Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gazzew U4Tx. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch, known for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel. Its sound signature is reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, offering a clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx is a tactile switch that combines the best of both worlds. Its ingeniously designed sound profile delivers a cleaner and refined typing experience. With a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, and a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out, each press provides a sharp, satisfying tactile bump. The U4Tx switch is categorized as bassy, muted, and sharp. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, offering a luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gazzew U4Tx switches differ in their housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Ink Box Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings, which create a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Users often describe this sound as clacky, providing a satisfying thin and higher-pitched typing experience. In comparison, the U4Tx utilizes Gazzew's proprietary blend plastic, known as "boba plastic," for both its top and bottom housings. This material delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness, offering a distinct typing sensation.
While the Ink Box Black and U4Tx switches have different housing materials, they do share a somewhat similar sound profile. Both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience with their unique characteristics. The Ink Box Black's INK blend top housing produces a relatively high-pitched sound, which can be likened to the rich and deep sound profile of the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top housing. Although the materials differ, users can still expect a satisfying clacky typing experience from the Ink Box Black and a deep, soft sound profile from the U4Tx.
It's important to note that the housing materials of a switch can impact various aspects of the typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable. The Ink Box Black's INK blend bottom housing contributes to the pointed and relatively high-pitched sound during bottom-out. On the other hand, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend bottom housing, known as "boba plastic," enhances the overall sound profile, making it deeper and more robust. Meanwhile, the top housing of the switches influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Although these switches have different top housing materials, they both contribute to their respective satisfying sound profiles when keys are released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Gateron Ink Box Black requires 60 grams, while the Gazzew U4Tx's value is unknown. However, both switches fall under the category of medium-heavy actuation force. This means that they provide a substantial push feel for those who prefer a stronger typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Black has a slightly heavier force of 70 grams compared to the Gazzew U4Tx's 65 grams. This indicates that the Gateron switch requires slightly more pressure to fully press down and reach the bottoming out state.
Considering the weight of the switches, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx, as the actuation force is unknown, potentially offering a lighter touch. This could be advantageous for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions, providing comfort and reducing fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Gateron Ink Box Black, as it requires a higher actuation force, providing a more pronounced keystroke experience.
In summary, while the actuation force information is incomplete for the Gazzew U4Tx, both switches can be categorized as medium-heavy in this aspect. The Gateron Ink Box Black has a slightly heavier bottom out force, while the Gazzew U4Tx may potentially offer a lighter touch, making it suitable for those seeking extended typing comfort. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference for typing feel and desired weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel, providing a consistent typing experience. Despite being manufactured by different companies, these switches offer an equal amount of travel distance, ensuring that users can achieve similar results regardless of their choice.
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 U4Tx 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 and the Gazzew U4Tx offer contrasting experiences. The Ink Box Black is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. Pressing these switches produces a sharp and snappy sound, with a crisp and bright quality. On the other hand, the U4Tx provides a cleaner and more refined sound. It combines the deep and resonant "thock" of the U4T when bottoming out with the whisper-quiet stealth of the U4 when topping out. Each keypress delivers a sharp and satisfying tactile bump, resulting in an acoustically pleasing and luxurious typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black offers a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The smooth and refined finish of the Ink Box Black enhances the overall typing feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the U4Tx provides a sharp tactile feedback. The switch's intense and crisp tactile bump can be distinctly felt with each and every keypress, adding a satisfying tactile element to the typing experience.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gazzew U4Tx offer distinct sound and feel profiles, they both excel in their respective qualities. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel, while the U4Tx delivers a cleaner and more refined sound with a sharp tactile feedback. Choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Ink Box Black offering a more crisp and bright sound, and a smooth and refined feel, while the U4Tx provides a richer and deeper sound, coupled with a sharp tactile bump. Whichever switch is chosen, both will offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and creamy linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the Gateron Ink Box Black would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which can be crisp and bright. In terms of feel, they provide a silky and polished typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing smoothness.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Gazzew U4Tx is worth considering. These switches boast a refined sound profile, producing a deep and resonant "thock" when bottoming out, along with a whisper-quiet stealth when topping out. Each keypress delivers a sharp and satisfying tactile bump for a luxurious typing experience. The U4Tx switches provide a bassy sound profile and a muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to other mechanical switches. While they don't offer the same level of smoothness as the Ink Box Black, they provide a sharp and distinct tactile feedback with each keypress.
Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize smoothness and a linear switch, the Ink Box Black would be a solid option. However, if you desire a tactile switch with a refined sound profile and sharp feedback, the U4Tx would be a great fit. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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