Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Smoothie are two popular options worth considering. The Ink Box Pink is known for its smooth and light typing feel, producing a higher-pitched clack during use, making it ideal for those who prefer a more polished and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle touch, perfect for those seeking a creamy and buttery typing experience. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing that creates a thin and higher-pitched "clacky" sound, while the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly influence the typing experience and personal preference of the user.
In terms of bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink's INK blend material continues to deliver a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, so the choice between the INK blend and POM materials can impact the overall typing experience in terms of sound and tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Smoothie provide distinct sound profiles due to their different housing materials. While the Ink Box Pink has a more high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Smoothie offers a deeper and more muted sound. Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users, albeit with slightly different characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we can see clear differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, while the Smoothie has a lower actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Smoothie requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ink Box Pink. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink is 60 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience when pressing all the way down. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Smoothie is unknown, which may result in a lighter overall typing feel. Based on these characteristics, the Ink Box Pink can be considered the heavier option between the two, while the Smoothie offers a potentially lighter typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and Gateron Smoothie linear switches both have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. When comparing the two switches in terms of travel distance, it is clear that they offer the same tactile experience for users. Both switches require the same amount of force to press down and have the same distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Gateron Ink Box Pink or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and travel distance. The only difference between the two switches may lie in factors such as sound, material, or additional features.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky and subdued sound signature, with a deep and rich tone that is more bass-heavy and mellow. When it comes to feel, the Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch is characterized as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation that feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Gateron Smoothie linear switches differ in their sound and feel profiles, they both offer a smooth typing experience. If you prefer a higher-pitched and clacky sound with a lighter typing feel, the Ink Box Pink switch is a great option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thocky and subdued sound with a buttery and creamy typing feel, the Gateron Smoothie switch is worth considering. Ultimately, both switches provide satisfying tactile feedback and can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a higher-pitched, clacky sound with a lighter typing feel, then the Ink Box Pink switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force, a thocky, low-pitched, or subdued sound profile, and a smooth, buttery, or creamy typing feel, then the Gateron Smoothie switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and priorities in terms of sound and feel.
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