Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink is favored for its smooth and lighter typing feel, coupled with a higher-pitched clack that adds a touch of elegance to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a bouncy typing feel. While the Ink Box Pink is described as 'Clacky' and 'High-pitched', the Snow is characterized as 'Thocky' and 'Low-pitched'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Dareu Snow offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a clacky sound with a thin and higher-pitched profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow features a POK top housing known for its smoothness, durability, and clackiness, while its nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in materials highlights how different housing components can impact the sound and feel of typing on mechanical switches.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Dareu Snow prioritize creating a satisfying typing experience through the use of high-quality housing materials. The INK blend in the Ink Box Pink produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp, while the POK material in the Snow offers exceptional strength and wear resistance. Both switches aim to provide a clacky sound profile that enhances the overall tactile feedback during typing. While the materials may vary, their shared goal of delivering a premium typing experience unites these mechanical switches in their design principles.
In considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on mechanical switches, it becomes clear that each component plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing, such as the nylon in the Dareu Snow, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Meanwhile, the top housing, like the POK material in the Snow, has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. By carefully selecting and blending different housing materials, manufacturers can tailor the typing experience to meet the specific preferences of users seeking different sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams, making them evenly matched in terms of weight. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience from both switches in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and fully press the key down. The medium actuation and bottom out forces of these switches strike a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to avoid fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, both the Ink Box Pink and Snow switches provide a suitable option. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may opt for switches with heavier actuation forces. Overall, the similarities in actuation and bottom out forces between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Dareu Snow switches provide users with consistent typing feedback and performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Box Pink has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Snow's 3.3 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which have become popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The shorter travel distance of the Dareu Snow may appeal to those seeking a faster and more responsive keystroke, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink could provide a more substantial and deliberate feel to the key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound, giving users a sharp and bright typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper and more thocky sound due to the use of POK material in its construction. If you prefer a crisp and percussive sound, the Ink Box Pink would be the way to go, whereas if you enjoy a rich and satisfying typing sound, the Snow switch is the better choice.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is noted for its silky and polished experience, providing users with an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel. Conversely, the Dareu Snow switch offers a bouncy sensation, giving keys a spring-like feedback when pressed. If you prefer minimal resistance and a sleek typing experience, the Ink Box Pink switch is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a lively and responsive feel when typing, the Snow switch would be more suitable for you.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a high-pitched and clacky sound, as well as a silky and polished typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and thocky sound with a bouncy and responsive typing feel, the Dareu Snow switch would be the better choice. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a deeper sound signature with a smooth linear switch made of innovative POK material, the Snow switch could be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a silky and polished typing experience, the Ink Box Pink offers that refined feel, while the Snow switch provides a bouncy sensation for those who prefer a spring-like feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience.
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