Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Kailh BCP offer two distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The Gateron Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its sleek, polished feel and a higher-pitched clack that provides a refreshing typing experience, making it a strong candidate for those who appreciate a lighter touch and clarity in sound. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP reinvents the beloved Black Cherry Pie switch with custom-molded technology that promises a creamy, elastic, and bouncy feel, producing a distinctive poppy sound that many find satisfying. While both switches fall into the linear category and aim for smooth keystrokes, their sound profiles and tactile sensations cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Ink Box Pink's silky, high-pitched clack and the BCP's unique bouncy feedback hinges on individual typing style and sound preferences. 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
50g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches and the Kailh BCP switches, a notable difference emerges in the type of materials used in their constructions. The Gateron Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Users often describe it as a clacky sound that is satisfying and sharp but not overly harsh. In contrast, the Kailh BCP employs nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts sharply with the Ink Box Pink's higher-pitched tone. This fundamental difference in materials leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing or gaming on switches from either brand.
The impact of housing material on the sound profile of a switch is particularly significant. Gateron's INK blend allows the Ink Box Pink to deliver a higher-pitched, clacky sound that is keenly felt when the switch is released. Meanwhile, the nylon housing of the BCP dampens sound to produce a rounder and less pronounced auditory feedback, which is more subdued when keys are released. This distinction creates different vibes for the user experience; the Ink Box Pink's acoustic feedback can enhance a lively typing experience, while the Kailh BCP offers a more muted, pleasant sound for those who prefer a softer auditory backdrop while typing.
When considering how each switch performs, it becomes clear that the intrinsic qualities of the housing materials dictate their respective results. For instance, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink is likely to be brighter and more dynamic due to its distinctive INK blend, users of the Kailh BCP can expect a smoother, less intrusive sound profile thanks to nylon's variance in sound absorption. Despite these differences, both switches excel in their intended applications, showing that while the top and bottom housing materials may change the character of the sound produced, each has its unique allure that appeals to different preferences in mechanical switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the BCP’s 52 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink also comes in lighter at 60 grams, while the BCP has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that while both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink offers a more forgiving experience, which might appeal to casual users, whereas the Kailh BCP, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may be favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a sturdier typing experience. Thus, for those who prioritize comfort and longevity during use, the Ink Box Pink is the preferred choice, while those seeking a more substantial feel may lean towards the BCP.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the BCP measures at 3.5 mm. This means that the Ink Box Pink offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress and a sense of depth while typing. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the BCP might be more attractive for gamers and users seeking faster response times, as a shorter travel can provide a more immediate feedback when pressing keys. While both switches fall within a range that is generally considered suitable for various types of users, the Ink Box Pink offers a fraction more distance, allowing for a more tactile experience compared to the slightly quicker BCP.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Pink for $7.65.
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 Pink switch is characterized by a distinctively high-pitched and clacky audio profile. This quality produces a bright, snappy sound that is crisp and percussive, making typing highly audible and satisfying for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switch, while sharing some similarities in the clacky aspect, emphasizes a poppy and clacky sound profile, akin to the traditional Black Cherry Pie switches. This suggests that both switches offer a lively sound experience, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate engaging keystrokes. However, the exact pitch and resonance may differ, ultimately depending on various factors like keyboard construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink switches stand out for their silky and polished typing experience. The smooth, refined action minimizes resistance during key presses, making for a truly effortless and pleasant tactile engagement. This results in a typing experience that feels seamless, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes. Meanwhile, the feel of the Kailh BCP switches is described as creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy. This combination indicates a unique typing sensation that is distinct from the Ink Box Pink's smoothness but still aims to deliver an enjoyable interaction. While both switches offer more engaging experiences than typical linear switches, the specific tactile feedback will appeal to different preferences.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Kailh BCP linear switches present unique qualities that can satisfy different typing desires. While the Ink Box Pink features a high-pitched clacky sound and silky, polished feel, the BCP offers a poppy audio profile with a bouncy tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel. Users can expect an engaging typing experience with both, but nuances in the auditory feedback and tactile engagement will likely guide their decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Kailh BCP linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smoother and lighter touch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Pink is an excellent option for you. It's particularly suitable if you're looking for an enjoyable typing experience that minimizes resistance, making it great for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a unique, bouncy action and a poppy sound, the Kailh BCP switch may be the better fit. Its distinct auditory experience and elastic, creamy typing sensation can provide satisfying feedback, especially for users who appreciate a more dynamic key press. In essence, think about whether you would enjoy a smooth and gentle typing experience versus a bouncier, more tactile feel, and choose the switch that resonates most with your typing habits and auditory preferences.
Mentioned in this article
