Gateron Ink Box Black vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Blacks are known for their incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches stand out for their use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a remarkably smooth and creamy experience. Acoustically, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches deliver a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets them apart from the competition. 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

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. The proprietary INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black is characterized by a pointed sound profile, while the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream uses special mixed materials to achieve a similar effect. This results in a thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky for both switches.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Black utilizes its proprietary INK blend, which contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK material for its bottom housing, known for its smoothness, durability, and shock resistance. While the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black focuses on sound characteristics, the POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream's bottom housing enhances the switch's durability and overall performance.

Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each switch. While both switches offer a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, they differ in the materials used for their top and bottom housings. The INK blend of the Ink Box Black emphasizes sound characteristics, while the POK material of the Vanilla Ice Cream enhances durability and smoothness. Whether you prefer a switch with a focus on sound or one with enhanced durability, both the Ink Box Black and the Vanilla Ice Cream offer a premium typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Vanilla Ice Cream is lighter while the Ink Box Black is heavier. The actuation force of the Ink Box Black is 60 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Black is 70 grams, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream has a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, whereas the Ink Box Black offers a more substantial push feel, ideal for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Ink Box Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream may be the better choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a bit more depth in the keypress, the Ink Box Black with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for your typing or gaming style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can, providing a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch produces a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that sets it apart from the competition, delivering a clean and sharp auditory sensation similar to tapping on marble or billiard balls colliding. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Ink Box Black leaning towards a sharper tone while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a more resonant and marbly sound.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering minimal resistance and enhanced smoothness with each key press and release. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, resembling the smooth and fluid keystroke experience of gliding fingers across keys effortlessly. Both switches prioritize a silky and buttery feel, with the Ink Box Black focusing on enhancing smoothness through materials and factory lubing and the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizing a seamless and uniform typing sensation akin to effortlessly melting into each keystroke.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Black provides a sharp and clacky sound with a silky and polished typing experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profile coupled with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that both options guarantee a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a high-pitched, clacky sound with a silky and polished typing feel, the Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a high-pitched, marbly, resonant sound, and a buttery, creamy typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more