Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Medium Tactile. The Ink Box Pink is a linear switch that stands out for its smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. It also produces a higher-pitched clack when in use. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is a tactile switch that offers a unique flavor of tactility, with a pronounced yet balanced feel. It also has a distinctive jelly-like sound signature. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, it's essential to delve deeper and explore their specific features to determine which switch is best suited for your needs. Whether you value smoothness and a lighter typing feel or prioritize a tactile experience with a jelly-like sound signature, understanding the finer details will help you make the most informed decision.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Medium Tactile differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In comparison, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance. However, the Ink Box Pink's top housing also features a thinner and higher-pitched sound, making it somewhat similar to the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate housing.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches have different materials that affect the sound profile when bottoming out. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, which can be described as clacky. In contrast, the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Box Pink.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials on the sound profile is split between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on either switch will primarily yield the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the impact of the top housing becomes more apparent in the sound produced. While the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Medium Tactile have different housing materials, they both offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Ink Box Pink is 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Medium Tactile is unavailable, which means we are uncertain of the exact force required to trigger a keystroke for the Medium Tactile switch. However, both switches have a bottom out force measurement. The bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink is 60 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Medium Tactile is slightly heavier at 65 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter option, such as the Ink Box Pink, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For them, the Medium Tactile switch with its heavier bottom out force may be a more suitable choice.
In conclusion, while the actuation force is known for the Ink Box Pink but unavailable for the Medium Tactile, both switches have a medium level of actuation force. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Medium Tactile switch is slightly heavier than the Ink Box Pink, making it a medium-heavy option. Therefore, depending on the preference for typing experience and duration, users can make informed decisions based on these differences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, we can see that they have different distances. The Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Pink is the shorter switch, and the Medium Tactile is the longer switch. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly shallower travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile offers a heartier depth with its longer travel distance, which may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer different options to cater to individual preferences, and the choice between the two depends on whether one prefers a shorter and more responsive feel or a longer and more pronounced keystroke.
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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Medium Tactile switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink switch is described as "clacky" and "high-pitched." These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, with a bright and percussive quality. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has a "jelly-like" sound signature, although specific descriptors are not provided. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, the Ink Box Pink switch is known for a higher-pitched clack, while the Medium Tactile switch has a unique jelly-like sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Ink Box Pink and the Medium Tactile offer different experiences. The Ink Box Pink switch is described as "silky" and "polished." These switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering smooth key travel. They have a lighter and refined feel. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch is described as "accented," "stepped," "mild," and "polished." These switches offer a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. They provide a more gentle typing experience and have a middle-ground feel. Both switches include the "polished" descriptor, indicating a smooth and refined finish.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Medium Tactile switches have distinctive qualities. The Ink Box Pink switch is best known for its higher-pitched clacky sound and silky, polished feel, providing a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, with a unique but unspecified sound profile, and offers an accentuated yet balanced tactility. Both switches feature a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel. While they provide different subjective qualities, individuals looking for a smooth and refined typing experience will obtain similar results from either switch. Ultimately, personal preference and intended use should be considered when selecting between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Medium Tactile switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and feel.
If you prioritize a lighter and smoother typing experience, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a silky and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile would be more suitable for you. These switches are considered accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. They can be described as stepped, mild, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience.
In summary, the Ink Box Pink switches are best known for their light and smooth feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack sound. The Medium Tactile switches, on the other hand, are praised for their pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. It ultimately comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on your own typing preferences.
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