Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often gravitate toward unique options, such as the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Neo Lavender HE. The Gateron Ink Box Pink, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smoothness and lighter typing feel, offering a delightful high-pitched clack that adds a satisfying auditory dimension to typing. This switch is particularly appealing to users who prefer a more tactile typing experience without the resistance found in tactile or clicky switches. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE, a cutting-edge hall effect switch, delivers a clean, low sound that stands apart from traditional mechanical switches, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate nuanced auditory feedback and the innovation of magnetic technology. While the Ink Box Pink emphasizes a polished and lively feel, the Lavender HE focuses on achieving a unique acoustic profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Neo Lavender HE, it becomes evident that there are distinct differences in their compositions and the auditory experiences they provide. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is designed to yield a sound profile that is pointed and relatively high-pitched. This high-pitched sound is often described as clacky, providing an energetic and satisfying feedback with each keypress. In contrast, the Lavender HE utilizes nylon for its housings, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile that is often rounder and less sharp due to its softer plastic composition. Thus, while the Ink Box Pink offers a more pronounced and lively auditory experience, the Lavender HE focuses on delivering a warmer and more subdued sound.
Analyzing the impact of housing materials on the overall switch characteristics further emphasizes the differences in sensory feedback. With the Ink Box Pink, the proprietary INK blend is responsible for both the top and bottom housings, ensuring that the high-pitched clack is maintained throughout the typing experience. This means that when utilizing the Ink Box Pink, typists can expect a consistent sound profile that reflects the qualities of its INK blend material. On the other hand, the Lavender HE's nylon housing creates a tactile experience that absorbs sound, leading to a more muted bottom-out sound and feel. While the feel and sound profiles diverge significantly due to the different housing materials, each switch maintains its own unique character that is designed to cater to different typing preferences.
Despite these variances, one must consider how similar results may arise from the combination of both materials in different contexts. While the Ink Box Pink's INK blend might create a thinner and higher-pitched sound, the material qualities present in its design can still provide enough auditory feedback to satisfy typists who enjoy a more pronounced sound. Conversely, the Lavender HE’s nylon construction may lack the sharpness of the Ink Box Pink but can still create a satisfying bottom-out feel for those who prefer deeper, fuller tones. Ultimately, despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to specific user experiences, allowing typists to select materials based on their desired auditory and tactile preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct preferences in typing experience. The Ink Box Pink switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Lavender HE switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lavender HE is easier to press and requires less force to actuate, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, where minimal fatigue is desired. Conversely, the heavier Ink Box Pink switch offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile experience. Overall, if you seek a lighter touch, the Neo Lavender HE is the better choice, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink provides a sturdier, more resistant feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Ink Box Pink offers a shorter travel distance, which can be preferable for users seeking faster response times, such as gamers. In contrast, the Lavender HE’s longer travel distance might provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to those who favor a deeper keystroke. Although both switches are below the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, the difference in their travel distances suggests that the Ink Box Pink might feel more abrupt, while the Lavender HE could feel more substantial during use.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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 delivers a distinctly high-pitched, clacky tone, characterized by its crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback during typing. This sound profile appeals to those who appreciate a sharp auditory cue with each keystroke, making it particularly satisfying for many users. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switch is noted for its clean, low sound, which sets it apart from more traditional mechanical switches. This lower sound profile offers a subtler auditory experience, making it suitable for environments where quieter operation is preferable. Ultimately, while the Ink Box Pink excels in delivering a refreshing and lively soundscape, the Lavender HE offers a refined and unobtrusive auditory presence.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink switch is remarkably smooth, offering a silky typing experience that minimizes resistance and glides effortlessly under the fingers. It boasts a polished quality, resulting in smooth key travel and a refined tactile sensation, making every keystroke comfortable and fluid. The Lavender HE switch's tactile quality is not specified, which leaves some uncertainty about its overall typing feel. However, if it provides a comparable smoothness and responsiveness, users may find a satisfying typing experience that could align with the refined performance of the Ink Box Pink.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch each offer unique traits that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink shines with its high-pitched clacky sound and smooth, polished feel, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy auditory feedback and a fluid typing experience. Meanwhile, the Lavender HE stands out for its low, clean sound, which may appeal to users seeking a quieter operation. While the exact tactile nature of the Lavender HE remains unclear, if it matches the Ink Box Pink in smoothness, both switches could deliver satisfying results in their own rights. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize vibrant auditory feedback or a more subdued sound experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, consider your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium actuation force of 60 grams, a smooth, silky typing experience, and a higher-pitched clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink would be an excellent choice for you. These switches are perfect for those who appreciate a crisp auditory feedback alongside a refined typing experience that enhances your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and are drawn to a quieter, low sound signature, the Lavender HE is likely the better fit. This switch is designed for a more subdued typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise level matters, and its compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds an extra layer of versatility. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by your typing style, the noise your environment allows, and the tactile feedback you desire from your keyboard.
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