Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Taichi each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its beautiful translucent design and a smooth, lighter typing feel, making it a great choice for typists seeking an airy, high-pitched clack. This switch excels in providing a polished experience that many users find appealing for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi also boasts a high-pitched sound but distinguishes itself with its long-pole stem and extended springs, delivering an enchanting bottom-out sound and exceptional smoothness and stability. While the Ink Box Pink leans towards a more delicate auditory experience, the Taichi offers a robust and stable performance. 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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Taichi offer intriguing contrasts that affect their overall sound profiles and user experience. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is designed to produce a pointed, relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. This characteristic gives the Ink Box Pink a distinct auditory signature that appeals to users seeking a satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the Taichi utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which similarly contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. While both switches produce similar high-pitched tones, the Ink Box Pink achieves this through its specifically formulated INK blend, while the Taichi relies on the inherent properties of polycarbonate.
The bottom housing is where the differences between the two switches become even more pronounced. The Ink Box Pink's bottom housing also utilizes the proprietary INK blend, continuing the trend of a high-pitched sound profile, albeit with the added satisfaction of a clackier feel. In contrast, the Taichi features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer characteristics that yield a deeper and fuller sound. This disparity plays a significant role in how the switches feel when bottoming out; the Ink Box Pink delivers a more pronounced clack, while the Taichi offers a mellow thud due to the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. As such, the bottom housing material significantly influences the tactile response and auditory feedback experienced when using each switch.
Ultimately, the combined effects of both top and bottom housing materials create a nuanced typing experience that is unique to each switch. With the Gateron Ink Box Pink, the high-pitched, clacky sound results from the synergy of its INK blend materials in both the upper and lower housings. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi produces a distinct and more resonant sound profile due to the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom combinations. The interaction between these materials will lead to different auditory experiences as well as tactile feedback, illustrating how even subtle variations in housing can significantly alter the characteristics of mechanical switches. Whether opting for the Ink Box Pink's unique INK blend or the Taichi's polycarbonate and nylon pairing, users will find distinct outcomes, highlighting the artistry and complexity of mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we can see a distinct difference in their actuation forces, although the bottom out force for the Taichi is unknown. The Ink Box Pink features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer less resistance when typing or gaming for extended periods. However, since the bottom out force for the Taichi is not provided, we cannot determine how it compares against the Ink Box Pink's bottom out force of 60 grams. Consequently, while typists seeking a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Taichi, those who favor a more substantial typing experience might prefer the heavier Ink Box Pink. Overall, if users prioritize a lighter actuation in a keyboard for comfort and reduced fatigue, the Bsun Taichi would be the more suitable choice.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom. Because both switches provide this identical travel distance, users can expect a similar overall feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming. Whether using the Ink Box Pink or the Taichi, the consistent travel distance ensures a unified experience, making either choice suitable for those who prefer a linear switch characteristic.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 produces a higher-pitched clack, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. This crisp sound is particularly appealing to those who prefer a brighter and more percussive tone in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi's sound profile is also characterized by a high-pitched bottom-out sound, crafted through its long-pole stem and extended springs. While both switches deliver that desired higher-pitched tone, the exact nuances may vary and could also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink switches shine with their exceptionally smooth and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. This polished tactile response is enhanced through quality materials and potential factory lubing, resulting in a refined finish that ensures smooth key travel. In comparison, the Taichi’s feel is less defined in this context, as specific descriptors are not provided. However, the emphasis on unparalleled smoothness and stability suggests that it may offer a comparable experience, making both switches potentially desirable for users seeking a fluid typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer appealing auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink leans toward a crisper, higher-pitched sound paired with a silky smooth feel, while the Taichi also promises a high-pitched auditory feedback, with an emphasis on smoothness and stability in feel, though specifics are not given. Depending on individual priorities, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, and users are likely to find similar pleasures in sound and feel across both options.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a smooth, silky typing experience coupled with a high-pitched, clacky sound, then the Ink Box Pink is likely the better choice for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a comfortable weight that many find suitable for both gaming and typing, making it versatile for various activities. On the other hand, if you are seeking an enchanting auditory experience, particularly the unique high-pitched bottom-out sound characteristic of the Taichi, and prioritize unparalleled smoothness and stability due to its long-pole design, you might find the Taichi more appealing. Although specific bottom-out force metrics are unavailable for the Taichi, its construction suggests a distinctive performance that may cater more to enthusiast users who value sound design. Ultimately, whether you prefer the clacky, polished feel of the Ink Box Pink or the smooth, sophisticated sound of the Taichi, selecting the switch that resonates with your typing style will enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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