Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Cream Blue. The Gateron Ink Box Pink is a linear switch that is praised for its smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other switches. It also offers a higher-pitched clack when typing, making it stand out from other linear switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch that doesn't have a specific standout feature but is known for its satisfying clicky sound. While the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be preferred for its smoothness and lighter feel, the Outemu Cream Blue may be favored by those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch. 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
65g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Cream Blue, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their top and bottom housing materials. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Cream Blue's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast suggests that users looking for a more distinct, pointed sound may prefer the Ink Box Pink, while those seeking a softer, rounder sound may lean towards the Cream Blue.
Furthermore, when examining the bottom housing materials of these switches, a similar contrast can be observed. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing continues to provide a high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Cream Blue's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in sound suggests that the overall typing experience of these switches may vary, with the Cream Blue potentially offering a more subdued and muted sound compared to the Ink Box Pink.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Cream Blue each offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they both cater to different preferences in terms of typing sound and feel. Users looking for a sharper, more clacky sound may be drawn to the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend housing, while those seeking a softer, fuller sound may opt for the Cream Blue's nylon housing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it can be seen that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it lighter than the Cream Blue, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink may be preferred by those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, as it provides a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Cream Blue's heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will 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, making it shorter than the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, which has a 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 Cream Blue with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those seeking a deeper and more tactile feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them would depend on personal preference for responsiveness or depth in key presses.
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 Cream 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound, which provides a sharp and snappy typing experience. This sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive, making it stand out in a typing environment. On the other hand, information regarding the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. It is important to note that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis, keycaps, and typing style.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. These switches are designed to minimize resistance, providing a buttery smooth keypress and release. On the contrary, information about the feel of the Outemu Cream Blue switch is not available, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this regard. However, one can expect a different feel due to the clicky nature of the Cream Blue switch.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Pink is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound along with a silky and polished typing feel, the specific characteristics of the Cream Blue switch remain unknown. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, if you prefer a sharp and snappy sound with a smooth and refined typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be the better choice for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack, the Ink Box Pink would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy typing feel and a clicky sound, the Cream Blue might be more to your liking. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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