Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch to the Outemu Green clicky switch, there are clear distinctions to consider. The Ink Box Pink is praised for its smooth and light typing feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is known for its clicky nature, offering tactile feedback and audible clicks with each keystroke. While the Ink Box Pink is characterized by its 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished' qualities, the Green switch lacks distinct descriptors. Deciding between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Standard
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 Gateron Ink Box Pink and Outemu Green switches both use different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink's INK blend top housing offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the Green's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Green switch provides a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, perfect for those looking to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the Pink switch offers a slightly softer sound profile that is not overly sharp but still provides a satisfying clacky sound.
In terms of bottom housings, the differences are more pronounced between the two switches. The Ink Box Pink features a bottom housing made of the proprietary INK blend, which contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Green utilizes a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound that may be preferred by some users for a quieter typing experience.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Outemu Green switches offer unique sound profiles, the differences in sound may be more subtle than expected. Both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback and a clacky sound, with the Green switch showcasing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Pink switch offers a slightly softer sound profile thanks to its INK blend top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, it is evident that the Green switch is heavier in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Pink switch. The Pink switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a more medium option. On the other hand, the Green switch has a higher actuation force of 65 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The weight of a switch is important as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some may prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for a heavier switch for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Green clicky switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Ink Box Pink offers a slightly shorter keypress distance, which may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Green clicky switch provides a bit more depth to the keystroke, which could be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience each user desires.
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 Green 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 high-pitched clacky sound when pressed, creating a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound produced by the Outemu Green clicky switch. When it comes to feel, the Ink Box Pink is described as offering a silky and polished typing experience, with minimal resistance and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no information provided for the feel of the Outemu Green switch. Overall, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a high-pitched clacky sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch would be a great choice. However, if you are looking for more information on the feel and sound of the Outemu Green switch, further research would be needed to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch or the Outemu Green clicky switch, you should opt for the Ink Box Pink if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. The Ink Box Pink offers a smooth and clacky typing experience with a high-pitched sound. On the other hand, you should go for the Outemu Green if you prefer a heavier typing feel with a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Green switch provides a clicky typing experience but lacks specific sound and feel descriptors. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother typing feel with a distinctive sound (Ink Box Pink) or a heavier, clicky typing experience without specific sound and feel descriptors (Outemu Green).
Mentioned in this article
