Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Cherry Nixie both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink is praised for its smoothness, light typing feel, and higher-pitched clack, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a polished and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie stands out for its substantial heft, textured typing feel, and low-pitched sound, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional and thocky typing experience. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that make it appealing to different users depending on their preferences. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
While both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Cherry Nixie switches have unique housing materials, they each offer different sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound, giving it a clacky feel. On the other hand, the Nixie's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more rounded and dull tone. This contrast in sound profiles may appeal to different preferences, with the Ink Box Pink being more sharp and high-pitched, while the Nixie offers a deeper and more absorbing sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Ink Box Pink and Cherry Nixie also differ in their sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink's bottom housing, made of the same proprietary INK blend as the top housing, maintains its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Nixie's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its top housing. This difference in bottom housing material further highlights the distinct sound characteristics of each switch, catering to various typing preferences.
Taking into consideration the impact of both top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound profile of a switch, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Cherry Nixie switches offer unique experiences. While the Ink Box Pink emphasizes a clacky and high-pitched sound throughout its housing, the Nixie provides a deeper and fuller tone due to its nylon material. Despite their differences, both switches aim to deliver satisfying typing experiences, with the sound characteristics being a key factor in distinguishing between the two. Whether you prefer a sharper, clacky sound or a deeper, rounder tone, there is a housing material that suits your typing style among these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it becomes evident that the Ink Box Pink is lighter in both aspects compared to the Nixie. The actuation force for the Ink Box Pink is 50 grams, while the Nixie requires 63.5 grams for actuation. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Ink Box Pink is 60 grams, whereas the Nixie has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that typing on the Ink Box Pink switch would require less force overall compared to the Nixie switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time may opt for the Ink Box Pink, while those looking for a more substantial and heavier typing feel may lean towards the Cherry Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Nixie the longer option compared to the Ink Box Pink. The difference may seem small, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing experience. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, which would make the Ink Box Pink a better choice for them. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Nixie more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer quality linear typing experiences, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 linear switch is often described as producing a higher-pitched clack sound when pressed, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky sound, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying tone. While the Ink Box Pink delivers a silky and polished typing feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and refined experience, the Cherry Nixie switch provides a textured sensation with noticeable friction when pressed. It is important to note that sound and feel are subjective qualities that can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a high-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is the way to go. Alternatively, if you enjoy a substantial heft with a thocky sound and textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a personalized typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch or the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a deep thocky sound and a textured feel, the Cherry Nixie might be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider your priorities when making your decision.
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