Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Haimu Orange Sea stand out as two excellent linear options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its smooth, silky feel and a lighter typing experience that delivers a distinct and higher-pitched clack, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a tactile auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth typing feel combined with a more neutral sound signature, ideal for users who prefer a quieter and subtler keystroke without sacrificing performance. Both switches provide unique benefits: the Ink Box Pink for those who appreciate a clacky and vibrant typing experience, and the Orange Sea for a tranquil yet responsive feel. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Haimu Orange Sea switches, notable distinctions highlight the impact these materials may have on sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing that elicits a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky yet satisfying. Despite its unique composition, this design allows it to produce a thin and relatively higher sound, which may resonate well with users looking for auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its sharpness and crispness as a result of the stiffer nature of the plastic. Consequently, while both switches aim for a clear and resonant experience, the Ink Box Pink's distinctive INK blend may produce a sound that is less sharp and more refined compared to the crisper notes delivered by the polycarbonate of the Orange Sea.
Regarding the bottom housing, the differences become more pronounced between these switches. The Ink Box Pink continues with its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which contributes to a high-pitched and pointed sound profile. This consistency in material choice means that the overall sound signature retains a clacky essence, enhancing the auditory experience when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea employs a nylon bottom housing, known for yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a rounded auditory experience when keys are pressed. Therefore, the varied bottom housing materials not only affect the acoustics of each switch but also create contrasting feelings under the fingers depending on user preferences.
Overall, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Haimu Orange Sea switches leads to contrasting yet complementary sound profiles. While both switches may deliver a satisfying typing experience, the differences in the top housing materials—INK blend versus polycarbonate—and bottom housing materials—both INK for the Pink and nylon for the Sea—create distinct auditory characteristics. If users are looking for a brighter and more clacky output, the Ink Box Pink may suit them best, whereas those seeking a deeper and rounder sound might gravitate toward the Haimu Orange Sea. Ultimately, the unique qualities of each housing material play a vital role in shaping both the tactile and auditory experiences these switches offer.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea has a notably lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who favor ease of typing, particularly during long sessions at work or gaming. Thus, for those seeking a lighter option, the Haimu Orange Sea is the clear choice, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink is better for individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel. Overall, these differences can help users select the switch that best meets their comfort and typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that users will experience similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when pressing down on these switches. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they offer a consistent typing experience, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritize uniformity in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 comparing the sound profile of the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches to the Haimu Orange Sea switches, the differences are quite distinct. The Ink Box Pink produces a higher-pitched, clacky sound that delivers a sharp and snappy auditory feedback on each keystroke. This makes them suitable for users who enjoy a more vibrant acoustics from their keyboard while typing. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are characterized by a neutral sound signature, suggesting that they may not produce the pronounced auditory feedback that the Ink Box Pink boasts. Though the sound of a switch can be affected by external factors like keycap material and keyboard design, the Ink Box Pink clearly offers a more lively audio experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink excels with its silky and polished typing experience. The switches offer a notably smooth operation, minimizing resistance during key presses, which enhances the overall comfort and speed of typing. The polished nature of these switches reinforces this smoothness, resulting in minimal friction and a refined key travel experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are described as impeccably smooth, which suggests they also provide a pleasant typing experience. However, there is no additional descriptor for these switches to compare with the specific benefits that the Ink Box Pink's silky and polished qualities provide.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offer smooth typing experiences, they diverge in their sound characteristics and specific feel attributes. If you are looking for a lively, higher-pitched sound, the Ink Box Pink is the clear choice, while the Orange Sea may appeal to those preferring a neutral auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying typing feel, making them suitable options for newcomers seeking to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch should be informed by your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched auditory feedback while typing, the Ink Box Pink would be a great fit. Its silky and polished feel ensures a smooth typing experience, making it well-suited for both gaming and typing tasks where tactile feedback enhances your engagement. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more relaxed typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Haimu Orange Sea is the ideal choice. With its lower bottom-out force, you’ll find comfort and speed in your keystrokes without the added effort, making it a great option for prolonged typing sessions or fast-paced gaming where quick key presses are essential. Ultimately, consider what matters most in your keyboard experience: go for the vibrant and resounding Ink Box Pink for a more tactile joy or choose the sleek and understated Orange Sea for effortless typing.
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