Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you'll find unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink stands out for its smooth, lighter typing feel and higher-pitched clack, making it ideal for those who enjoy a polished and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch lacks specific standout features but may appeal to those who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Milk Tea switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched clacky sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a very bright and resonant clack when typing. In terms of bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink features the same proprietary INK blend as the top, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, while the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's softer nature.
In terms of sound characteristics, the top housing plays a significant role in the overall acoustics of a switch when pressing down on a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite these differences, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Milk Tea switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink's blend results in a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing enhances the depth and roundness of the sound when typing.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Milk Tea switches may differ in composition and sound characteristics, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the pointed and high-pitched sound of the INK blend in the Ink Box Pink or the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Milk Tea, both switches offer unique tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and tactile feel.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, the Ink Box Pink provides a slightly heavier bottom out force for those who prefer a bit more resistance when pressing the keys all the way down. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milk Tea may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a more in-depth feel. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, but ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Milk Tea 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 its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, creating a sharp and snappy typing experience. This sound characteristic is favored by users who enjoy a crisp and bright typing sound. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is not specified, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It is important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the tactile feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is recognized for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience and reduces friction during key travel, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is not mentioned, so it is unclear how it compares to the smooth and polished feel of the Ink Box Pink.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and silky, polished feel, which contribute to a satisfying typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are not fully described in the provided information, it is essential for newcomers to consider their preferences in terms of sound and feel when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results depending on individual preferences and the overall keyboard setup used.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch or the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force and tactile feedback, the Milk Tea could be the switch to go for. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and tactile feedback preference when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what feels best for your typing experience.
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