Gateron Ink Box Black vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Red. The Ink Box Black is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', it provides a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red is perfect for those seeking a seamless and quiet typing experience. It delivers a muted sound profile, making it ideal for use in office or shared living spaces. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished', these switches offer a consistent and comfortable feel throughout. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red differ in terms of their composition. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Box Black creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is often described as clacky. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness, making it particularly suitable for use with RGB lighting. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition.
Despite their material differences, both switches offer their unique sound characteristics. The INK blend housing of the Ink Box Black provides a satisfyingly thin and higher-pitched sound profile, while the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Although the top and bottom housings may have distinct effects on the overall sound experience, both switches can deliver an enjoyable auditory response. However, those seeking a switch with a clacky sound may lean towards the Ink Box Black, while those desiring a crisper sound and the option for RGB lighting might prefer the Silent Red.
When it comes to the tactile feel of the switches, the bottom housing plays a significant role. The characteristics of the bottom housing influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed down. In the case of the Ink Box Black, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer composition, resulting in a rounder and duller sound upon bottoming out. Conversely, the top housing primarily affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings of these switches differ, their impact on the overall sound and feel is distributed accordingly.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that they both fall under the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. However, there is a slight difference in their specific force measurements. The Ink Box Black requires an actuation force of 60 grams, while the Silent Red only needs 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force for the Ink Box Black is slightly higher at 70 grams, whereas the Silent Red measures 63.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing, the Silent Red switch would be the more suitable option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods, such as when using a work keyboard or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if one prefers a stronger push feel and desires a more substantial typing experience, the Ink Box Black switch would be the better choice due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a medium-heavy feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. It is important to consider the weight of the switches, as it can greatly impact typing comfort and endurance. Whether one prefers a lighter touch for prolonged typing or a heavier push for a more substantial typing feel, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Silent Red switches provide suitable options for different preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red 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 more popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Ink Box Black would be the suitable choice with its slightly shorter distance. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. For those seeking a deeper keypress experience, the Silent Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preference regarding responsiveness versus keypress depth.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 unique clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound profile brings to mind the sound of shaking a spray paint can. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it a great choice for office or shared living spaces where noise may be a concern. The Silent Red switch produces a softer and quieter sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Similarly, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Ink Box Black switch, the Silent Red switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Box Black and TTC Silent Red switches differ in sound and have a similar polished feel. The Ink Box Black delivers a clacky sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, while the Silent Red offers a muted sound profile perfect for quiet environments. Both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience with their polished feel. Whether you prefer the vibrant and percussive sound of the Ink Box Black or the quiet and smooth operation of the Silent Red, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the right choice for you. These switches are known for their exceptional typing feel, with descriptors like "silky" and "polished" highlighting their smoothness and refined finish. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Blacks will provide that energetic and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you value a quieter, more muted typing experience for office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect option. These switches offer a buttery and mild keystroke sensation, creating a seamless and effortless typing feel. With their muted sound profile, you can enjoy a softer and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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