Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly impact your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink, a linear switch, and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), a tactile switch. The Ink Box Pink switches are best known for their smoothness and light typing feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack. On the other hand, the Moyu Blacks offer a unique blend of PBT housing and a strong downstroke tactile bump, creating a premium and hyper-tactile sensation. These switches provide a sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound during typing, thanks to their medium-heavy feel and accentuated bottom-out. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in terms of sound profile and texture. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched clacky sound. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT top housing that offers a neutral sound profile, neither crisp nor dull. Therefore, when typing on the Ink Box Pink, you can expect a distinct clacky sound, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) provides a more subdued and balanced auditory experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) once again differ. The Ink Box Pink incorporates the proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This contributes to the overall clacky and satisfying typing experience. Conversely, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilizes a PBT bottom housing that offers a more neutral sound profile. The bottom-out sound and feel of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) are not overly sharp or impactful but still deliver a pleasant typing experience.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of these switches play different roles in determining the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. While both switches have their own unique sound profiles, the combination of the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend in both the top and bottom housing ensures a consistently clacky and higher-pitched sound. Similarly, the PBT housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) results in a more consistent and neutral sound across both the top and bottom of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a similar amount of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a difference to consider. The Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly lighter compared to the Moyu Black's bottom out force of 67 grams, making it heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ink Box Pink offers a more comfortable option that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without as much finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Moyu Black provides a more substantial typing feel for individuals who prefer a stronger push sensation.
Travel distance
When it comes to travel distance, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer different options. The Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Moyu Black boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range considered standard, with 4.0 mm being the most traditional distance. However, the Ink Box Pink offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. On the other hand, the Moyu Black provides a more substantial depth, which some users may find more satisfying. Overall, whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the level of responsiveness you desire. Both switches offer their own advantages, so you can expect similar results regardless of your choice.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This creates a sharp and snappy sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offers a resonant sound profile. Typing on these switches results in a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched and crisp sound, both switches can provide similar results.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth, enhancing the overall typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, on the other hand, provides an accented and sharp tactile feel. It offers a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, allowing you to feel a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the Ink Box Pink focusing on smoothness and the Moyu Black emphasizing a strong tactile feedback.
Taking into consideration the information provided, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Ink Box Pink is known for its light and smooth typing feel, producing a higher-pitched clack sound. On the other hand, the Moyu Black provides a rare and premium typing experience with its strong downstroke and even sharper upstroke tactile bump. It offers a snappy sound with its medium-heavy feel and accentuated bottom-out. Although they have distinct characteristics, both switches excel in their respective qualities. If you prefer smoothness and a higher-pitched sound, the Ink Box Pink is a good choice. If you prefer a strong tactile feedback and a snappy sound, the Moyu Black is the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and lighter typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack sound, then the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile feel, with a distinctive and impactful typing experience, featuring a rare blend of PBT top and bottom housing, then the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch would be the ideal option. The Moyu Blacks offer a medium-heavy feel with a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. Furthermore, they produce a resonant sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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