Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Dustproof Blue. The Ink Box Pink is a linear switch that is beloved for its smooth and light typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack that adds a touch of elegance to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue is a clicky switch that does not have any specific standout features mentioned. While the Ink Box Pink is best for those who prefer a polished and silky typing experience, the Dustproof Blue may be more suitable for those who enjoy a traditional clicky switch 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 Dustproof Blue Clicky

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Dustproof Blue, one can see that they both have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Blue creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of the polycarbonate material also makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink offers a similarly high-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Blue produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.

Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Dustproof Blue both play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. The top housing material affects the sound when a key is released, with the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink providing a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Blue offers a sharper and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink maintains a high-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Blue creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature.

In conclusion, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience. The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Dustproof Blue each offer unique sound profiles based on their proprietary materials. While the Ink Box Pink's INK blend housing provides a clacky and thin sound profile, the Dustproof Blue's polycarbonate and nylon housings offer sharper and fuller sounds, respectively. Understanding the qualities of each housing material can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards based on the sound and feel they prefer.

Weight

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them similar in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams, while the Dustproof Blue needs 65 grams. This means that the Dustproof Blue switch is slightly heavier in terms of the force needed to fully press down a key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be the better option, as it allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this comparison, the Dustproof Blue switch has a slightly longer travel distance. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a deeper pressing sensation, the longer travel distance of the Dustproof Blue may be more appealing. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the travel distance that provides the most comfortable typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for producing a high-pitched and clacky sound when pressed, making it stand out in terms of sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown. As sound also depends on factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps, different setups can alter the typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, there is no available information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Dustproof Blue switch. While the lack of information makes direct comparison difficult, it is safe to assume that the Ink Box Pink's smooth and polished feel would provide a contrast to the clicky nature of the Dustproof Blue switch.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched clacky sound with a smooth and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's qualities remain unknown, thus making it challenging to directly compare the two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own characteristics that cater to different preferences, and experimenting with them on different setups can provide varying results for the typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly lighter typing feel with a bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a higher-pitched clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a clicky switch without a specific sound preference, the Dustproof Blue could be the switch for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Dustproof Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more