Gateron Ink Box Black vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are plenty of options to choose from. Two popular choices, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Brown, offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. With a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, it provides a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. One of the standout features of these switches is their muted sound profile, making them ideal for those who prioritize a quiet work environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Brown switches exhibit noticeable differences. The Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Silent Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a more resonant and clear sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both produce higher-pitched sounds, the Ink Box Black's INK blend offers a less sharp sound compared to the Silent Brown's polycarbonate housing.
In terms of bottom housing, the Ink Box Black and the Silent Brown also showcase distinct characteristics. The Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This clacky sound is consistent with the top housing's qualities. In contrast, the Silent Brown incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown contributes to its unique sound characteristics, differing from the Ink Box Black's INK blend.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches is split between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing are predominant in the bottom-out sound and feel. The Silent Brown, with its nylon bottom housing, will have a deeper and fuller feel compared to the Ink Box Black's INK blend. However, upon releasing a key, the top housing influences the sound. The Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound when compared to the Ink Box Black's INK blend, which offers a less sharp sound. Despite these differences, both switches share the characteristic of higher-pitched sounds influenced by their respective top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Gateron Ink Box Black has a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Brown's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Ink Box Black requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Silent Brown's bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Brown switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation can be beneficial for those who use their keyboard extensively for work or gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ink Box Black switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. These heavier forces can provide a satisfying and deliberate keystroke, ideal for individuals who appreciate a robust typing experience.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ slightly, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Brown offer a medium-heavy force range, providing a similar outcome for users seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Ink Box Black. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common and 3.0 mm being the shallowest, the Silent Brown provides just a touch more depth.
For those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black may be preferable as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and pronounced feel when pressing down on keys may opt for the Silent Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth one is seeking in their 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 Brown 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 Brown for $5.00.
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 linear switch is best known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp, snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a more distinctive and sharp sound, the Ink Box Black would be a great choice, whereas the Silent Brown offers a more subdued and muted typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is characterized as silky and polished. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The smooth and refined finish of the Ink Box Black switches results in a sleek typing experience, thanks to the materials used or factory lubing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the Ink Box Black, the Silent Brown switch also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Ink Box Black leaning towards an exceptionally smooth feel and the Silent Brown offering a more gentle and approachable experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a silky and polished feel for an exceptionally smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a muted sound profile and a buttery and mild typing experience, also featuring a polished finish for smooth key travel. While both switches have their unique characteristics, they provide enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences in their own ways. If you're seeking a more distinctive and sharp sound with a silky smooth feel, the Ink Box Black would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a quieter and more gentle typing experience with a buttery feel, the Silent Brown switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which can be desirable if you prefer sharp and crisp sound when typing. Additionally, the Ink Box Black switches have a silky and polished feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches provide a buttery and mild typing sensation, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Furthermore, the Silent Brown switches have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Box Black and TTC Silent Brown switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a linear switch with a clacky sound profile and a smooth feel, go for the Ink Box Black. However, if you prefer a tactile switch with a muted sound profile and a buttery feel, choose the Silent Brown. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, so it's important to consider your typing style and preferences when making a decision.
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