Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches that offer a smooth typing experience. The Ink Box Pink stands out for its beautiful translucent design and lighter typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack that adds a unique touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean is known for its silent operation, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches differ significantly in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink offers a clacky and relatively high-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean creates a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound can play a significant role in the overall typing experience, as the type of sound produced can influence the user's preference.
In terms of the bottom housing, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink provides a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the INK blend bottom housing. These differences in sound profiles can cater to different preferences for typing sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches can have a significant impact on the typing experience. While the Ink Box Pink and the Dustproof Silent Ocean switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether it be the clacky and high-pitched sound of the INK blend housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing, users can select a switch based on their preferred sound profile. Ultimately, the housing material plays a crucial role in dictating the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch both fall into the medium range, with the Dustproof Silent Ocean being slightly heavier. The Ink Box Pink requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean requires 45 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. This difference in bottom out force may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. However, both switches offer a balanced typing experience, with the Ink Box Pink being lighter and the Dustproof Silent Ocean being slightly heavier. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Dustproof Silent Ocean being the shortest among the two. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Dustproof Silent Ocean due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Ink Box Pink to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Dustproof Silent Ocean 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
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, giving a sharp and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch's sound quality is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. When it comes to the feel, the Ink Box Pink is praised for its silky and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined keypress with minimal resistance. Unfortunately, information regarding the tactile feel of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is not available, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this area. In conclusion, if you are looking for a linear switch with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, as well as a silky and polished typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a suitable option. However, if you prioritize silence and dustproofing features but are unsure about the feel and sound of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, it may be worth doing additional research or seeking hands-on experience before making a decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing feel and a quieter typing experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be more suitable. Consider your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that can cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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