Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. The Ink Box Pink switches are known for their smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other switches. They also produce a higher-pitched clack when in use. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has gained attention for its innovative design. It offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The type feel of the Jwick switch is silky smooth but not overly polished. Both switches offer different qualities and characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear differ significantly. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It is described as clacky and satisfyingly thin. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink retains its proprietary INK blend, which offers the same pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. This consistency ensures a coherent sound experience throughout. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials contributes to a different bottom-out sound and feel for each switch.

Overall, the contrasting housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear result in different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ink Box Pink's INK blend provides a clacky and satisfyingly thin sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Ink Box Pink's bottom housing maintains the high-pitched profile. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize providing unique and enjoyable sound experiences to enhance typing or gaming sessions.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are some similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of weight, it is worth considering that the Ink Box Pink is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear's actuation force is currently unknown. This means that if a lighter switch is preferred for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, the Ink Box Pink might be the better option due to its lower actuation force. However, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear's force, though unknown, suggests a potentially heavier switch than the Ink Box Pink's 50-gram actuation force.

Moving on to the bottom out force, both switches have a similar medium rating. The Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams. With this similarity in the bottom out force rating, it can be expected that both switches would provide a similar level of resistance or firmness when fully depressing the keys.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, although the specific actuation force of the latter is currently unknown. Both switches have a comparable medium bottom out force, suggesting a similar typing experience when fully pressing down the keys. Therefore, if a lighter switch is preferred for longer typing sessions, the Ink Box Pink might be the better choice, while those seeking a heavier switch for a more substantial typing experience may find the Semi-Silent Linear appealing, assuming its actuation force falls within the range of heavier switches.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it becomes evident that they have only a slight difference. The Ink Box Pink offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Ink Box Pink is marginally shorter. These shorter travel distances are desired, particularly by gamers who seek faster response times. Opting for the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink may thus be more advantageous in terms of responsiveness. However, it is essential to consider personal preferences as well. Some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt, and in such cases, the longer travel distance offered by the Semi-Silent Linear may be preferable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual needs and preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is well-known for its clacky and higher-pitched sound. The clacky sound produced by these switches is sharp, snappy, and percussive, giving a satisfying auditory feedback when pressed. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile of these switches provides a crisp and bright tone, which can be preferred by those who don't enjoy richer and bassier sounds. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued sound experience. While not completely silent, it produces a dampened sound when pressed, giving a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Its semi-silent label comes from the switch's whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear switch falls into the neutral sound profile category, making it suitable for various purposes and users. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch provides a silky and polished typing experience. The silky feel refers to the exceptionally smooth typing experience these switches offer. They minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches, achieved through either materials used or factory lubing, contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild, snappy, and buttery feel. The mild characteristic of these switches ensures a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The snappy attribute comes from the use of longer or dual-staged springs, making the typing experience feel more alive and responsive. Moreover, the buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the sound, the feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as lubing and overall build quality.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink switch offers a clacky and higher-pitched sound, along with a silky and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a subdued and neutral sound, complemented by a mild, snappy, and buttery feel. Both switches offer smooth typing experiences, but with different acoustic profiles. Therefore, if one desires a similar result in terms of sound and feel, they should consider factors such as the overall keyboard build, including the board and keycaps used, as these can also influence the final typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and lighter typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, along with a silky and polished typing feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch would be a suitable option. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Jwick Semi-Silent Linear Linear

$6.50

$5.27 per 10

Learn more