Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come up for consideration are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Peach, both of which are linear switches. The Ink Box Pink stands out with its smooth and lighter typing feel compared to other switches, while also offering a distinct higher-pitched clack. On the other hand, the Peach is known for its syrupy smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile. The Peach switch also boasts a low-pitched and neutral characteristic, providing a mild typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Peach have contrasting housing materials. The Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying clacky sound. In comparison, the Peach features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the Peach's clear housing allows for better RGB lighting effects. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, although the specific qualities may vary.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink and the Peach again differ in their materials. The Ink Box Pink utilizes its proprietary INK blend, which provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This contributes to the switch's clacky sound. On the other hand, the KTT Peach's bottom housing is made of nylon, offering a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Ink Box Pink focuses on a thinner and higher-pitched sound, the Peach offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and overall feel. Conversely, the top housing will primarily affect the sound when releasing a key. The contrasting materials used in the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Peach’s top and bottom housings provide different experiences for users, highlighting the importance of selecting the desired sound profile and feel when choosing between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have medium actuation forces, with the Ink Box Pink requiring 50 grams and the Peach requiring 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is relatively similar for both switches, ensuring a responsive typing experience.
However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which indicates a slightly heavier feel when pressing the keys all the way down. On the other hand, the Peach has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that the Peach switch provides a slightly lighter typing experience when fully depressing the keys.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Peach switch. It allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who prefer a more substantial, pronounced typing feel may find the Ink Box Pink more suitable. Its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a stronger push, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In summary, while both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and KTT Peach linear switches have medium actuation forces, their bottom out forces differ, with the Ink Box Pink being heavier and the Peach being lighter. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Peach offering a lighter touch and the Ink Box Pink providing a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Peach linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance compared to the most traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. For gamers who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink may be preferred. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Peach switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Ink Box Pink offering a shorter and potentially more responsive experience, while the Peach provides a longer and potentially more satisfying key press.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 produces a clacky sound when pressed, with a higher-pitched tone. This means that the sound is sharp, crisp, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. The Peach switch is described as having a neutral sound, meaning it has a moderate volume and tone that is suitable for most environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish gives a sleek and refined feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switch provides a mild typing experience. This means that it offers a gentle and approachable feel, without any pronounced characteristics. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it suitable for most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and KTT Peach switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink switch produces a clacky, higher-pitched sound with a silky and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Peach switch has a low-pitched sound profile and offers a mild typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a sharper and more refined feel with the Ink Box Pink or a mellow and approachable feel with the Peach switch. Keep in mind that both switches can provide a smooth typing experience, but the sound and feel may vary based on other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Peach linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack, the Ink Box Pink may be the better option for you. Additionally, if you prefer a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience, the Ink Box Pink would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach switch would be more suitable. The Peach switch also offers a more mellow and bass-heavy sound, which may be preferable if you don't enjoy the sharp and crisp sound of higher-pitched switches. Overall, both switches have their own unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs.
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