Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Cherry MX Purple RGB can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Ink Box Pink, known for its smooth and polished performance, provides a lighter feel and a distinct high-pitched clack that can add auditory satisfaction to your keystrokes. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a silky typing experience without the tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for fast typists or gamers who crave quick, unencumbered actuation. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a more tactile experience with its refined short and medium-strength bump, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses. These switches are ideal for users who appreciate the physical feedback of a tactile switch, which can enhance precision in typing and gaming alike. Both switches present unique advantages tailored to different preferences, yet each brings its own character and charm to the keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, it becomes evident that they are crafted from distinctly different substances, each influencing the acoustic profile of the switches. The Gateron Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, yielding a higher-pitched, clacky sound. This unique material is designed to enhance the sharpness of sound without being overly abrasive, resulting in a satisfying auditory experience that many users find appealing for gaming or typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs nylon for its housings, which is a traditional choice that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience.
As for the bottom housings, the difference in materials continues to play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Ink Box Pink maintains its high-pitched sound profile through its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, thereby reinforcing that sharper tone when bottoming out. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB’s nylon bottom housing contributes to a more muted response, creating that rounder sensation while absorbing excess noise. This decoupling of sound characteristics between the top and bottom housings means that the typing experience can vary greatly depending on the materials used and the specific design of each switch.
While both switches provide distinctive auditory feedback and tactile experiences, the disparate materials also lead to different overall results. Given their unique sound profiles, users who prefer the high-pitched, clacky feedback of the Ink Box Pink will likely be drawn to the INK blend material, while those who appreciate a fuller, more rounded sound will favor the nylon construction of the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Despite their differences, it is possible to achieve meaningful satisfaction from both switches by focusing on the strengths of their individual housing materials; users can adjust their typing style to suit the resonant qualities of each, leading to an engaging and tailored experience regardless of the switch choice.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch differ notably in their actuation forces, as well as in the available data on their bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink requires a moderate actuation force of 50 grams, while the MX Purple RGB is slightly lighter at 45 grams, making the Ink Box Pink the heavier of the two in terms of actuation force. For the bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink has a measured bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a firm and substantial feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch remains unknown; therefore, any direct comparison in this regard is not feasible. The lighter actuation force of the MX Purple may cater to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making it suitable for extended use, whereas the heavier Ink Box Pink may appeal to those who enjoy a more solid tactile response during their typing or gaming sessions. Overall, users will experience varying typing dynamics based on these force specifications, thus influencing their switch choice based on personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Ink Box Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry MX Purple RGB's travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gateron switch will provide a quicker response, appealing to gamers who value speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may find preferable for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences: those who seek quicker actuation might lean towards the Ink Box Pink, while those who appreciate a deeper feel may opt for the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 is characterized by a distinct clacky tone, producing a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp and high-pitched. This can create an engaging auditory experience, especially for those who appreciate a vibrant sound profile while typing. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches do not have a specific sound description provided, making it difficult to directly compare their auditory characteristics. However, one can expect that the sound of Cherry MX switches typically leans towards the classic mechanical click, though the absence of detailed information limits a more nuanced comparison.
Regarding feel, the Ink Box Pink delivers an exceptionally silky typing experience. Its smoothness and polished finish contribute to a refined interaction, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This makes the Ink Box Pink feel light and effortless to type on, enhancing overall comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a tactile experience that includes a short, medium-strength bump. This tactile feedback ensures that users receive satisfying confirmation on key presses, which can aid in typing accuracy. While the Ink Box Pink focuses on smoothness, the MX Purple emphasizes tactile engagement, catering to different preferences in typing styles.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch stands out for its clacky, high-pitched sound and exceptionally smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lively auditory and tactile experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, while lacking specific sound attributes in this comparison, offers a distinct tactile bump that appeals to users who enjoy feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and sound dynamics with the Ink Box Pink, or tactile responsiveness with the Cherry MX Purple RGB. Each switch provides a unique typing experience, so selecting one will come down to personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing style. If you value a smooth and silky feel with a lighter touch and enjoy a high-pitched, clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink switches would be an excellent fit, making them ideal for users who appreciate fast typing and a vibrant auditory feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a tactile bump that provides feedback during your keystrokes, coupled with a slightly heavier pressing force and a more refined tactile experience, then the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches would better suit your needs. Furthermore, if you're a gamer or typist who enjoys a punchy yet controlled key press, the tactile nature of the MX Purple RGB can enhance both gaming precision and typing accuracy. In summary, your choice should align with whether you lean towards the smoothness and sound profile of the Ink Box Pink or the tactile feedback and sturdy feel of the MX Purple RGB.
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