Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Kang White are two popular linear options to consider. The Ink Box Pink is best known for its beautiful translucent design and lighter typing feel compared to other switches. It offers a higher-pitched clack that adds a unique touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Kang White is renowned for being an exquisite representation of a poppy linear switch, providing a dazzling typing sound. What sets it apart is the unparalleled smoothness it offers, thanks to its self-lubricating material. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the key characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Kang White switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. This unique blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile without being overly sharp. In contrast, the Kang White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate adds to the clear and resonant sound production. Aesthetically, both switches differ as the Ink Box Pink's top housing is not clear, while the Kang White's polycarbonate housing allows for the use of RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the switches, the Ink Box Pink and the Kang White offer different experiences. The Ink Box Pink utilizes its proprietary INK blend, resulting in a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. This creates a satisfying, clacky sound that complements the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Kang White employs a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Kang White switch provides a more mellow typing experience due to the characteristics of its nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall impact of housing materials, both switches showcase how the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In this regard, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend and the Kang White's nylon bottom housing offer distinct experiences. However, the top housing plays a greater role in determining the sound when a key is released. This means that the Ink Box Pink's INK blend and the Kang White's polycarbonate housing contribute to the unique sound profiles when keys are released, with the INK blend offering a thin and higher-pitched sound and the polycarbonate producing a sharper and crisper sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, some similarities and differences can be observed. In terms of actuation force, the Ink Box Pink requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Kang White requires 45 grams. Although the Kang White is slightly lighter, both switches fall into the medium force category. As for bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams of force to fully press down, while the Kang White requires 58 grams. Again, the Kang White is slightly lighter in this aspect as well. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience with medium force requirements. For those who prefer a lighter touch and longer typing sessions, the Kang White would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing feel is desired, the Ink Box Pink with its slightly heavier forces may be preferable.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In this case, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Kang White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Kang White.
A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered the most traditional, while a travel distance of 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, the preference for shorter travel distances has become prevalent, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you value a highly responsive keystroke, the Ink Box Pink with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring a deeper keystroke. In such cases, the Kang White, with its longer travel distance, would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the level of tactile feedback desired.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its clacky and higher-pitched sound. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches, making it suitable for various purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, which can further enhance or modify the sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for offering a silky and polished typing experience. These switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, there is no available information on the feel of the KTT Kang White switch.
Taking into account the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clacky sound, accompanied by a silky and polished feel. Meanwhile, information regarding the KTT Kang White switch's sound and feel is unknown. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with similar smoothness and a lighter typing feel, along with a high-pitched clacky sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a low-pitched and potentially more neutral sound profile, along with an unknown feel, the KTT Kang White switch might be worth considering. It is important to explore further resources and gather more insights from the keyboard community to make an informed decision based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a lighter typing feel and enjoy a higher-pitched clack when typing, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. These smooth and beautiful translucent switches provide a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a dazzling typing sound with a self-lubricating material for unparalleled smoothness, the KTT Kang White linear switch would be a great option. With a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, these switches offer a poppy linear typing experience. The Ink Box Pink produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Kang White offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink is silky and polished, providing minimal resistance and enhanced smoothness, while the Kang White does not have a specific description in terms of feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your individual preferences for typing experience and sound profiles.
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