Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Mallo mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find two distinct options to cater to your typing preferences. The Ink Box Pink offers a smooth and lighter typing experience with a higher-pitched clack, making it ideal for those who enjoy a clacky and polished feel. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo provides a gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, striking a balanced chord for typists looking for a subtle and versatile switch. While the Ink Box Pink is known for its 'Clacky' and 'High-pitched' characteristics, the Mallo stands out for its 'Feathery' and 'Subtle' attributes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Mallo, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink with its proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. While both materials offer a high-pitched sound, the INK blend leans towards a less sharp tone compared to the polycarbonate used in the Mallo.
In terms of bottom housings, the contrast between the two switches becomes more pronounced. The Ink Box Pink's INK blend bottom housing also offers a thin and higher-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. Meanwhile, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softness of nylon which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder tone. These differences in bottom housing material significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Ink Box Pink providing a consistent high-pitched sound while the Mallo offers a more muffled and deeper tone.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Mallo offer different sound profiles, they both play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. The split of qualities between the top and bottom housings means that each switch will have a unique sound when pressing down and letting go of a key. The INK blend and polycarbonate materials contribute to a distinct sound when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom housing of the Mallo enhances the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink is 60 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Mallo's 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation force, with the Mallo leaning towards the lighter side. It is worth noting that the difference in weight between the two switches may not be significant enough to drastically impact typing performance for most users. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the KTT Mallo, while those who prefer a slightly more robust typing experience may find the Gateron Ink Box Pink more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Ink Box Pink has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Mallo's 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can play a significant role in how the switch feels when typing or gaming. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Ink Box Pink with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Mallo with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for travel distance and typing 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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, which provides a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch has a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments without being overwhelming. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics, with the Ink Box Pink being more vibrant and the Mallo being more subtle.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch is feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, providing a gentle and light typing feel that minimizes finger fatigue and offers a comfortable typing experience. While the Ink Box Pink focuses on smoothness and refinement, the Mallo prioritizes a light and approachable typing feel with subtle tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink excels in providing a clacky high-pitched sound and a silky polished feel, while the Mallo delivers a neutral subdued sound and a feathery mild stepped typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options for a satisfying typing experience. If you enjoy a more vibrant and sharp sound with a smooth typing feel, the Ink Box Pink is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle sound with a light and comfortable typing feel, the KTT Mallo is the ideal selection. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, along with a neutral and subdued sound profile, the Mallo switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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