Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Silent Red. The Ink Box Pink is known for its beautiful translucent design and offers a smooth typing experience with a lighter feel. However, it does produce a higher-pitched clack sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a seamless typing experience without being disruptive, the TTC Silent Red is the way to go. With its muted sound profile, it is perfect for office or shared living spaces. Additionally, it offers a consistent, buttery feel and a padded bottom-out for added comfort. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Silent Red switches have distinct differences that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Silent Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more resonant sound, making it particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, the Ink Box Pink is likely to have a slightly softer and less clear sound compared to the Silent Red.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches have contrasting materials with varying effects on the sound profile. The Ink Box Pink adopts the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Silent Red employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile. Consequently, the Ink Box Pink is expected to have a slightly sharper and higher-pitched bottom-out sound, while the Silent Red will offer a fuller and deeper typing experience.

In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Silent Red switches contribute to their unique sound characteristics. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Although there are differences between the two switches, they both offer satisfying and distinct typing experiences.

Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Silent Red will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of desired sound profile and typing feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams, slightly heavier than the Silent Red's 45 grams. This means that the Ink Box Pink will require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink is 60 grams, while the Silent Red is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams. This indicates that the Silent Red will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience, as it requires a bit more force to fully press down.

Considering weight, the Ink Box Pink falls into the medium range, while the Silent Red is categorized as medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter feel may find the Ink Box Pink more suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Red, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer a similar tactile experience, but with slight differences in force required and overall weight.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. These two switches have slightly different travel distances, with the Silent Red being slightly longer. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Ink Box Pink with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial key press, the Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual preferences and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are known for their clacky and high-pitched sound. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches have a muted sound profile. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. These switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer a silky and polished typing experience. These switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish of the switches adds to the sleek typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. Similarly, the TTC Silent Red switches have a buttery, mild, and polished feel. They offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. These switches have a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users due to their safe, middle-ground qualities.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are best known for their clacky sound and silky feel, while the TTC Silent Red switches excel in providing a muted sound and a buttery, mild, and polished feel. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, although with slightly different characteristics. If you are looking for a switch that prioritizes a quieter typing experience, the TTC Silent Red switches are the perfect choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a higher-pitched, clacky sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches will deliver similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and the specific sound and feel you desire.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a lighter typing feel and enjoy a higher-pitched clack sound when typing, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a smooth and refined typing experience, thanks to its silky and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Red linear switch would be more suitable. It provides a buttery and mild typing sensation, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, its polished finish contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and requirements, so choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more