Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Jwick Splash Brothers. The Ink Box Black is well-known for its smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. Categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished, this linear switch offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers, like the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, are linear "speed" switches that stand out with their shorter activation and long pole stem, resulting in a fantastic typing feel. With a creamy sound signature, the Splash Brothers are classified as neutral, mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can ultimately decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ significantly. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. The thin and higher-pitched sound is often described as being clacky. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, leads to a more resonant and clear sound. If you plan to use RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing is particularly beneficial due to its translucency. Therefore, these two switches have distinct sound profiles due to the variation in their top housing materials.
Additionally, the bottom housing materials of the Ink Box Black and the Splash Brothers also differ. The Ink Box Black utilizes its proprietary INK blend, which maintains the pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Splash Brothers employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the Splash Brothers offers a sound experience that is somewhat duller and rounder than the Ink Box Black. These disparities in bottom housing materials contribute to the distinctive acoustic qualities of each switch.
When comparing the overall sound and feel of the two switches, it is important to consider how the top and bottom housings interact. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Since the top and bottom housing materials of the Ink Box Black and the Splash Brothers differ, their sound characteristics are split between the two parts. As a result, pressing down on the Ink Box Black switch will offer a different sound and feel compared to the Splash Brothers switch. Despite these variations, it is worth noting that both switches provide a satisfying and clacky sound experience, albeit with different nuances.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are notable 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. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is unavailable, but its bottom out force is 48 grams, classifying it as a light switch.
Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may opt for the Jwick Splash Brothers switch. The lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or prolonged gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch offers a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. This heavier force would be favored by individuals who desire a more tactile response from their keyboard.
In cases where both the actuation force and bottom out force are the same, users can expect similar results from both switches. However, in this particular comparison, the Gateron Ink Box Black is the heavier of the two switches, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers is lighter in terms of bottom out force. These distinctions should be taken into account by users when selecting a switch that aligns with their personal preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we find that the Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which have gained popularity in recent times. Gamers, in particular, prefer shorter travel distances as they offer faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick and responsive key presses, the Splash Brothers switch would be a suitable choice. However, it is worth noting that some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, and they may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying keystroke. In this case, the Ink Box Black switch, with its slightly longer travel distance, would be more suitable. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness or a more hearty keystroke 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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 and the Jwick Splash Brothers have different sound profiles. The Ink Box Black is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers has a more neutral sound profile. It offers a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes, making it suitable for beginners or advanced users, whether at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black and the Splash Brothers also have distinct qualities. The Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished. This means that it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the switch adds to the sleekness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, and subtle. These qualities indicate a more gentle typing experience with a responsive and lively feel. The keys provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a sense of rebound when pressed. The subtleness of the switch also means that it has a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Jwick Splash Brothers have different sound and feel qualities. The Ink Box Black offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers provide a more neutral sound with a mild, snappy, bouncy, and subtle feel. While they have distinct characteristics, both switches offer smooth typing experiences. If you prefer the sound of the Ink Box Black, you can expect similar smoothness in the typing feel, but with a different sound profile. Similarly, if you prefer the feel of the Splash Brothers, you can expect a similar smooth typing experience, but with a different feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is a great choice. It has a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a satisfying level of resistance. The sound signature of the Ink Box Black is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a great typing feel, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is worth considering. It has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it lighter and easier to press. The Splash Brothers switches are known for their shorter activation combined with a long pole stem, resulting in a smooth and responsive typing experience. The sound signature of the Splash Brothers is described as neutral, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and Jwick Splash Brothers switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a medium-heavy switch with a sharp and clacky sound, go for the Ink Box Black. If you prefer a lighter switch with a neutral sound profile and a great typing feel, the Splash Brothers is a solid option. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so consider your desired feel and sound when making your decision.
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