Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Blue. The Ink Box Pink is loved for its smoothness and light typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is known for providing a satisfying clicky feel without any specific standout characteristics mentioned. If you prefer a quieter, smoother typing experience, the Ink Box Pink may be the way to go. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Blue switches, we can see that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top and bottom housings. The Gateron Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Outemu Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Blue switch leads to a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting for added aesthetic appeal.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Pink utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for a high-pitched sound profile, while the Outemu Blue switch incorporates a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon material in the Blue switch absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a more rounded and dull sound when typing. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases the different ways in which sound profiles can be influenced by the materials used in switch construction.
In terms of overall impact on sound and feel, the qualities of the bottom housing will have a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Blue switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, highlighting the importance of material selection in creating unique typing experiences. Whether using a proprietary INK blend or polycarbonate and nylon, each housing material brings its own characteristics to the table, ultimately shaping the sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Blue switch is unknown. This makes the Ink Box Pink slightly heavier overall in terms of bottoming out. The difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. Some may find the heavier bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink to provide a more substantial typing feel, while others may prefer the potentially lighter feel of the Outemu Blue switch, depending on personal preference. Ultimately, the actuation force being the same means that users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to triggering keystrokes on both switches.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, we find that the Ink Box Pink has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Outemu Blue may provide a more satisfying and deliberate key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and what kind of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, producing a sharp and percussive sound that can be described as crisp and bright. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Blue clicky switch's sound profile is unavailable, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is often praised for its silky and polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, details on the tactile feel of the Outemu Blue clicky switch are not provided, making it challenging to contrast the two switches based on this criterion. Overall, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a higher-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch may be the preferred choice for you. However, if you are looking for a specific tactile feel and sound profile, it would be beneficial to try out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch would be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky typing experience without a specific bottom-out force preference, the Outemu Blue switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall sound and feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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