Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. Both switches fall under the linear switch category, but they offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink is best known for its beautiful translucent design and provides a lighter typing feel compared to other switches. It boasts a higher-pitched clack, which some users may find satisfying. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon stands out with its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience that many appreciate. While these general pointers give you an overview of what to expect from each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond the generalities so you can decide which switch is best suited for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon have different materials for their top housing. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend, which creates a thin, higher-pitched sound that is described as being clacky. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon uses polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. However, both switches have a translucent top housing, making them suitable for RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink also utilizes the proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Sea Salt Lemon.

When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing on the overall switch experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. Meanwhile, the top housing has more influence on the sound when the key is released. Despite the differences in materials, both switches provide satisfying sound profiles, with the Ink Box Pink offering a clacky sound and the Sea Salt Lemon delivering a sharper and crisper sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches, there are notable differences to consider. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, putting it in the medium range. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch.

For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Sea Salt Lemon would be the better option as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. This lighter weight can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions, providing a more comfortable experience over time.

On the contrary, the Ink Box Pink offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force. While still within the medium range, this switch would appeal to individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience. The increased force required for actuation and bottoming out can provide a satisfying push feel, lending a sense of stability and precision to each keystroke.

It is worth noting that both switches fall within the same general range, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch are 3.6 mm and 4 mm, respectively. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sea Salt Lemon. 4.0mm is the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink is often preferred by gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals find short travel distances too abrupt and prefer a more substantial key press. In this case, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance may be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for producing a clacky and high-pitched sound. The sharp and snappy sound it produces is described as crisp, bright, and percussive. If you prefer a keyboard switch with a more rich and bassy sound profile, the Ink Box Pink might not be your first choice. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound. Its bass-heavy and mellow tone makes typing a more relaxing experience, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, the Sea Salt Lemon's sound profile is moderate, making it versatile for use in different environments like home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is described as silky and polished. The switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. This smoothness minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. This smooth feel can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience. It offers a safe middle-ground zone, appealing to users who prefer switches with more subtle characteristics.

In conclusion, comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, they offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched and neutral sound. When it comes to feel, the Ink Box Pink offers a silky and polished experience with reduced friction, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a more mild and gentle typing feel. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a switch that suits your desired sound and typing experience. However, it's worth noting that personal preferences, the keyboard board, and keycaps used can also influence the final results.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and lighter typing experience with a higher-pitched clack, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and are best known for their beautiful translucent design. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a mellow and bass-heavy tone, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be more suitable. These switches have a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams and are known for their progressive spring and dry-lube design. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Pink is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Sea Salt Lemon is the better option. Lastly, if you prioritize a silky and polished feel, the Ink Box Pink would provide you with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a mild and gentle typing feel. Overall, both switches have their unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more