Gateron Ink Box Black vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Strawberry 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 linear switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Strawberry, offer their own unique qualities that may appeal to different users.
The Ink Box Black is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel. It has a sound signature that reminds users of a spray paint can being shaken. This switch falls into the "Clacky," "High-pitched," "Silky," and "Polished" categories, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a tactile and precise typing experience.
On the other hand, the Strawberry switch stands out for its delectable appearance with attractive pink and clear housings. It offers a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With its "Low-pitched," "Frictionless," "Silky," "Buttery," and "Polished" categorization, it is designed to provide a pleasant and consistent typing experience.
However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Strawberry have different housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switch. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Strawberry uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound. While both materials result in a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, the Ink Box Black's INK blend offers a slightly different sound compared to the Strawberry's polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Ink Box Black utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as the top housing, while the Strawberry features a polycarbonate bottom housing. The INK blend brings its characteristic pointed and high-pitched sound profile to the bottom-out sound and feel of the Ink Box Black. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate housing of the Strawberry is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects.
Overall, although both switches have differing materials for their top and bottom housings, they deliver similar results in terms of a satisfying and clacky sound profile. The choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Strawberry will depend on personal preferences and whether you prioritize a specific sound profile or aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ink Box Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier to activate. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Black requires 70 grams of force, while the Strawberry requires 62 grams. This means that the Ink Box Black is also slightly heavier to fully press down. Overall, the Ink Box Black provides a medium-heavy typing experience with a noticeable push feel, whereas the Strawberry offers a medium typing experience with a lighter touch. Depending on personal preferences, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Ink Box Black, while those who prefer a lighter typing feel can opt for the Strawberry. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium weight range, so they will yield similar results in terms of typing endurance and gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Strawberry switch is longer than the Ink Box Black switch. The Strawberry switch has a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Box Black switch offers a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.6 mm.
The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, the Ink Box Black switch with its shorter travel distance could be the better option for you. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and may prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a deeper, more satisfying keystroke. In this case, the KTT Strawberry switch with its 4 mm travel distance would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, understanding your own preferences and requirements will help you determine which switch is the right fit for you.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is best known for producing a clacky sound when pressed. The sharp and snappy sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, the sound signature is high-pitched, which means it produces a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound. This type of switch typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as silky and polished. A silky switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, a polished switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch provides a fluid and seamless typing sensation.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Black and KTT Strawberry linear switches have different sound profiles. The Ink Box Black has a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Strawberry has a low-pitched sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer a smooth and silky typing experience. The Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished, while the Strawberry is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. It is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen to determine the best switch for individual needs. However, if you prefer a smooth and silky typing experience, both switches are likely to provide similar results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Ink Box Black with its 70-gram force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Strawberry with its 62-gram force may be more suitable.
In terms of sound, the Ink Box Black offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which can be crisp, bright, and percussive. If you enjoy a more rich and bassy sound, the Strawberry, with its low-pitched sound, may be more to your liking.
When it comes to feel, both switches offer a silky and polished typing experience. However, the Strawberry is described as frictionless and buttery, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing sensation. If you prioritize a fluid travel and a seamless typing experience, the Strawberry switch may be the better option for you.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Strawberry have their unique qualities and strengths. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your priorities and test out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
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