Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Ink Box Pink is highlighted for its smooth linear feel and lighter typing experience, coupled with a higher-pitched clack, making it a popular choice for those looking for a polished and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum stands out for its unique thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, offering a smooth keystroke and satisfying sound that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a distinct typing 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

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Cold Plum both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing that creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Nylon housing of the Cold Plum may appeal to those seeking a more muffled and subdued typing experience, while the INK blend in the Ink Box Pink is better suited for those who prefer a sharper and clackier sound.

In terms of the bottom housing material, the differences between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Cold Plum become more apparent. The Ink Box Pink features the same proprietary INK blend bottom housing as the top housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile that is pointed and relatively high-pitched. Conversely, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Ink Box Pink. This difference in bottom housing material may affect how the switches feel when pressed, with the Cold Plum potentially offering a softer bottom-out sound and feel compared to the Ink Box Pink.

While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Cold Plum contribute to their unique sound profiles, it is important to consider how these qualities will impact the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings means that each housing material brings its own characteristics to different aspects of typing. For example, the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, users looking for a sharper and clackier sound may prefer the Gateron Ink Box Pink, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the Outemu Cold Plum.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, one can see that the actuation force of the Ink Box Pink is lighter at 50 grams, while the Cold Plum is slightly heavier at 60 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink is 60 grams, making it a medium weight switch, whereas the Cold Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be a better option for you, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, if you enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a heavier push, the Outemu Cold Plum would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on your personal preference for actuation and bottom out force in a switch.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Pink has a longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it could impact the feel and overall typing experience for some individuals. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Cold Plum with the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and how each individual values the length of the travel distance in relation to their typing style and comfort.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky typing experience with a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. Both switches deliver distinct auditory feedback, but the choice between the higher-pitched clack of the Ink Box Pink and the thocky sound of the Cold Plum ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimized resistance during key presses. In contrast, information on the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch's tactile feel is unavailable. Therefore, if a smooth and polished typing feel is what you're looking for, the Ink Box Pink may be the preferred option based on the available information.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound along with a silky and polished typing feel, while the Cold Plum delivers a thocky sound profile, without available information on its specific feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, trying out both switches to see which one aligns best with your preferences is recommended for making an informed decision.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter typing feel with a medium bottom out force and enjoy a higher-pitched clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a thocky sound profile with a smooth keystroke, the Outemu Cold Plum switch may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more