Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Two popular switches to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Silent Brown. The Ink Box Pink is a linear switch, known for its smoothness and lighter typing feel. Users will also experience a higher-pitched clack when using them. On the other hand, the Silent Brown is a tactile switch, offering a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Additionally, these switches have a pleasingly muted sound profile. Both switches have their merits and are categorized as polished, butty, and silky for the Ink Box Pink, and mild, muted, and buttery for the Silent Brown. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Pink and TTC Silent Brown switches differ in their housing materials, resulting in different sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. It is described as clacky and satisfying. In contrast, the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. While both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, the Silent Brown's polycarbonate housing may be more suitable for users who prioritize a sharper and crisper sound.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend and the Silent Brown's nylon material provide contrasting sound experiences. The Ink Box Pink's bottom housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, adding to its overall clacky sensation. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Users who prefer a deeper and fuller sound experience may find the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing more appealing.

It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings significantly impact the sound and feel of a switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users pressing down on the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch will primarily experience the qualities of its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, contributing to its distinct clacky sound. On the other hand, users of the TTC Silent Brown switch will feel the impact of the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, both of which fall in the medium range. On the other hand, the Silent Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it medium-heavy.

Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Silent Brown switch due to its lower actuation force. This lighter touch allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals searching for a more substantial typing experience may be drawn to the Ink Box Pink, as its slightly heavier actuation force provides a stronger push feel. This can result in a more satisfying keystroke and a tactile feedback that some typists find preferable.

Although the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly between the two switches, they both fall within the medium range and offer similar results to a certain extent. Both switches suit a broad range of users, striking a balance between lighter and heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Silent Brown depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for those who prefer faster response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for increased speed. However, it is important to note that the Ink Box Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Brown. This may result in a slightly quicker response time for the Ink Box Pink. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more hearty feel when typing, the Silent Brown with its slightly longer travel distance may be a better choice. In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Pink has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, allowing individuals to choose based on their preference for speed or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are known for their higher-pitched clack. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switches offer a muted sound profile. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, effectively minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. Overall, if you prefer a higher-pitched, clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink switches will deliver, while the Silent Brown switches provide a more muted and quieter typing experience.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are described as silky and polished. These qualities refer to an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. The switches offer reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in an enhanced smoothness. The TTC Silent Brown switches, on the other hand, are described as buttery, mild, and polished. This means that they provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The feel of these switches falls into a safe, middle-ground zone, making them approachable and comfortable for most users. Both switches share the polished quality, which indicates a smooth and refined finish, ultimately leading to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering all the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and TTC Silent Brown switches differ in sound and offer distinct typing experiences. The Ink Box Pink switches have a higher-pitched clack sound and provide a smoother typing feel with lighter resistance. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches offer a muted sound profile, a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump, and a smooth and fluid keypress sensation. If you prefer a louder, crisper sound with lighter resistance, the Ink Box Pink switches are a great choice. However, if you prefer a quieter, more subdued sound with a tactile bump and a smooth keystroke, the Silent Brown switches are the way to go. Keep in mind that personal preference, board choice, and keycap selection can also influence the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prioritize a lighter typing feel with a smooth and polished finish, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a silky and polished typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They also produce a higher-pitched and clacky sound, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is an excellent option. These switches offer a buttery and mild typing sensation, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. While they have a medium-heavy bottom out force, they still offer a light-medium level of resistance. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch, whether it's the typing feel, sound profile, or any other factor that enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more