Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Gateron Weightlessness stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Ink Box Black, a linear switch, is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, delivering a typing experience that is synonymous with a gentle glide, akin to the sound of a spray paint can being shaken. Its clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished sound profile makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate seamless keystrokes and minimal resistance, perfect for gaming or fast typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, a tactile switch, offers users a subtle to moderate tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with every press, catering to typists who enjoy a more pronounced interaction with their keyboard. Its balanced sound profile complements the tactile sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience without overwhelming noise. While the Ink Box Black excels in smoothness and speed, the Weightlessness focuses on feedback and engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Gateron Weightlessness, significant differences emerge that affect their acoustic properties and tactile experiences. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which produces a high-pitched and pointed sound profile that many users describe as satisfying and clacky. This characteristic sound is attributed to the rigidity of the INK blend, resulting in a sharper acoustic delivery. Conversely, the Weightlessness utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent softness of nylon gives it the ability to absorb sound more effectively than the harder plastics of the Ink Box Black, leading to a more rounded sound profile that many typists find appealing.
The contrasting properties of these housing materials also influence the overall typing experience. With the Ink Box Black's INK blend, both the top and bottom housing contribute to a more pronounced, higher-pitched sound, particularly evident during key release. This makes for an engaging typing experience for those who prefer a lively and resonant feedback. In contrast, the Weightlessness's nylon composition offers a smoother and more subdued acoustic feedback, with the sound profile leaning towards a softer thud rather than a sharp click. This difference impacts the bottom-out feel as well; for the Ink Box Black, the higher-pitched sound delivers a crisp termination, while the Weightlessness provides a fuller sensation that may be more satisfying for those who prioritize a cushioned feel.
Despite these differences, there are similarities in the end-user experience that stem from their unique constructions. If both switches were to be utilized in similar keyboard setups, the Ink Box Black would still provide a satisfying and engaging tactile sensation due to its sharp sound characteristics, while the Weightlessness would cater to those who enjoy a more rounded and deep auditory experience. Users transitioning between the two will find that while the specific sound profiles differ markedly, each switch is engineered to deliver enjoyment through tactile feedback and sound, ultimately creating unique yet satisfying typing results depending on user preference.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force that cater to different user preferences. The Ink Box Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that appeals to users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, particularly during extended usage such as work or gaming. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch, promoting comfort for long typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is listed as unavailable, meaning we cannot compare it directly to the Ink Box Black's measurable bottom out force. Ultimately, the Gateron Ink Box Black is the heavier switch, while the Weightlessness is lighter, presenting a clear choice for users based on their force preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Ink Box Black features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more traditional feel with a greater depth under your fingers, the Ink Box Black provides that with its longer travel distance. Conversely, the Weightlessness, being the shorter switch, may appeal more to gamers or those seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference, as the shorter Weightlessness might feel more abrupt for some users, while the longer Ink Box Black offers a more substantial keystroke experience.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Gateron Weightlessness switches, it is clear that the Ink Box Black leans towards a clacky and high-pitched sound signature. This sharp and snappy auditory feedback resembles the sound of a spray paint can being shaken, providing an engaging acoustic experience as you type. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches do not have a specified sound character, leaving some uncertainty about their acoustic performance. However, it is worth noting that the balanced sound profile of the Weightlessness switches is designed to complement their tactile qualities, potentially offering a softer, more muted sound compared to the lively tonality of the Ink Box Blacks.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness, described as silky and polished. This results in a typing experience that minimizes resistance and provides a luxurious key travel, making each keystroke feel effortless and delightful. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch is noted for offering a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which can provide a satisfying bump during typing, although the specific tactile feel is not elaborated upon. Thus, while the Ink Box Black emphasizes a silky smooth touch, the Weightlessness offers a more tactile experience, appealing to those who enjoy a noticeable response from their switches.
Overall, if you're seeking a switch with a pronounced and engaging sound experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black is a compelling choice, with its clacky and high-pitched profile enhancing the overall typing feel. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a unique tactile sensation that caters to users who prefer subtle feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and sound or a richer tactile response in your typing experience. Both switches have their merits, and understanding their characteristics will guide you towards the one that best suits your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, consider the primary factors of typing feel, sound, and your intended use. If you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Ink Box Black is the ideal choice. Its silky, polished feel and clacky, high-pitched sound profile create a delightful and engaging typing experience, making it particularly well-suited for fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions where tactile feedback isn’t a priority. On the other hand, if you enjoy a subtle to moderate tactile feel and desire a balanced sound profile that complements your typing without being overly loud or disruptive, the Gateron Weightlessness is the better option. This switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a bit of feedback without the harshness of a clacky sound. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value the smoothness and sound of the Ink Box Black over the tactile response and subdued sound of the Weightlessness.
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