Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, we see distinct differences in their characteristics and intended use cases. The Ink Box Pink offers a smooth, light typing feel with a higher-pitched clack, making it suitable for those who prefer a more tactile and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switches are designed for office environments, providing a quiet yet responsive typing experience that is ideal for professional settings. While the Ink Box Pink is known for its clacky and high-pitched feel, the Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy and subtle typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Mountain Top switches both offer unique sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing that provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch utilizes nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon as it absorbs more sound. While the Ink Box Pink has a sharper sound, the Mountain Top offers a rounder and duller sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Mountain Top switches also differ in material. The Ink Box Pink features the proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which mirrors the top housing's high-pitched and pointed sound profile, resulting in a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch utilizes nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile that complements the top housing's qualities. The combination of different housing materials in each switch allows for a balanced sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Mountain Top switches have distinct characteristics, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink creates a cohesive and clacky sound profile, while the nylon top and bottom housing of the Mountain Top deliver a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a premium typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams, while the Mountain Top only needs 50 grams. This makes the Mountain Top the lighter option overall. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the difference in weight might appeal to different preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel for more tactile feedback, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch would be the better option. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we see that the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the market. Gamers, in particular, are drawn to these shorter travel distances for their quicker response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of the Ink Box Pink to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments due to its moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches offer different sound profiles catering to different preferences, with the Ink Box Pink being more distinctive and attention-grabbing, while the Mountain Top offers a more subtle and unobtrusive typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and reduced friction. On the contrary, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing feel, catering to those who prefer a more responsive and low-impact typing experience. While the Ink Box Pink focuses on smoothness and refinement, the Mountain Top focuses on responsiveness and comfort, providing a variety of subtle yet distinct typing sensations for users to choose from.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Mountain Top switches offer contrasting yet complementary qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Pink provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished typing feel, the Mountain Top offers a neutral sound profile with a range of bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle tactile sensations. Depending on your preferences for typing sound and feel, both switches offer unique experiences that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction. If you enjoy a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced and varied typing experience suitable for different environments, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would be the ideal choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience ideal for office settings and easy-to-press keys with a bounce feel, the Mountain Top switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the environment in which you plan to use the keyboard.
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