Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gazzew LT. The Ink Box Pink switches are well-known for their beautiful translucent design and offer a lighter typing feel compared to other switches. With a higher-pitched clack, these switches provide a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches stand out with their enticing lilac hue, offering an auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. These switches are categorized as bassy and thocky, resulting in a low-pitched typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, making them appealing options for different preferences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gazzew LT switches offer distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing that provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched clacky sound. In contrast, the LT switch utilizes Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Although both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Ink Box Pink's top housing tends to produce a more pointed and high-pitched sound, while the LT's top housing delivers a deeper and more resonant tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink and the LT switches employ their respective proprietary blends to influence the sound and feel of the switch. The Ink Box Pink's INK blend bottom housing contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, enhancing the overall clacky sensation. On the other hand, the LT's Gazzew blend bottom housing, referred to as "boba plastic," produces a rich and deep sound due to its softness. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, providing a tactile experience that complements the top housing's sound characteristics.
Although the top and bottom housings of the switches differ, both the Ink Box Pink and the LT allow users to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Pink's INK blend top and bottom housings combine to create a clacky and higher-pitched sound, the LT's Gazzew blend top and bottom housings offer a deep and resonant experience. Both switches provide a distinct tactile feel when pressed down, influenced by the qualities of their respective bottom housings. Furthermore, the release sound when letting go of a key is likely to be influenced by the top housing material in both switches, contributing to the overall auditory experience of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. On the other hand, the LT's actuation force is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, the Ink Box Pink is lighter than the LT, making it a favorable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. This lighter weight allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing excessive fatigue. However, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the LT, as its heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience.
While the actuation force for the LT is not provided, it is worth noting that similar results to the Ink Box Pink can potentially be achieved if the actuation force of the LT falls within the same range, or is comparable to the 50 grams of the Ink Box Pink. Both switches have medium-bottom out forces, which indicates a decent level of resistance when pressing the keys fully down.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gazzew LT will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces. Those seeking a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Ink Box Pink, while individuals desiring a more substantial feel may turn to the LT.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gazzew LT linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm and the shallowest 3.0 mm. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. In this case, the Gazzew LT would be the shorter option with its 3.2 mm travel distance. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the Gateron Ink Box Pink's longer 3.6 mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a quicker response or a deeper key press 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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 and Gazzew LT switches offer distinct qualities. The Ink Box Pink switches are known for their clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches provide a deep and resonant thockiness. They offer a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range, reminiscent of the depth and richness associated with bass tones. So, while the Ink Box Pink switches have a higher-pitched clack, the LT switches provide a satisfying thocky sound. The choice between these switches will depend on the sound profile that the user prefers, as well as other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches provide a silky and polished typing experience. They are known for their exceptional smoothness, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This results in an overall smooth and refined typing feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. As for the Gazzew LT switches, information about their feel is unknown. However, based on the description of the LT switches providing a seamless glide with every keystroke, it can be inferred that they offer a smooth typing experience as well. While the specific details of the LT switch's feel are not provided, it is likely to offer a similar level of smoothness and refined typing experience as the Ink Box Pink switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Gazzew LT switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink switches offer a clacky sound with a higher pitch and a silky, polished typing feel. On the other hand, the LT switches provide a deep, thocky sound with a bassy tone, though specific information about their feel is unknown. Overall, based on the available information, both switches are likely to deliver a smooth and pleasant typing experience, with differences in sound profile being the main distinguishing factor. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired sound profile for the keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a switch with a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is a great choice. These switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, and offer a smooth and silky typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a deeper, resonant thock sound and an enticing lilac hue, the Gazzew LT linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy, the LTs provide a seamless glide with every keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Consider whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound or a bassy and thocky sound, as well as whether you prioritize a lighter or heavier typing feel. Assessing these factors will help you make an informed decision and find the switch that best suits your needs.
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