Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come up are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Pine. These switches may both be linear, but they offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink is renowned for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a more delicate touch. Additionally, the higher-pitched clack adds a distinctive element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine stands out with its medium-heavy weight and buttery smoothness, allowing for effortless and satisfying typing. With its polished and factory-lubed finish, friction is minimized, resulting in smooth key travel. The Pine offers a lower-pitched sound, giving off a bassy note that some users may find pleasing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Pine differ in terms of their composition. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. In comparison, the polycarbonate top housing of the Pine produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound.
Aesthetically, the Ink Box Pink and the Pine also differ. The Ink Box Pink's INK blend top housing, being a proprietary blend, does not offer the same clear translucency as polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing allows for a clear housing, making it more suitable for use with RGB lighting. Both switches have their own unique aesthetic appeal, with the Ink Box Pink's proprietary blend offering a distinct look and the Pine's polycarbonate providing a more transparent appearance.
When it comes to the impact on the overall switch performance, the qualities of the bottom housing and the top housing are distributed differently. Pressing down on the switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In contrast, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Ink Box Pink and the Pine aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with slightly varying sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some similarities as well as differences. Both switches fall into the medium range category, indicating a moderate amount of force required for activation. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. While the Ink Box Pink requires a slightly higher force for both actuation and bottoming out, the difference is relatively minimal. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience between the two switches. In terms of weight, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force and bottom out force of the Pine switch, as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier forces of the Ink Box Pink switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Pine. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. Opting for a switch with a shorter travel distance would provide increased responsiveness. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer switches with a longer travel distance for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, the choice between the Ink Box Pink and the Pine ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound. When pressed, these switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for its silky and polished characteristics. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of these switches results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with each keystroke. The smooth and buttery typing experience of these switches can be attributed to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in their construction.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and KTT Pine linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink switch has a higher-pitched and clacky sound, while providing a silky and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Pine switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound, while offering a buttery and creamy typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose the switch that aligns with their desired sound and feel characteristics. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Ultimately, both switches provide smooth typing experiences, although with different sound profiles, ensuring a pleasant and satisfying typing experience for newcomers.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a lighter typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are known for their smoothness and produce a higher-pitched clack sound when pressed. They offer a silky typing experience with minimized resistance due to their polished finish. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and an effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine linear switch would be more suitable. These switches have a polished, factory-lubed finish that enhances smooth key travel and minimize friction. They produce a bassy sound and offer a buttery typing sensation. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and KTT Pine linear switches depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider your personal preferences and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.
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