Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Orange switches. The Ink Box Pink switches are best known for their smoothness and lighter typing feel, making them a great choice for those who prefer a softer touch while typing. These switches also offer a clackier sound profile with a higher pitch, adding an auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches stand out with their bouncy type feel, thanks to the 22mm long spring they incorporate. With a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a frictionless typing experience. They also have a low-pitched sound profile, making them a suitable choice for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different 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
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Orange have some similarities and differences. Both switches have a top housing made of proprietary INK blend and polycarbonate respectively, resulting in a relatively high-pitched sound profile. The INK blend provides a satisfying thin and clacky sound, while polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound. However, the INK blend is not overly sharp, while polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it useful for RGB lighting.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ as well. The Ink Box Pink features the proprietary INK blend, while the KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate. The bottom housing greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The INK blend provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while polycarbonate brings a sharper and more resonant sound. Just like with the top housing, the clear nature of polycarbonate in the bottom housing makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
When using these switches, you will experience a split in the qualities offered by the top and bottom housing materials. The feel and sound during key press will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound upon release will be impacted by the top housing. Despite their differences, both switches offer a higher-pitched and clear sound profile, but with varying degrees of sharpness and clackiness. Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Orange will depend on personal preference for sound and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. With an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, the Ink Box Pink falls in the medium range. On the other hand, the Orange switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, putting it in the medium-light category.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Orange switch may be more suitable as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue can become a concern. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink provides a slightly heavier push feel, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience. These individuals may appreciate the additional force required for actuation and bottoming out.
Both switches offer similar results for those who prefer a medium level of force, as they fall within the same range. However, it's worth noting that the Orange switch is lighter in comparison to the Ink Box Pink, which could make a noticeable difference in the typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience - whether that be a lighter touch for prolonged use or a stronger push for a more satisfying feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers, who value fast response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the KTT Orange switch. This shorter distance allows for quicker key presses and potentially better gaming performance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch with its slightly longer travel distance. This longer distance provides a greater sense of depth when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or key press depth.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics. This means that when pressed, the switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Ink Box Pink would be a better choice, while the KTT Orange switch offers a more mellower tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished. A silky switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, a polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and factory lubing, which reduces friction and enhances the smoothness of the key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless feel. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Meanwhile, frictionless switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience by minimizing resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Ink Box Pink focuses more on smoothness and reduced resistance, while the KTT Orange emphasizes a bouncy and frictionless feedback.
Taking into consideration the information provided, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch and the KTT Orange switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink produces a clacky, high-pitched sound, which can be crisp and bright. It offers a silky and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It offers a bouncy and frictionless feel, giving the keys a spring-like feedback and an extremely smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. However, if you prefer a smoother typing experience, you can expect similar results from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a smooth typing experience and a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches provide a slick and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Whether you prioritize a silky and polished typing experience or a bouncy and frictionless one, both switches offer their unique advantages.
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