Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Peach. The Ink Box Pink switches are best known for their beautiful translucent design and lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. They offer a smooth typing experience but come with a higher-pitched clack. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches are unique in their lightweight nature and silenced operation. These switches are perfect for those who prefer a feathery light typing experience. They are categorized as neutral and offer a more subtle and muted typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Peach differ in their housing materials, which ultimately impact the sound profile and feel of the switches. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This clacky sound is described as satisfying and thin. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Peach also showcase differences. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, providing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This clacky sound is consistent with the top housing's impact on sound when releasing a key. In comparison, the Outemu Peach utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is responsible for the switch's bottom-out sound and feel. Because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, it creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when pressing down on the switch.
Although the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Peach have different housing materials for both the top and bottom, they share similarities in terms of the overall impact on sound and feel. Both switches have a higher-pitched sound profile, with the Ink Box Pink's top and bottom housing contributing, while the Outemu Peach's nylon material enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile. Additionally, the softer nature of the nylon material in both switches results in a more absorbent housing, producing a rounder and duller sound. Thus, while the housing materials may differ, the overall sound and feel achieved with these switches will yield similar results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, notable differences can be observed. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Outemu Peach lighter in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, such as those who frequently type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, the Outemu Peach may be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, the Ink Box Pink with its heavier forces would provide a stronger and more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Peach linear switch is 3.3 mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, indicating that they are designed for quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster reactions. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press, the Outemu Peach with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference - those seeking a quicker, more responsive experience may lean towards the Ink Box Pink, while those desiring a deeper, more deliberate keystroke may find the Outemu Peach more suitable.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 switch has a higher-pitched clack when pressed, producing a sharp and snappy sound. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch has a more neutral sound profile, with a quieter and softer sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a sharper and more pronounced sound, the Ink Box Pink would be a suitable choice, while the Outemu Peach offers a more muted and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its silky and polished characteristics. These switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ink Box Pink switch's smooth and refined finish enhances the overall typing feel, resulting in a sleek and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Outemu Peach switch also offers a polished and subtle typing experience. It has a gentle resistance that is not too feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. The switch's polished finish and reduced friction contribute to a smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Ink Box Pink emphasizing on smoothness and the Outemu Peach offering a more approachable and gentle typing feel.
In conclusion, when comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, they have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink switch is known for its clacky and higher-pitched sound, offering a crisp and bright typing experience. It provides a silky and polished feel, enhancing the smoothness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch has a more neutral and muted sound profile, minimizing noise and suitable for shared spaces. It offers a polished and subtle feel, with a smooth and gentle typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with these switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a lighter typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. These switches are known for their smoothness and beautiful translucent design, providing a unique typing experience. They also produce a higher-pitched clack sound when pressed, which some users may prefer. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force, the Outemu Peach linear switch would be a great option. These switches are very lightweight and also feature a silenced design, making them perfect for those who enjoy a feathery light typing experience. Additionally, the Outemu Peach switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild and subtle typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Outemu Peach switches will depend on your personal preference for typing force, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
