Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Purple Click. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, they have distinct features that set them apart. The Ink Box Pink is best known for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, providing a clack that is higher-pitched and slightly more polished. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch is renowned for its pronounced tactility and fairly high-pitched, satisfying click. The keystrokes with the Purple Click are light yet invigorating, striking a perfect balance between the crunchiness of the keystrokes and the resonant click. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Purple Click differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. In contrast, the Purple Click's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a more resonant sound profile. While both options offer a satisfying sound experience, the Ink Box Pink's top housing may provide a slightly less intense and sharp sound compared to the Purple Click.

In terms of the bottom housing, both switches again demonstrate contrasting materials and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, similar to its top housing, offers a thin and higher-pitched sound, also described as clacky. On the other hand, the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Thus, typing on the Purple Click may provide a more satisfyingly resonant and substantial sound experience compared to the Ink Box Pink.

However, it is important to note that the impact of the housing materials is distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing primarily affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although the specific housing materials differ between the Ink Box Pink and the Purple Click, the overall sound experience may exhibit similar qualities due to the balance between the two housing components.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Purple Click's 40 grams. This means that the Ink Box Pink requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink is also heavier with 60 grams compared to the Purple Click's 55 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click would be a better choice as it has a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This would be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming where lighter switches can reduce fatigue. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink provides a more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can be preferred by individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more pronounced feedback while typing.

In terms of weight considerations, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Purple Click make it a lighter option overall. This would be suitable for those who prioritize prolonged typing comfort. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Pink, with its slightly heavier forces, offers a more solid and substantial feel during typing.

In summary, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and KTT Purple Click differ, both switches fall within the medium range in terms of force required. The distinction lies in the Ink Box Pink being slightly heavier in both categories. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we find that the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm. With the Ink Box Pink having a shorter travel distance, it would be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. This shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes and improved efficiency during gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Purple Click with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. The extra depth provided by the 4 mm travel distance may offer a more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed. This results in a sharp and snappy auditory experience that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is known for a crunchier sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It also offers a resonant, higher-pitched sound profile that provides an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, with the Ink Box Pink being more clacky and high-pitched, while the Purple Click offers a crunchier and resonant sound.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished. Silky switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This results in an overall smooth and refined typing feel. Additionally, the Ink Box Pink switch's smooth and refined finish enhances the typing experience, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating and stepped feel. It provides pronounced feedback, a snappy and reactive feel, and moderate to firm actuation force, creating an immersive typing sensation. Stepped switches have a mild feel compared to hypertactile switches, allowing for some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Overall, the Ink Box Pink offers a silky and polished typing experience, while the Purple Click provides an invigorating and stepped feel.

Taking into account the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch and the KTT Purple Click switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a lighter typing feel, and offering a silky and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click switch offers a satisfying click with a crunchier and resonant sound, while also providing an invigorating and stepped feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, as both options offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. If you prefer a switch with a sharp and snappy sound and a lighter typing feel, the Ink Box Pink is a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a satisfying click with a crunchier sound and an invigorating typing sensation, the Purple Click switch will suit your needs. However, please note that factors such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound and feel of these switches.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are looking for a smoother and lighter typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound when pressed, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is medium. They offer a silky and polished feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction. Additionally, the Ink Box Pink switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which adds to the overall typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a satisfying high-pitched click sound and a pronounced tactile feedback, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch would be a perfect fit for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. They offer an invigorating and stepped feel, creating an immersive typing sensation with moderate to firm actuation force. Moreover, the Purple Click switches produce a crunchy and resonant sound, resembling stepping on piles of crisp leaves and providing an immersive auditory experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and KTT Purple Click switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a smoother and lighter typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound, go for the Ink Box Pink. However, if you prefer a satisfying click sound with pronounced tactile feedback, opt for the Purple Click. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more