Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Sakura Pink offer their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Box Pink is best known for its lighter typing feel and higher-pitched clack, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a smoother and more polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink stands out with its super light 35g actuation force, perfect for delicate typists who prefer an easy-to-press and frictionless operation. Additionally, the Sakura Pinks produce a delightful poppy sound, reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, adding a playful touch to each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Sakura Pink differ in composition but share similar sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the clear and resonant sound produced. In terms of aesthetics, the Sakura Pink's clear housing allows for better utilization of RGB lighting.
While the housing materials may differ between the two switches, the overall sound profiles of the Ink Box Pink and the Sakura Pink are quite similar. Both switches offer a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, although the Ink Box Pink's sound is characterized as not overly sharp. This similarity in sound profile suggests that users can expect comparable auditory experiences with these switches.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials play a role in different aspects of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning the Ink Box Pink's INK blend bottom housing and the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing will have distinct effects on how the switch sounds and feels when pressed. On the other hand, the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound generated when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials may affect different aspects of the switch's performance, it is important to consider both the top and bottom housing's contribution to the overall experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams, which means it requires a slightly heavier push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Sakura Pink's actuation force of 35 grams. Similarly, the Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sakura Pink has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Ink Box Pink provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a bit more force to fully press down the key. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink offers a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch. The Ink Box Pink can be seen as the heavier option, providing a stronger push feel, while the Sakura Pink is the lighter option that allows for longer typing sessions without fatiguing the fingers. Overall, both switches offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, it can be observed that the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance than the Ink Box Pink. In terms of preference and use, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences. Shorter travel distances, like the 3.6 mm of the Ink Box Pink, are favored by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke may opt for the Sakura Pink with its longer travel distance of 4 mm. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal typing preferences and the desired level of responsiveness. Both switches provide satisfactory travel distances, ensuring a comfortable typing experience, albeit with slight differences in depth.
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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched qualities. Pressing these switches creates a crisp and percussive sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch produces a muted sound. This means that the Sakura Pink switch offers a softer and quieter typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. The polished finish reduces friction, resulting in a sleek and refined keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch is often referred to as buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless. These qualities contribute to a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Typing on Sakura Pink switches feels effortless and comfortable, as they provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The low actuation force and frictionless operation add to the comfort and ease-of-use.
Overall, both switches offer subjective qualities that can enhance the typing experience. The Gateron Ink Box Pink switch provides a lighter typing feel compared to other switches, with a higher-pitched clack sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offers a feather-light actuation force and a gliding type feel, with a delightful poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap. While they have their distinct characteristics, both switches aim to provide smooth and effortless typing experiences. If you prefer the qualities of one switch over the other, you can achieve similar results by considering factors such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoys a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide a smooth and lighter typing feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a sound that is softer and quieter, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a buttery and creamy typing experience, with easy-to-press keys and a frictionless operation. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and typing style, so choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and preferences. In the end, both switches offer their own unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.