Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences in feel and sound. The Gateron Ink Box Pink, with its delicate balance of a lighter typing feel and a notable high-pitched clack, offers an engaging experience characterized by its smooth, silky action and polished finish. This switch is ideal for those seeking a more tactile feedback while enjoying the auditory pleasure of a clacky sound. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie brings a medium-weight feel to the table with its distinctive thocky sound profile, delivering exceptional smoothness, all while being economically friendly. This switch caters to users who value a deeper auditory experience and a sturdier typing sensation. Each switch has its unique offerings, appealing to different tastes and typing styles, allowing users to find what resonates with their preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilize different materials for their housings, which results in distinct auditory and tactile experiences during use. The Ink Box Pink incorporates a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings. This material contributes to a decidedly pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as satisfying and clacky. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, a material known for creating a sound that is deeper and more muted. This divergence in housing materials significantly influences the overall sound characteristics each switch offers, making them unique despite serving similar functions.
When comparing the bottom housings, the differences remain evident as well. The Ink Box Pink’s bottom housing, like its top, is crafted from the proprietary INK blend, reinforcing that clacky sound profile and elevating the auditory experience during key presses. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing, made from POM, provides a deeper sound that contrasts sharply with the Ink Box Pink's sharper notes. Since the bottom housing has more impact on the sound produced when bottoming out, users may find that the Ink Box Pink provides a brighter and livelier audio response, while the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a more subdued and rounded sound.
Despite the differences, users could achieve a balanced auditory experience by strategically combining switches from both series in a keyboard build. If one were to mix Ink Box Pink switches with Sea Salt Smoothie switches, the brighter, clacky notes of the Ink Box Pinks might be offset by the deeper tones of the Sea Salt Smoothies during use. This balancing act could create a diverse soundscape, allowing users to enjoy both the pointed pitch of the INK blend and the more muted depth of POM, thereby experiencing complementary characteristics even within a single keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Ink Box Pink requires an actuation force of 50 grams to register a keystroke, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is slightly lighter at 48 grams. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie more appealing for users seeking a lighter touch, especially beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is listed as unknown, while the Ink Box Pink has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Ink Box Pink provides a firmer sensation when fully pressed down. Therefore, the Ink Box Pink offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those looking for a lighter touch. Overall, users can expect a different typing experience based on their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Ink Box Pink offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who favor quicker response times and a snappier feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial depth that some users prefer, offering a more tactile engagement during typing or gaming. Ultimately, if a user is looking for a faster, more responsive experience, the Ink Box Pink would be the ideal choice. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie for its greater travel distance.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched tone. It produces a sharp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed, which many users find satisfying and engaging. This high-pitched clack stands in contrast to the bassier sound profiles typical of heavier or more muted switches, offering a distinct auditory experience. In comparison, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an undefined sound profile, which may indicate either a quieter or less pronounced sound compared to the Ink Box Pink. The actual sound will also depend significantly on the keyboard build and keycap choice, but if a lively sound is a priority, the Ink Box Pink is likely the clearer choice.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Ink Box Pink stands out for its silky and polished characteristics. Users can expect an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhanced by reduced friction and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. This results in a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, making it popular among typists and gamers alike. The Sea Salt Smoothie's feel isn't specified, leaving its tactile qualities unknown. However, the smoothness of both switches suggests that regardless of the specific touch feedback, users may find similar satisfaction in terms of the overall experience based on the Ink Box Pink's reputation for smoothness.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a distinct high-pitched clacky sound and an exceptionally smooth typing feel, making it appealing to those who appreciate a lively auditory experience paired with a polished touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a different, yet undisclosed, auditory experience while potentially delivering a quality typing experience as well. If you gravitate towards vibrant sounds and smoothness, the Ink Box Pink is a well-defined option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie leaves an element of anticipation regarding its sound and feel. Depending on your preferences, you may experience satisfactory performance from either switch, but the specifics will ultimately depend on personal choice and typing habits.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a medium force with a lighter typing feel that produces a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Pink is an appealing choice. Its silky and polished texture enhances your typing experience while delivering that satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a more thocky sound and exceptional smoothness without a specified bottom-out force, the Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for you. This switch is particularly suited for those who appreciate a solid, medium-weight feel coupled with a refined tactile response. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize that snappy, high-pitched feedback of the Ink Box Pink or the classy, smooth experience of the Sea Salt Smoothie—both excellent options depending on your typing style and sound preference.
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