Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Silent White, there are key differences to consider. The Ink Box Pink is praised for its smooth and light typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White is known for its silent operation, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Outemu Silent White switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound profile and feel. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink provides a satisfying thin and clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White creates a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent White produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The distinct properties of these housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch.
While the top housing of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Outemu Silent White switches may differ in material, they both aim to enhance the sound profile in unique ways. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink delivers a high-pitched and satisfying clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent White creates a sharper and more resonant sound. The use of different materials for the top housing allows for customization of the sound profile based on personal preferences. Whether you prefer a thinner clacky sound or a crisper and sharper tone, both switches offer distinct options for your typing experience.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it's important to note how each component contributes to the typing experience. The bottom housing material, such as the nylon used in the Outemu Silent White, plays a significant role in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing material, like the INK blend in the Gateron Ink Box Pink, contributes to the sharpness and clarity of the sound when a key is released. By understanding the unique qualities of each housing material, keyboard enthusiasts can choose switches that best suit their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the Ink Box Pink has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Silent White's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Ink Box Pink will require a slightly higher force to trigger a keystroke but will ultimately feel the same when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Silent White may be the better option, as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing feel is preferred, the Gateron Ink Box Pink, with its higher actuation force, would be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference between the two. The Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent White has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Ink Box Pink slightly longer in travel distance than the Silent White switch. As a general rule, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some individuals. So, in this case, if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance, the Gateron Ink Box Pink may be the better option for you, while the Outemu Silent White would provide a slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences 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 Silent White 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 high-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have any specific information available regarding its sound characteristics, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Moving on to the feel, the Ink Box Pink offers a silky and polished typing experience, with exceptionally smooth key presses and reduced resistance. In contrast, the feel of the Silent White switch is unknown, making it challenging to draw a comparison in this regard.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch stands out for its unique sound profile and smooth typing experience, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. If looking for a similar typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Outemu Silent White linear switch might be worth considering, although more information on its feel would be needed for a complete comparison. Ultimately, personal preference plays a crucial role in selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, so trying out different options firsthand is always recommended.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch or the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack sound, you may prefer the Ink Box Pink. On the other hand, if you prioritize silence during typing and are looking for a medium bottom out force switch, the Silent White may be the better option for you. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision.
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