Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Sunset Yellow are two excellent options to consider. The Ink Box Black is best known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, offering a satisfying typing experience. It has a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that is reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches are captivating with their Creamsicle-colored appearance and a rich, bassy sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. These switches provide a decadent typing experience and are suitable for a wide range of users due to their medium-weight. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of very short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities and benefits, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. This clacky sound is characterized as pointed but not overly sharp. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch utilizes a POM top housing, creating a deeper and relatively more muted sound. The POM housing delivers a unique and pleasing sound profile. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct sound experiences, the Ink Box Black leans towards a sharper, clacky sound, while the Sunset Yellow provides a deeper, more mellow tone.

The bottom housings of the Ink Box Black and the Sunset Yellow also differ in sound profiles. The proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black offers a sound profile that is similar to its top housing: thin, high-pitched, and clacky. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Sunset Yellow contributes to a deeper and relatively more muted sound. These distinct sound profiles from the bottom housing further differentiate the two switches in terms of their auditory experience. Therefore, depending on the user's preferences, they can choose between the Ink Box Black for its consistent clacky sound or the Sunset Yellow for a deeper and more muted tone.

While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Everglide Sunset Yellow bring different sound profiles to the switches, they both contribute to the overall tactile experience. When pressing down on either switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing become more notable, greatly impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound that is produced when releasing a key. Therefore, despite their contrasting materials, both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience but with different sound profiles depending on which housing material is more influential. Those seeking a more pronounced effect when bottoming out the keys might prefer the Ink Box Black, while those who value the sound when releasing a key may lean towards the Sunset Yellow.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Ink Box Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's lighter 43 grams. This means that the Ink Box Black requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is also heavier at 70 grams compared to the Sunset Yellow's 51 grams. This indicates that the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring more force to press all the way down.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sunset Yellow switch would be a suitable choice as it has a lighter actuation and bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone prefers a more substantial push feel, they should opt for the Ink Box Black switch with its heavier forces. This provides a satisfying and sturdy typing experience, ensuring that every keystroke is well-defined.

Although the forces of the two switches differ, it is worth mentioning that both the Ink Box Black and the Sunset Yellow switches fall within the medium range. This means that they offer a balance between lightness and heaviness, making them versatile options for different typing preferences. Regardless of the choice between the two switches, users can expect consistent and reliable actuation and bottom out results, albeit with varying weights.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch to the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we can observe a clear difference in their travel distances. The Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm.

Traditional travel distances tend to be around 4.0 mm, offering a balanced depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, more shallow travel distances of around 3.0 mm have gained popularity in recent years, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this regard, the Sunset Yellow switch may be favored by those seeking a heightened level of responsiveness.

However, it is worth noting that shorter travel distances can also feel somewhat abrupt, potentially impacting the overall typing experience for some users. For individuals who prefer a more substantial and deeper keystroke, the Ink Box Black switch, with its slightly longer travel distance, may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience - whether one prioritizes responsiveness or a more fulfilling keystroke depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The sound they produce is sharp, crisp, and percussive, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer a bassy and thocky sound. These Creamsicle-colored switches create a rich and decadent sound, resembling the collision of mahjong tiles. The sound is deeper, has a lower frequency range, and provides a satisfying typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer unique sound qualities, with the Ink Box Black being clacky and high-pitched, while the Sunset Yellow is bassy and thocky.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are known for their silky and polished typing experience. These switches provide an exceptionally smooth and refined feel, minimizing resistance and enhancing typing comfort. The Everglide Sunset Yellow switches, on the other hand, offer a creamy and frictionless typing experience. They feel smooth, buttery, and effortless to type on, as if gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Additionally, both switches also have a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method of the Sunset Yellow switches contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the Ink Box Black switches are exceptionally smooth and creamy. Overall, both switches offer a luxurious and satisfying typing experience, with the Ink Box Black providing a silky feel, while the Sunset Yellow offers a creamy and frictionless sensation.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound, coupled with a silky and polished feel. Meanwhile, the Sunset Yellow switches produce a bassy and thocky sound, with a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel. Both switches provide a unique and indulgent typing experience, making typing a pleasure. It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the two, as the sound and feel can greatly impact the overall typing satisfaction. However, if you prefer a spray paint can-like sound and a silky feel, the Ink Box Black switches can deliver similar results to the Sunset Yellow switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, as well as a silky and polished feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a bassy and thocky sound profile, along with a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing experience to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more