Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Luciola. The Ink Box Pink is renowned for its smoothness and light typing feel, making it a pleasant choice for those seeking a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, its higher-pitched clack adds a unique touch to the overall feel. On the other hand, the Luciola switches are visually captivating, thanks to their glow-in-the-dark feature. Alongside their medium heft and smooth bouncy feel, they produce a distinct hollow sound, reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's delve deeper into their specific traits to help you make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Luciola, both made with Gateron's proprietary INK blend, share similar characteristics. They are described as having a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is satisfyingly thin and clacky. This indicates that both switches offer a similar auditory experience, producing a satisfying clicky sound when typing. Whether it is the top or bottom housing, the INK blend material contributes to the overall sound profile, making it consistent between the two switches.

While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Luciola are both made of the same INK blend material, their impact on the typing experience differs. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent. The bottom housing of both switches will influence the sound and feel of bottoming out the key. This suggests that regardless of the specific switch, the INK blend material used in the bottom housing contributes to a consistent and satisfying bottom-out sound.

On the other hand, the top housing of the switches will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. The material used in the top housing influences the sound profile when the key returns to its resting position after being pressed. As the INK blend in the top housing is the same for both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Luciola, users can expect a similar sound response when letting go of the key for both switches.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Gateron Luciola switches share the same INK blend material for both their top and bottom housings. This results in a similar overall sound profile, characterized by a pointed, relatively high-pitched, and clacky sound. The bottom housing of both switches contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound experience, with slight differences related to the specific housing's impact on the typing process.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it becomes evident that they have some similarities in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have a medium actuation force, with the Ink Box Pink requiring 50 grams and the Luciola requiring 55 grams. This means that both switches have a relatively light touch when it comes to triggering keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, both switches have the same weight of 60 grams, indicating that they require an equal amount of force to fully press down the keys.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Ink Box Pink, as it has a slightly lower actuation force. This lighter touch allows for extended typing sessions, making it well-suited for work situations or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gateron Luciola, as it has a slightly heavier actuation force. This increased push feel provides a more robust sensation while typing.

In summary, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Luciola linear switches have slightly different actuation forces, their bottom out forces are the same. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of the weight required to fully press down the keys. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences, with the Ink Box Pink offering a lighter touch and the Luciola providing a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Therefore, pressing down on keys with either switch will result in a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance, ensuring a satisfying keystroke experience for users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is best described as clacky and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp and bright tone. The higher-pitched profile of the Ink Box Pink switch gives it a distinct sound compared to other keyboard switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch is also clacky and high-pitched, but it has additional descriptors like chirpy and marbly. The chirpy characteristic adds a little squeak to the sound, while the marbly attribute gives the switches a resonant and clean tone, similar to tapping on a solid piece of marble or two billiard balls colliding. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is silky and polished. Silky switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished attribute indicates a refined finish, resulting in a sleek and frictionless typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch is snappy, buttery, and polished. The snappy characteristic makes the switches super responsive, adding a sense of liveliness to the typing experience. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Like the Ink Box Pink, the Luciola switch also has the polished characteristic, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Gateron Luciola switches have some distinguishing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink has a higher-pitched and clacky sound, while providing a silky and polished feel. On the other hand, the Luciola switch offers a mix of clacky, chirpy, and marbly sound profiles, along with a snappy, buttery, and polished feel. Both switches aim to provide a smooth typing experience, but with slightly different tonal and tactile characteristics. If you prefer a higher-pitched and clacky sound with a lighter typing feel, the Ink Box Pink is a great choice. If you are more attracted to eye-catching glowing switches with a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique sound profile, the Luciola switch would be a suitable option. Based on the available information, these switches offer distinct subjective qualities, but you can expect similar smoothness and reduced friction from both.

Conclusion

In closing, to choose between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink switch is best known for its lighter typing feel and higher-pitched clack sound when pressed. If you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience, the Ink Box Pink with its silky and polished feel would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, the Luciola switch is eye-catching with its glow in the dark feature and offers a bouncy typing feel. It produces a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, along with chirpy and marbly characteristics. If you enjoy a snappy and responsive key press, the Luciola's snappy and buttery feel might be more suitable for your preference. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference in terms of sound and feel when deciding between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more