Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gazzew U4. Each switch offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Ink Box Black is known for its exceptionally smooth and creamy feel, resembling the sensation of shaking a spray paint can. With a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, it provides a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is an exciting choice for those seeking a silent tactile switch. It offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while also delivering a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. The U4s possess a muted, low-pitched sound profile, ensuring a whisper-quiet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gazzew U4 switches offer distinct characteristics and sound profiles. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, which is described as clacky. In contrast, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both switches have different sound profiles, they are both satisfying in their own ways.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the INK blend of the Ink Box Black and the Gazzew blend of the U4 provide contrasting qualities. The INK blend in the Ink Box Black offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing, which contributes to a clacky feel. On the other hand, the U4's Gazzew blend is known as "boba plastic" and delivers a soft and deep sound profile. This softness adds a different layer of satisfaction to the typing experience with the U4 switch.
The impact of the different housing materials can be felt when using the switches. Pressing down on the switch allows one to feel the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. As such, the bottom housing of the Ink Box Black and U4 switches will provide different tactile experiences. Conversely, the top housing has more impact on the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the sound profile upon key release will differ between the Ink Box Black and the U4, reflecting the characteristics of their respective top housing materials.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Gazzew U4 switches provide divergent sound profiles and tactile experiences. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black offers a pointed and clacky sound, while the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4 provides a rich and deep sound profile. The bottom housings also contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the Ink Box Black emphasizing a clacky feel and the U4 offering a softer and deeper sound. Overall, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences, but with distinct qualities attributed to their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it becomes clear that they have distinct differences. The Ink Box Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the U4's lighter 43 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is also heavier at 70 grams, while the U4 measures at a slightly lighter 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be the better choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, users can enjoy longer typing periods without straining their fingers. This makes it ideal for work environments or extended gaming sessions where comfort is a priority.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. This caters to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, offering a sense of reliability and increased accuracy during typing. While not as light as the U4, the Ink Box Black's actuation and bottom out forces still fall within the medium-heavy range.
Although the forces vary between the two switches, those seeking similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces could choose either switch depending on their preference. While the Ink Box Black provides a heavier experience and the U4 presents a lighter one, both switches deliver a medium-level performance overall. Ultimately, the decision of which switch to choose will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch 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 feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and reliable tactile experience with their identical travel distances. So, whether you prefer the linear feel of the Ink Box Black or the tactile feedback of the U4, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance when using either switch.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound. Its sharp and snappy sound when pressed is often described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile. With its silent tactile design, it minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, resulting in a whisper quiet sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, the Ink Box Black provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the U4 offers a muted and low-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its silky and polished characteristics. The switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Its polished finish contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a sharp and intense tactile bump with each keypress. This strong and crisp feedback intensifies the typing experience, allowing users to distinctly feel the tactile bump. Therefore, the Ink Box Black offers a smoother and more refined typing experience, while the U4 delivers a sharper and more pronounced tactile bump.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a silky and polished feel. On the other hand, the U4 offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, coupled with a sharp and intense tactile bump. The overall choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired. If you prefer a sharp and exhilarating typing experience with a more intense tactile feedback, the U4 may be the better option. However, if you value a smoother and refined typing feel with a crisper and brighter sound, the Ink Box Black is more suitable. Keep in mind that personal preferences, along with factors like keyboard and keycap choices, will ultimately influence the final decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother and heavier linear switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be an excellent choice for you. These switches provide a creamy and smooth typing experience and produce a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force and a muted and low-pitched sound profile, the Gazzew U4 would be a great option. The U4s offer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while also providing an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation. Additionally, they have a whisper-quiet sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, desired bottom out force, and sound profile.
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