Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TKC Kiwi. The Ink Box Pink is renowned for its smooth and lighter typing feel compared to other switches, while also offering a higher-pitched clack that adds a unique charm to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kiwi switches are designed to enhance your typing experience with a satisfying medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These switches provide a snappy sound profile, creating an immersive typing experience. They are also lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TKC Kiwi have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a satisfyingly thin and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE material for both its top and bottom housing. UHWMPE is a newer material known for its bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing. While both switches provide a clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink may offer a slightly higher-pitched sound compared to the Kiwi's brighter sound.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Ink Box Pink and the TKC Kiwi aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience. The bottom housing of each switch plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. The Ink Box Pink's INK blend bottom housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall clacky feel. Similarly, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing enhances the resonant clacks and provides a distinct sound signature. While the bottom housing makes a significant impact on the switch, the top housing is responsible for the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink and the UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi contribute different qualities to the overall sound profile.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TKC Kiwi showcase differences in their housing materials. While the Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE material. These variations result in distinct sound signatures, with the Ink Box Pink offering a pointed and higher-pitched clack and the Kiwi delivering a bright and resonant sound. However, both switches prioritize producing a satisfying clacky typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing allows each material to contribute unique qualities, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Kiwi's actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Kiwi is heavier with a force of 67 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ink Box Pink may be a better choice as it requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the TKC Kiwi. With its heavier bottom out force, it provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more pronounced and satisfying tactile experience when typing.
In terms of weight, the Ink Box Pink is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force when compared to the Kiwi. However, both switches fall within the medium range of force, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and overall feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force, with the Ink Box Pink being slightly lighter and the Kiwi offering a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kiwi has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Box Pink falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a popular choice for gamers who prioritize faster response times and a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch offers a slightly deeper and more substantial keystroke with its longer travel distance. This can be appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced and satisfying feeling when typing. Overall, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a shorter, more responsive keystroke or a longer, more substantial one.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. The clacky nature of these switches produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving a crisp and bright auditory experience. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile of the Ink Box Pink switch offers a sharp and crisp sound that may be preferred by those who do not enjoy richer and bassier sound profiles.
On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch is described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically deliver a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can be soothing to the ears. The neutral sound profile of the Kiwi switch indicates a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and users.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known to provide a silky and polished typing experience. The silky nature of these switches enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished finish of the Ink Box Pink switch further contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the TKC Kiwi switch offers a polished feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The materials used and/or factory lubing of the Kiwi switch contribute to its smoothness and reduced friction, providing effortless and pleasant typing right out of the box. In terms of tactile feel, the Kiwi switch is described as accented and stepped. The accented nature of these switches indicates a medium tactile experience that is prominent but not overwhelming, providing a satisfying amount of tactility. The stepped feature refers to the two-stage feeling of the tactile bump, where some pre-travel and/or post-travel can be felt.
To conclude, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, as well as a silky and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a polished and accented/stepped tactile feel. While they differ in sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer smoothness and a satisfying typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, whether one prefers a snappy and high-pitched sound or a bass-heavy and mellow tone, or a silky smooth or accented/stepped tactile feel, each switch can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and lighter typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium to medium-strong tactile bump at the top of each key press, with a low-pitched and snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be the ideal option. In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink offers a silky and polished typing experience with reduced friction, while the Kiwi provides a stepped and accented tactile feel, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. Ultimately, depending on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile, you can make an informed decision between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TKC Kiwi switches.
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