Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Black is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature resembling the shaking of a spray paint can. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its affordability and quality, providing a thocky sound, smooth operation, and a lightweight touch. While the Ink Box Black leans towards being clacky and high-pitched, the Smoothie is described as buttery, low-pitched, and subdued. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Gateron Smoothie switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black produces a thinner and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound characteristics can greatly impact the overall typing or gaming experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black shares similar qualities with the top housing, providing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, complementing the top housing's sound profile. This combination of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches allows for a diverse sound experience depending on the specific switch being used.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Box Black and Smoothie switches, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The use of proprietary INK blend and POM materials in the top and bottom housings result in distinct typing or gaming experiences, with the Ink Box Black delivering a sharper and clacky sound and the Smoothie providing a deeper and more muted sound. Whether users prefer a thinner, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, mellower sound, both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience with their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, the difference in actuation force is quite significant. The Ink Box Black has an actuation force of 60 grams, making it heavier than the Smoothie, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Smoothie will require less pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ink Box Black. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. The Smoothie is likely to be lighter in this aspect since its actuation force is lighter as well. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the heavier actuation force of the Ink Box Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing pressure and key feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches provide a consistent and smooth keystroke experience due to their identical travel distances. Therefore, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key feel and performance when using either of these switches.
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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, resembling the noise of a shaken spray paint can. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, with a subdued quality that provides a more mellow tone. The difference in sound between these two switches is quite noticeable, with the Ink Box Black offering a sharper and brighter sound compared to the deeper and more satisfying sound of the Smoothie.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering minimal resistance and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, allowing for a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Both switches are known for their smoothness, but the Smoothie switch may have a slight edge in terms of providing a more fluid and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, while both the Gateron Ink Box Black and Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer incredibly smooth typing experiences, they differ in their sound profiles. The Ink Box Black leans towards a sharper and clacky sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can, while the Smoothie delivers a deep, thocky sound with a more subdued quality. When it comes to feel, both switches provide a silky and polished typing experience, but the Smoothie switch may offer a slightly smoother and more buttery feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both will provide a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a sharp, clacky sound with a high-pitched profile, the Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with unknown bottom out force and appreciate a thocky, low-pitched, or subdued sound with a silky or buttery smooth feel, then the Gateron Smoothie could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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