black. This additional depth can provide a more substantial and satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired 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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $5.15.
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 incredibly smooth and creamy feel. When typing on these switches, you can expect an exceptional level of smoothness and reduced resistance. The sound signature of the Ink Box Black is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, reminiscent of the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. This switch offers a tactile typing experience with a bit of a kick, making it suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced sound and feel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch offers a satisfying level of resistance when pressed, providing a precise and comfortable typing experience. These switches have a medium tactile feel and are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them ideal for environments such as offices or shared living spaces. The sound of the Silent Bluish White switches is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. With their buttery, mild, stepped, and subtle characteristics, these switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, while the Silent Bluish White delivers a muted sound with a buttery, mild, and stepped feel. Depending on your preferences, typing environment, and desired level of tactility, either switch can be a great choice. Both switches are well-regarded for their smoothness, and although they may not produce exactly the same sound and feel, they can both deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth and creamy feel, and you don't mind a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a satisfying level of resistance and a silent and muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch would be a better fit. The Silent Bluish Whites offer a precise and comfortable typing experience, without disturbing others around you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Choose the one that aligns with your typing style and workspace environment.
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