Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the distinctions between switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Ink Box Pink switches stand out with their smooth operation and lighter typing feel, characterized by a high-pitched clack that adds an engaging auditory element to each keystroke. Ideal for those who enjoy a clacky and polished sound, these linear switches offer a silky typing sensation that many find irresistible. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches provide a captivating balance of smoothness and depth, delivering a satisfying click while ensuring precise and responsive feedback. Their versatility is also a notable feature, as they are fully compatible with Wooting’s innovative keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts looking for performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches present some intriguing contrasts, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Gateron Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend that helps create a distinct sound profile described as thin and clacky, producing a higher-pitched auditory sensation. In contrast, the Rice Pudding utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiff nature, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both materials contribute to elevated sound characteristics, yet the Gateron INK blend seems to lean toward a more saturated clack, while the polycarbonate enhances clarity. For users focusing on RGB lighting effects, the Rice Pudding's translucent nature allows for superior illumination, presenting a visual benefit in addition to sound.

Diving into the bottom housings reveals an interesting divergence with respect to the characteristics imparted to each switch's overall auditory experience. The Gateron Ink Box Pink features a bottom housing made of the same proprietary INK blend used for its top housing, reinforcing the thin and clacky sound that defines its composure. The Everglide Rice Pudding, however, employs nylon in its bottom housing, which is a classic material known for absorbing sound, leading to a more profound and rounder auditory profile. This distinct binary means that while both switches have their unique fingerprints, the Ink Box Pink will produce a more unified clacky sound, whereas the Rice Pudding will contrast this with a deeper acoustic response stemming from its nylon base.

When considering how the combination of these different materials affects the overall sound profile during typing, it becomes evident that the unique qualities of the top and bottom housings impact the auditory experience distinctly as users engage with the switches. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing defines the sound during key release. Thus, while both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Everglide Rice Pudding may appeal to diverse auditory preferences, their different housing compositions create distinct soundscapes that cater to varied typing experiences. Ultimately, those who choose switches from either brand will encounter a blend of characteristics that serve to enhance their custom keyboard journey, even if the result in acoustic terms varies due to the contrasting materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we see a clear distinction in their characteristics. The Ink Box Pink features a 50-gram actuation force and a 60-gram bottom out force, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch is lighter, with an actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference indicates that while the Ink Box Pink requires a slightly stronger push to actuate and bottom out, the Rice Pudding offers a more effortless experience, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extensive typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, those who enjoy a more solid typing feel may gravitate towards the Ink Box Pink, while others seeking a more agile experience might favor the Rice Pudding switch due to its lighter force requirements.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Ink Box Pink the longer switch, although both options are relatively close in distance. For gamers or users who prioritize quick responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Rice Pudding may be preferable, as it allows for faster key presses and reaction times. However, for those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, the Ink Box Pink's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch stands out with a higher-pitched clack that delivers a sharp and snappy auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a crisp and bright sound profile. Its clacky nature can provide an engaging typing experience for users who enjoy an audible confirmation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a deep sound that is more balanced and satisfying. While the specific characteristics of the Rice Pudding's sound are not elaborated upon, its reputation suggests a less sharp, perhaps more resonant audio signature that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate a fuller tone. Overall, buyers should expect to achieve different auditory experiences between these two switches.

In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink switches are noted for their silky and polished nature, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses. This can lead to a pleasant, effortless feel when typing, allowing for quicker and more fluid strokes. The smoothness is likely enhanced by the materials used and potentially by factory lubing, making them less fatiguing for extended use. On the other hand, the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switches is not specified, leaving some uncertainty in direct comparison. However, their smooth operation is cited, which indicates they also aim to provide a satisfying tactile experience. For anyone seeking a refined typing experience, both switches promise smooth operations but vary in user feedback specifics.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Everglide Rice Pudding switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. While the Ink Box Pink excels in delivering a high-pitched, clacky sound combined with a silky smooth typing experience, the Rice Pudding is characterized by a deep sound profile and a generally smooth operation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, with each offering unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. For those looking to tailor their mechanical keyboards further, considering the sound, feel, and compatibility with their setup is crucial.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and switch actuation force. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force with a lively, high-pitched clack that gives a tactile sense of satisfaction, the Ink Box Pink would be your best bet. Its silky and polished feel is perfect for those who prioritize a smooth typing experience, making it great for extended typing sessions or gaming where a quick response is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation with a total bottom out force of just 48 grams, the Rice Pudding switch will provide you with a more delicate touch while still delivering a satisfying and precise experience. Its deeper sound combined with smooth operation makes it an appealing choice for users who value performance along with versatility, especially if you’re considering integrating with Wooting’s innovative keyboards. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize sound, feel, and the overall typing experience in your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more