Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to varying preferences in typing feel and sound signature. The Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are celebrated for their smoothness and lighter typing feel, delivering a distinct high-pitched clack that appeals to those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback. Their silky and polished action makes them a perfect choice for users seeking a responsive keypress without excessive resistance. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches offer a more balanced typing experience, characterized by their neutral sound signature that leans towards the satisfying "thock" sound coveted by many keyboard aficionados. The dustproof design and reduced wobble provide a refined tactile sensation that is perfect for users who prioritize a smooth keystroke while ensuring durability. While the Ink Box Pink excels in producing lively sounds, the Sticky Rice (V2) shines in delivering a serene yet gratifying 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), distinct differences are evident, particularly in the materials used for their top housings. The Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is enjoyable and clacky without being overly sharp. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering a sharper and crisper sound due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. While both switches aim to produce high-pitched sound profiles, the distinct materials impart differing characteristics, with the Ink Box Pink leaning toward a satisfying clack and the Sticky Rice (V2) achieving clarity and resonance through its polycarbonate form.
Moving to the bottom housings, the Gateron Ink Box Pink continues with the proprietary INK blend, which reinforces the high-pitched and pointed sound experienced in the top housing. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) employs a nylon bottom housing that provides a contrasting auditory experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than the harder INK blend, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that can evoke a more rounded typing experience. This difference in material impacts not just the tone produced when bottoming out, but also contributes to how users perceive the overall feel of each switch, as the bottom housing carries significant weight when it comes to the sensation of a keystroke.
Ultimately, while there are clear distinctions in the materials used for both the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), the combined effects of these materials on sound and tactile feedback may yield similar outcomes when pressed. Different materials might lead to unique sound signatures, yet the usage of the proprietary INK blend and nylon suggests that both switches will have an engaging typing experience. The Ink Box Pink will maintain its high-pitched clarity, while the Sticky Rice (V2) will deliver a contrasting fullness, appealing to users who appreciate nuances in acoustic typing experiences. Whether one prefers the clacky tones of the Gateron or the crisper sounds of Everglide, both switches provide distinctive yet enjoyable alternatives that can satisfy a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch exhibit distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium force switch. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter, with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, marking it as a light force switch. This difference suggests that the Sticky Rice (V2) will provide a more effortless typing experience, which can be beneficial for prolonged use, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink, with its heavier forces, offers a more substantial tactile experience that some users prefer for its satisfying feedback. Thus, those who favor a lighter touch should lean toward the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), while those who appreciate a bit more resistance may find the Gateron Ink Box Pink more to their liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, it is evident that the Ink Box Pink has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.6 mm compared to the 3.5 mm of the Sticky Rice (V2). While the difference is minimal, this indicates that the Ink Box Pink offers a deeper feel when pressed, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response time, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor rapid key activation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences regarding travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 sound profile of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is characterized by a higher-pitched, clackier sound when pressed. This results in a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that can appeal to users who enjoy a more bright and percussive typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is designed to provide a neutral sound signature that leans toward the desirable "thock" sound, which many enthusiasts find appealing due to its balanced acoustics. While the Ink Box Pink delivers a more pronounced clack, the Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more subdued, yet rich soundscape, making the two switches quite distinct in their auditory characteristics. However, the actual sound can still vary based on the keyboard construction and the specific keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink switch is noted for its silky and polished typing experience. The switch glides smoothly, minimizing resistance during key presses and enhancing the overall tactile feedback through refined materials and potentially increased factory lubrication. This results in a fluid typing experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, while the feel of the Sticky Rice (V2) is not explicitly detailed in the provided information, its reputation suggests a smooth keystroke, aided by a dustproof stem that reduces wobble and maintains performance. This implies that, while the Ink Box Pink excels in described smoothness, the Sticky Rice (V2) also aims for a refined tactile sensation, likely offering a satisfying typing experience in its own right.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) can deliver smooth keystrokes, they differ significantly in sound profiles, with the Ink Box Pink favoring a higher-pitched clack and the Sticky Rice (V2) leaning toward a more subdued "thock." Both switches, however, are designed to enhance the typing experience, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. For those looking for a crisp, bright auditory experience, the Ink Box Pink is a compelling choice, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) might appeal to users seeking a balanced sound signature combined with a smooth touch. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can yield satisfying results, making them worthy contenders for any keyboard enthusiast's collection.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you wish to achieve. If you enjoy a slightly stiffer keypress and love the crisp, high-pitched sound that comes with a clacky switch, the Ink Box Pink is an excellent choice, offering a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams that delivers a smooth and polished feel ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer an easier keystroke with a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be more your speed. This switch provides a refined typing experience characterized by a balanced sound signature that leans towards the desirable "thock," perfect for those who value a tactile sensation without overwhelming auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your unique style—embracing the invigorating snap of the Ink Box Pink or opting for the gentle yet satisfying response of the Sticky Rice (V2).
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