Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Akko Rosewood stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Ink Box Pink switches are celebrated for their smoothness and lighter typing feel, offering a notably high-pitched clack that brings a certain liveliness to your keystrokes. Their polished performance creates a silky typing experience that’s perfect for those who appreciate a brisk, responsive touch while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver a deeply satisfying thocky sound right out of the box, thanks to a delicate layer of factory-applied lubricant, providing a richer auditory feedback that many users find gratifying. The choice between these switches ultimately hinges on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback; if you favor a clacky and high-pitched soundscape, the Ink Box Pink may be your match, whereas if you lean towards a profound thock, the Rosewood might be the way to go. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and Akko Rosewood switches each utilize distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall tactile feedback. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is designed to produce a pointed, high-pitched sound. This clacky tone is a result of the housing's composition, which enhances the sharpness of sound upon keystroke while maintaining a level of satisfaction in the feedback. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood employs a nylon material for its housing, a classic choice known for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon effectively absorbs vibrations, resulting in a sound that is more rounded and less harsh than that of the Ink Box Pink.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, the differences in material continue to play a crucial role. The Ink Box Pink's INK blend bottom housing contributes to a sound that is still characterized by the same high-pitched and clacky nature as its top counterpart. In comparison, the Rosewood's nylon bottom housing produces a richer sound that is warmer and more resonant. This variance shapes the experience during bottom-out, where the Ink Box Pink's sound remains consistent with its pointed profile, while the Rosewood's softer material lends a more comforting and subdued auditory response. Therefore, when typing, the bottom-out feel and sound on the Gateron Ink Box Pink will reflect a preference for sharpness, whereas the Akko Rosewood will deliver a more muted and rounded feedback.
Despite these differences in housing materials, users can achieve similar typing experiences depending on their preferences for sound and feel. For example, if one aims for a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Ink Box Pink would be the ideal choice due to its high-pitched clackiness. Conversely, those who prefer a softer touch might enjoy the Rosewood's deeper sound, which provides a distinctly satisfying experience as well. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will boil down to personal preferences regarding the sound profile, with each switch bringing its own unique characteristics while still offering a quality typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in both actuation and bottom out force. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood is lighter overall, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference in weight means that for users who prefer lighter switches, the Rosewood may be more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing might gravitate towards the heavier Ink Box Pink, as its stronger actuation and bottom out forces provide a different tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out feel, with the Rosewood being the lighter option and the Ink Box Pink offering a heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we find a distinct difference between the two. The Ink Box Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rosewood measures 4 mm. This makes the Ink Box Pink the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, as shorter distances often facilitate speedier key presses. In contrast, the Rosewood’s 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you opt for the shorter Ink Box Pink switch, you can expect a more rapid actuation, while the longer Rosewood switch offers more depth, catering to different preferences in typing style.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch stands out with its distinct high-pitched and clacky profile. This means that each keystroke produces a sharp and bright noise that tends to resonate crisply, making it a lively choice for typists who enjoy auditory feedback. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a deeper, more satisfying thocky sound. This distinct thock is characterized by a rich bass quality, a result of its factory lubrication that enhances the aural experience, making it feel more robust during use. For users who value sound, these two switches offer quite different auditory experiences that cater to unique preferences.
On the feel front, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is notable for its silky and polished typing experience. The smoothness of these linear switches minimizes resistance, allowing for seamless key presses that provide high comfort during extended typing sessions. This quality is particularly appealing for those who desire a fluid and quick response from their keyboard. The Akko Rosewood switch, however, lacks detailed specifications regarding its feel, leaving the tactile experience open to interpretation. It is unknown how the Rosewood compares in terms of smoothness and resistance, but users can generally expect a standard experience from linear switches, making it likely that the feel may not drastically diverge.
In conclusion, when selecting between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Akko Rosewood switches, the primary difference lies in their sound profiles—the Ink Box Pink providing a high-pitched clack while the Rosewood yields a deep thock. In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink excels with its silky smoothness, though the tactile characteristics of the Rosewood remain unspecified. For those who lean towards a more melodic and bright typing experience, the Ink Box Pink would be an excellent choice. Conversely, if a deeper sound is more appealing, the Rosewood's thocky nature may be preferred, despite its unknown feel. Ultimately, both options promise their own unique sensations and sounds, ensuring a fulfilling typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for sound profile and actuation force. If you favor a typing experience that offers a little more resistance and a distinct, clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink may be your best fit. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, these switches provide a smooth, silky feel that pairs beautifully with their bright, high-pitched acoustics—ideal for those who enjoy a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more muted, thocky sound, the Akko Rosewood switches are likely to suit you better. With a weight of 50 grams, these switches deliver a deep, satisfying sound straight out of the box, complemented by a smooth feel due to their factory lubrication. In summary, if you enjoy a pronounced, tactile feedback with a crisp sound signature, reach for the Ink Box Pink; however, if you desire a softer, more subdued experience with a richer acoustic quality, then the Rosewood should be your go-to choice.
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