Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often turn to Gateron Ink Box Pink and Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which fall under the linear switch category but offer distinct characteristics. The Gateron Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its beautiful translucent design and silky smooth key presses, providing a lighter typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky sound that many users appreciate for its auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is renowned for its super smooth operation, utilizing the latest molds from Huano, which results in a balanced sound profile that strikes a chord between quiet and overly resonant. While the Ink Box Pink is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and a lighter feel, the Strawberry Latte appeals to users seeking a seamless typing experience without overwhelming acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Huano Strawberry Latte switches exhibit distinct characteristics that influence their overall sound and performance. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housings, which is designed to produce a high-pitched, clacky sound profile. This consistency in material throughout both housings contributes to a cohesive auditory experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes a combination of POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, and a nylon bottom housing, which offers a fuller, deeper sound. This material contrast suggests that while both switches may achieve satisfying acoustic results, their properties diverge significantly, leading to different aural signatures and typing experiences.
The top housing of the Huano Strawberry Latte is made from POK material, renowned for its low friction and exceptional durability. This enables smoother actuation, contributing to a refined typing experience that many users appreciate. When paired with the nylon bottom housing, which absorbs sound more effectively, the Strawberry Latte switch produces a rounder sound profile compared to the Ink Box Pink. As such, while the Ink Box Pink maintains a clackier sound due to its uniform INK blend, the Strawberry Latte showcases more depth thanks to the absorption qualities of nylon, providing a richer sound when typing.
Despite the differences in material composition, both the Ink Box Pink and Huano Strawberry Latte can still achieve desirable performance outcomes. The clacky sound characteristic of the Ink Box Pink arises from the versatility of the INK blend, while the combination of POK and nylon in the Strawberry Latte results in a smooth, yet fuller typing experience. Because the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect variations in these aspects when engaging with the two switches. Ultimately, your choice may depend on personal preference for sound profiles; plug in either version, and you are bound to enjoy a satisfying typing experience that aligns with the qualities of their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light-weight switch. This significant difference means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer usage sessions might gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel and don't mind the extra effort may opt for the Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, if you seek a balance of responsiveness and fatigue resistance during extended use, the lighter Strawberry Latte will be more suitable, whereas the Ink Box Pink is better for those who favor a firmer touch.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation when pressing the keys on devices equipped with these switches. Because both switches require the same amount of distance to travel from the top to the bottom, they will deliver a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the keys need to be pressed down. Overall, using either switch will yield comparable results, making them suitable choices for those seeking a uniform tactile sensation in their keyboard.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 switches are characterized by their bright, clacky tone, producing a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation. This high-pitched sound profile appeals to those who prefer a keyboard that announces every keystroke with a crisp and percussive effect. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches have a more balanced sound profile, sitting comfortably between loud and quiet. While not overly resonant, they provide a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience without overwhelming the user—making them versatile for various settings.
Regarding feel, the Ink Box Pink switches excel with their silky and polished characteristics. They offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing fluidity as one types. This refined finish reduces friction and contributes to a seamless key travel that can significantly elevate productivity and comfort. In contrast, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switches is still unknown in this context, leaving it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, anyone looking for a smooth experience might find that both switches can deliver satisfying results in different ways.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer a lively, high-pitched sound and a remarkably smooth typing feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches provide a more muted auditory experience with an unknown tactile quality. If you appreciate a pronounced sound and a silky feel, the Ink Box Pink might be your go-to option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced auditory experience, the Strawberry Latte could be a good fit. Ultimately, both switches can serve different preferences effectively, making it essential to consider what unique aspects are most important to your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches should largely depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a smooth and silky typing experience with a more pronounced high-pitched clack, the Ink Box Pink would be a great fit, especially if you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams that offers a balanced tactile experience without feeling overly heavy. This switch shines in scenarios where you want your typing to be expressive and engaging, making it ideal for both gaming and writing, particularly if you prefer a keyboard that produces a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams and a more balanced sound profile, the Huano Strawberry Latte might be the better option for you. These switches provide a super smooth experience without being too loud, making them suitable for quieter environments or long typing sessions where comfort is key. Ultimately, your choice will stem from the typing feel and sound that resonate most with your individual needs, so consider trying out both switches if you can, to find the perfect match for your keyboard experience.
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