Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Durock White Lotus

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Durock White Lotus. The Ink Box Black is a linear switch, known for its smooth and creamy feel while typing. This switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that may remind you of shaking a spray paint can. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed with the discerning typist in mind. It offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and captivating RGB lighting effects. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Durock White Lotus differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for producing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, offering a unique and premium feel. While both housing materials provide a satisfying typing experience, the Ink Box Black's top housing may result in a slightly sharper sound compared to the White Lotus.

In terms of bottom housing, the Ink Box Black and the White Lotus again differ in their materials. The Ink Box Black utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is similar to its top housing - pointed, high-pitched, and clacky. In contrast, the White Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which tends to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound when compared to the Ink Box Black.

While the top and bottom housing materials may differ between the Ink Box Black and the White Lotus, they both contribute to the overall typing experience. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, despite the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, though the Ink Box Black may offer a slightly sharper and clackier sound profile compared to the White Lotus.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are a few notable differences to consider. Starting with the actuation force, the Ink Box Black requires 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the White Lotus requires a lighter 46 grams. This means that the White Lotus provides a slightly more sensitive and responsive typing experience, requiring less force to register a key press.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ink Box Black has a higher force requirement of 70 grams compared to the White Lotus' 56 grams. This indicates that the Ink Box Black switch offers a slightly more substantial typing feel, as it requires more force to fully depress the keys.

In terms of weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the White Lotus switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. The lighter weights make it more suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming periods. On the contrary, if a stronger push feel is desired, the Ink Box Black switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces would be a better choice. This provides a more robust and satisfying typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch offers a medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force, while the Durock White Lotus switch presents a medium-light force requirement. Both switches provide unique characteristics for different preferences, with the Ink Box Black offering a heavier and more substantial typing experience and the White Lotus providing a lighter and more sensitive typing feel. Whether one prefers lighter or heavier switches, there are suitable options available in these two switches to cater to individual preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the White Lotus is longer than the Ink Box Black. The traditional travel distance is 4.0 mm, which is what the White Lotus falls under. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with greater depth and feedback. In such cases, the longer travel distance of the White Lotus would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are best described as clacky and high-pitched. When pressed, they produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches have a low-pitched sound profile. They offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The White Lotus switches can be considered neutral in terms of sound, with a moderate sound profile that suits most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are best described as silky and polished. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Durock White Lotus switches, on the other hand, are easy-to-press. They offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches can be considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. They also have a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel while being suitable for shared spaces.

Based on the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Black and Durock White Lotus switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound, while providing a silky and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches have a low-pitched sound profile, with an easy-to-press and gentle typing feel. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways. If you are looking for a smoother and polished typing experience, along with a crisper sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more tactile typing experience, with a mellower sound, the Durock White Lotus switches would be a great option.

Conclusion

In closing, 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 satisfying typing experience with their silky and polished feel, minimizing resistance and enhancing smoothness. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Durock White Lotus would be the perfect fit. These switches offer a delicate tactility, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions. With their easy-to-press, mild, and subtle characteristics, the White Lotus switches provide a comfortable and low-impact typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference for weight, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Durock White Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more