Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Mars both present compelling options for those seeking linear switches, each with its unique characteristics. The Ink Box Pink switches are celebrated for their smoothness and lighter typing feel, offering a high-pitched clack that appeals to users who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing experience. This switch is often described as clacky and polished, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a more vibrant tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches stand out with their innovative design that combines a POK stem with a Nylon and POM housing, providing stability and a consistent feel that is often preferred by gamers and fast typists alike. While both switches deliver a linear experience, your choice might depend on whether you prefer the brighter sound and silky feel of the Ink Box Pink or the robust design and steady performance of the Mars. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and Gateron Mars switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Ink Box Pink employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is designed to produce a pointed sound that is higher-pitched and characterized as "clacky." This choice of material promotes a pronounced sound profile, particularly noticeable when releasing the key. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features nylon for its top housing, recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a sound that is more muted and rounder compared to the Ink Box Pink's crisper acoustic signature. This divergence illustrates how variations in material properties can directly shape the auditory experience of keyboard switches.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, additional contrasts emerge. The bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink, also comprised of the proprietary INK blend, mirrors its top housing’s sound profile, thereby maintaining that thin and high-pitched tone throughout the key's full travel. On the flip side, the Mars's bottom housing is made from POM (polyoxymethylene), a material known for producing a more subdued sound profile that leans toward deeper tones. POM’s unique characteristics contribute to a less vibrant bottom-out sound, offering a different tactile and auditory feedback when the key is pressed down. Thus, while the Ink Box Pink maintains a consistent sound profile across both housing elements, the Mars splits its sound representation between the two different housing materials, leading to a richer, albeit softer, typing experience.
Despite these differences in sound profiles influenced by housing materials, both switches can still cohesively deliver satisfying results when used in a keyboard. The Ink Box Pink might appeal to users who prefer a sharper, more articulate sound when typing or gaming, while the Gateron Mars could be favored by those seeking a more muted and cushioned experience. The combined effects of each switch's top and bottom housing mean that regardless of the material used, both switches can produce pleasing auditory results; depending on user preference, one may choose the switch that best aligns with their desired sound profile for a balanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation forces, which affects their typing feel and user experience. The Ink Box Pink features a medium actuation force of 50 grams, requiring a slightly firmer press to register a keystroke, while the Mars switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the Mars switch's bottom out force is unknown, leaving ambiguity regarding how it feels when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, meaning that once bottomed out, it has a more substantial resistance, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. Overall, while the Ink Box Pink provides a heavier push feel with more resistance when fully pressed, the Mars switch offers a lighter actuation for a softer typing experience, ideal for those who favor ease of use.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Mars linear switches exhibit the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience an identical distance, resulting in a comparable typing feel and actuation experience. Because both switches have an equal travel distance, users looking for a consistent performance in their mechanical keyboards can expect similar results, regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 linear switches present a high-pitched clack that is sharp and snappy, creating a bright and percussive auditory experience. This clacky quality may appeal to those who prefer a more vibrant and lively sound profile compared to the deeper tones found in other switches. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches do not have a specific sound profile outlined, which leaves us with an unknown quality in this area. However, it’s important to note that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard’s material, design, and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink switches offer a silky and polished typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and minimizing resistance during key presses. This refined feel is made possible through careful design, likely involving quality materials and potential factory lubing, making for an enjoyable and fatigue-free typing session. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches do not provide specific descriptions regarding their feel, leaving that aspect largely unknown. Therefore, users looking for a smooth and pleasant typing experience might lean towards the Ink Box Pink.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Pink shines in both sound and feel, providing a high-pitched, clacky auditory experience along with a silky and polished tactile sensation. The Gateron Mars switches, while innovative in design, leave certain subjective qualities unmentioned, which might make it harder for newcomers to gauge their potential experience fully. If you seek a defined and engaging typing experience, the Ink Box Pink switches promise to deliver that, while the Mars switches may require further exploration to determine how they could suit one's preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Mars linear switches, your decision should be guided by your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and overall experience. If you enjoy a smooth, polished typing sensation and a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, the Ink Box Pink will be a fantastic choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a balanced feel, making it suitable for both gaming and extensive typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. On the other hand, if you're intrigued by the innovative design of the Mars switch and are curious about what unique characteristics it may offer, you might want to experiment with it, especially if you appreciate a switch that stands out from the crowd. While the specific bottom-out force and tactile feel of the Mars are still undefined, its POK stem and blend of Nylon and POM hints at a potentially distinct experience. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your preferences for sound and typing dynamics to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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