Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Light Tactile offer two distinct options to consider. The Ink Box Pink is praised for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, while also providing a higher-pitched clack when in use. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out with its gentle and angelic tactility, offering a pleasant contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. It also boasts a jelly-like sound signature during typing. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of each switch, enabling you to make the best decision for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Light Tactile provide distinct differences in sound profile and typing experience. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic. Both materials excel in different aspects, with the INK blend delivering a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate produces a more resonant and clear sound, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Light Tactile differ once again. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to the switch's clacky sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This provides a unique typing experience, where the Ink Box Pink delivers a thinner and more high-pitched sound, while the Light Tactile offers a deeper and fuller tone.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housings determines the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the Ink Box Pink features the same housing material for both top and bottom, the Durock Light Tactile incorporates different materials. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the impact of the top housing is more noticeable when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences, although with variations in sound and feedback. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences for the specific sound and feel desired.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, some key differences emerge. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, giving it a medium weight. On the other hand, the Light Tactile has a slightly higher actuation force of 52 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter feel while typing, the Ink Box Pink may be the better option. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces provide a smoother and gentler keystroke experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who use their keyboard extensively at work or engage in long gaming sessions.
However, for individuals who crave a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch may be more suitable. With its slightly higher actuation and noticeably heavier bottom out forces, it provides a satisfying feedback and resistance while typing, creating a more tactile and deliberate typing experience.
Although the forces differ slightly between the two switches, they both fall within the medium range. Therefore, individuals seeking similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces could choose either switch. The decision ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for optimal performance. However, it is important to note that the Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Light Tactile, offering a potentially more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance like the Light Tactile. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 best described as clacky and high-pitched. The clacky nature of this switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp and bright sound profile. Additionally, it has a higher-pitched sound characteristic, which adds to its overall sharp and crisp sound when activated. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, with a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. While the exact sound may vary depending on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps, both switches offer pleasant sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch provides a silky and polished typing experience. The switch is known for its exceptional smoothness, minimizing resistance and offering a refined typing feel. This smoothness can be attributed to either the materials used in the switch or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Durock Light Tactile switch also offers a polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that ensures sleek key travel. It provides a mildly tactile experience, making it softer and more approachable compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches deliver a smooth and enjoyable feel during typing, making them suitable for different preferences.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Durock Light Tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Box Pink provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, combined with a silky and polished feel for an overall lighter and smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock presents a more neutral sound profile and a mildly tactile experience, accompanied by a polished typing feel. While they differ in their sound and tactility, both switches offer pleasant options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the sharper and crisper characteristics of the Ink Box Pink or the gentler and more approachable qualities of the Light Tactile switch. Rest assured, regardless of the choice made, both switches provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a lighter and smoother typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and offer a silky and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle tactile experience with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, putting them in the medium-heavy range, and provide a mild and polished feel. Both switches are suitable for most intents and purposes, but the Ink Box Pink is more known for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, while the Light Tactile offers a gentle tactility that stands out among the sharper tactile switches on the market. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel and sound profile will determine which switch is the best fit for you.
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