Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the best mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come up are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Speed Silver. The Ink Box Pink is best known for its smooth and light typing feel, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a softer touch. Its higher-pitched clack adds a satisfying sound to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is renowned for its fast and precise typing experience. With a reduced travel distance, these switches allow for quick and effortless actuation, making them perfect for those who prioritize speed. Both switches are categorized as polished, offering a sleek and refined look to any keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Speed Silver have contrasting housing materials. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Speed Silver uses a polycarbonate top housing. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Speed Silver produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing. This results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile similar to its top housing. However, the Speed Silver adopts a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing.
It's important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings in a switch are split between the two parts. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing's characteristics will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Ink Box Pink and Speed Silver may have distinct housing materials, they both offer satisfying sound profiles, albeit with different tonal qualities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch to the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ink Box Pink requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the Speed Silver's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Ink Box Pink will require a slightly firmer push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, both switches have similar medium-level forces. The Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Speed Silver has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who seek a more substantial typing experience may prefer switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Ink Box Pink would provide a slightly heavier push feel due to its higher actuation force. However, for individuals seeking a lighter typing experience, the Speed Silver would be a better choice with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, both switches offer a medium-level typing experience, but their actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly, providing varied options depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference between the two. The Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Ink Box Pink the longer of the two switches. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, it can still have an impact on the experience of using the switch.
For those who prioritize a quicker response time, the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver switch may be preferred. Gamers, in particular, often opt for switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster key presses and thus quicker in-game actions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and deliberate feel when pressing down on a key may find the longer travel distance of the Ink Box Pink switch more suitable. The additional 0.2 mm of travel can provide a sense of depth and solidity to each keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. If a shorter travel distance is desired for enhanced responsiveness, the TTC Speed Silver switch would be the better option. However, for those who prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying and deliberate typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch would be the more suitable choice.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. The clacky sound is sharp and snappy, giving a crisp and bright tone when pressed. The high-pitched characteristic provides a sharp and crisp sound profile, which may be preferred by those who do not like the rich and bassy sound of other switches. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver has a neutral sound profile. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a moderate sound. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use it at home or work. However, it is important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Both switches offer different sound profiles, so selecting one over the other depends on personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink offers a silky and polished typing experience. The silky characteristic refers to an exceptionally smooth typing feel, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience. The polished attribute indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Similarly, the TTC Speed Silver also has a polished feel. It offers a mild typing experience, which means it is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the Speed Silver are approachable to most users, as its qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches provide smooth and polished typing experiences, making them suitable for users who prioritize a refined feel.
Considering the information provided, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and TTC Speed Silver switches differ in several subjective qualities. The Ink Box Pink has a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, while the Speed Silver offers a neutral sound. In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink provides a silky and polished typing experience, while the Speed Silver offers a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences. If you prefer a crisper and brighter sound with a lighter typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is a suitable option. If you prioritize a faster and precise typing experience with a moderate sound and a mild feel, the TTC Speed Silver would be a better choice. However, keep in mind that the sound and feel of switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother typing experience with a lighter typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is a great choice. These switches have a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and offer a silky and polished feel. They are best known for their beautiful translucent design and higher-pitched clack sound. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, these switches provide a mild and polished feel. They have a reduced travel distance and offer a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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