Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come up in the conversation are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Sea Glass. The Ink Box Pink is best known for its smoothness and light typing feel, offering a pleasant experience for those who prefer a softer touch. It also has a higher-pitched clack that adds an element of satisfaction to each press. On the other hand, the Sea Glass stands out with its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend that delivers a distinct dryness and wispiness while maintaining smoothness. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass surprises users with its weightlessness and easy-to-press nature. Additionally, its uniquely hollow sound signature adds a touch of uniqueness to the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Sea Glass switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a proprietary blend for their top housing material. The Ink Box Pink utilizes the INK blend, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Similarly, the Sea Glass switch uses a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, providing a pleasant, bright sound that is not overly sharp. In terms of sound profile, both switches offer unique characteristics that are distinct from traditional switch housings.
The bottom housing materials of the two switches also have their own qualities. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its satisfying thin and clacky sound. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass switch incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing, which brings a unique element to its overall sound profile. The bottom housing materials play a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
When it comes to the impact on sound when releasing a key, the top housing material becomes more influential. Although both switches have their individual blends for the top housing, they both contribute to a higher-pitched and bright sound that enhances the typing experience. The Ink Box Pink's INK blend and the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend offer a similar effect when it comes to the sound produced upon key release.
Overall, while there are differences in the specific housing materials used, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Sea Glass switches aim to provide unique sound profiles that deviate from traditional switch housings. The INK blend and the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in the top housing of each switch contribute to a satisfying, high-pitched, and bright sound. The bottom housing materials contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a more clacky experience in the case of the Ink Box Pink and a unique sound profile in the case of the Sea Glass switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are some similarities and slight differences. Both switches fall into the medium category for actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink requires a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sea Glass has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Sea Glass requires a slightly higher force of 62 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 60 grams.
The weight of a switch is an important consideration for individuals, as it directly affects their typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch will appreciate the Sea Glass's lower actuation force, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This makes it ideal for extended work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Ink Box Pink, with its slightly higher actuation force. The Ink Box Pink provides a stronger push feel, satisfying those who prefer a heavier switch.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Durock Sea Glass switches differ slightly, the differences are relatively minor. Both switches fall within the medium range, resulting in similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for force and weight, with the Sea Glass being the lighter option and the Ink Box Pink offering a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Durock Sea Glass linear switch's travel distance of 3.8 mm. If you are looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Ink Box Pink would be a good choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may find this beneficial as it can result in faster response times. However, if you prefer a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key, the Sea Glass with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. It is important to consider personal preference when selecting between these two switches to ensure a comfortable and satisfying 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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 switches are described as clacky and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, information about the sound of the Durock Sea Glass switches is not available. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, based on the description of the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches, it is likely that the Durock Sea Glass switches will also provide a similar high-pitched and clacky sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are described as silky and polished. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. The Sea Glass switches, on the other hand, are described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. They offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with a fluid travel. These qualities make the Sea Glass switches approachable to most users as they provide a safe and comfortable middle-ground typing experience. While the specific smoothness of the Sea Glass switches is not mentioned, it can be inferred that they will also offer a smooth and refined typing feel, similar to the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Sea Glass switches offer smooth and refined typing experiences. The Gateron Ink Box Pink switches have a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack sound, while the Sea Glass switches emanate a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in their typing experience, with a uniquely hollow sound signature. However, since specific information about the sound and smoothness of the Sea Glass switches is not mentioned, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in those aspects. Nonetheless, based on the described qualities and the fact that they are both linear switches, it can be reasonably concluded that the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Durock Sea Glass switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for the specific aesthetic design and color options offered by each switch series.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and lighter typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is a great choice. These switches provide a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a comfortable typing experience. They are best known for their silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Ink Box Pink switches also produce a clacky and high-pitched sound when pressed, adding a crisp and bright sound profile to your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in your typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is an excellent option. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches still offer a weightlessness that defies expectations. The Sea Glass switches are known for their frictionless feel, providing an effortless and fluid travel. They also offer a uniquely hollow sound signature when typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel with a clacky sound, go for the Ink Box Pink switches. However, if you enjoy a dry and airy typing experience with a frictionless feel, the Sea Glass switches are the way to go. Consider your desired typing feel, sound profile, and aesthetics to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
