Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Lime

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Lime. The Ink Box Pink is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth and light typing feel. The beautiful translucent design adds to its appeal, while the higher-pitched clack gives it a unique sound. On the other hand, the Lime is a tactile switch that offers a lightweight typing experience with just a touch of tactility. It is incredibly unique and features a feathery lightness that is perfect for tactile fans. Additionally, the Lime switches are silenced, making them a great option for those who prefer muted typing sounds. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

Outemu Lime Tactile

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Lime switches differ in terms of the sounds they produce. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This results in a satisfying and clacky sound when typing. On the other hand, the Lime switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Ink Box Pink has a sharper and higher-pitched sound compared to the Lime.

Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Ink Box Pink and the Lime switches also contribute to the overall sound profile. The Ink Box Pink utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound like its top housing. In contrast, the Lime switch employs a nylon bottom housing. This material absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out keys. Thus, while the Ink Box Pink offers a consistent sound throughout the keystroke, the Lime switch provides a more pronounced and tactile bottom-out sound.

In terms of feel, the top and bottom housings of the switches play a role. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be felt. For the Ink Box Pink, this means a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sensation, whereas the Lime switch offers a deeper and fuller feel due to its nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the Ink Box Pink's top housing contributes to its clacky and high-pitched sound when letting go of a key, while the Lime switch's nylon top housing creates a rounder and softer sound upon key release. Overall, while the housing materials of the Ink Box Pink and the Lime switches offer unique sound and feel experiences, they both provide satisfactory typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, requiring a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Lime offers a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, making it more sensitive and easier to activate.

Moving on to bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams of force to fully press the switch down, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, allowing for a softer and lighter touch during typing.

Considering weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Lime switch due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. This is particularly advantageous for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions where fatigue can be reduced. In contrast, individuals who prefer a heavier typing feel and enjoy a more forceful keystroke may lean towards the Ink Box Pink switch, with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial and forceful typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, offering a more sensitive and lighter touch. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing force and weight.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, we can see that the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lime has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Outemu Lime switch with its slightly shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better fit. In conclusion, while the Outemu Lime offers a slightly shorter travel distance than the Gateron Ink Box Pink, both switches provide similar results in terms of travel distance and cater to different preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Ink Box Pink is described as producing a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This means that it has a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. On the other hand, the Lime switch is described as having a neutral and muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you prefer a sharp and crisp sound, the Ink Box Pink is a good choice, while if you prefer a softer and quieter sound, the Lime switch would be more suitable.

When considering the feel of the switches, both the Ink Box Pink and the Lime have their own unique characteristics. The Ink Box Pink is described as offering a silky and polished typing experience. It is exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish adds to the sleekness of the typing feel. On the other hand, the Lime switch is described as providing a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. It offers a gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue due to its light actuation force. It also has a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, the Ink Box Pink is a great option. However, if you prefer a gentle and comfortable typing experience with reduced finger strain, the Lime switch would be more suitable.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink has a clacky, high-pitched sound and offers a silky, polished typing experience with light resistance. On the other hand, the Lime switch has a neutral, muted sound and provides a mild, feathery, and subtle typing experience with a gentle resistance. Both switches have a polished finish for smooth key travel. If you prefer a sharp and crisp sound with an exceptionally smooth typing feel, the Ink Box Pink is a suitable choice. If you prefer a softer, quieter sound with a gentle and comfortable typing experience, the Lime switch would be a better option. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

Overall, if you are looking for a smooth and lighter typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a medium level of resistance. The Ink Box Pink switches are known for their lighter feel and higher-pitched clack sound. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a silky and polished feel, these switches would be a suitable option.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is a fantastic option. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches are considered light and offer a gentle resistance. The Lime switches also feature a muted sound profile, making them perfect for quieter environments. Moreover, they provide a unique combination of lightweight and approachable tactility, catering to tactile fans.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is ideal for those seeking a smoother and lighter typing feel, along with a higher-pitched clack sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is perfect for individuals who desire a feathery light typing experience, slight tactility, and a muted sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing requirements.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Lime Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more