Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Ink Box Pink is known for its smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other switches, with a higher-pitched clack adding a touch of uniqueness to the experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a truly immersive typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with every keystroke. While the Ink Box Pink falls under the categories of clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished, the Tourmaline Blue can be described as buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their own unique qualities, making them suitable for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue have different housing materials, which impact the sound and feel of the switches. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Tourmaline Blue uses a polycarbonate top housing. While both materials result in a higher-pitched sound profile, the INK blend is described as not overly sharp and clacky, while the polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing for those who want to showcase their switches.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the Ink Box Pink and the Tourmaline Blue differ, with the Ink Box Pink utilizing the proprietary INK blend and the Tourmaline Blue using polycarbonate. Both materials contribute to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, but the polycarbonate creates a sharper and more resonant sound due to its stiffness. Additionally, the clear housing of the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing allows for RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the switch.

It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the Ink Box Pink and the Tourmaline Blue have different housing materials, the overall experience may be similar in terms of their high-pitched sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The actuation force of the Ink Box Pink is 50 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly higher force of 59 grams for actuation. This means that the Tourmaline Blue switch may feel slightly more resistant before registering a keystroke compared to the Ink Box Pink.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams of force to fully press down, while the Tourmaline Blue has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams. This gives the Tourmaline Blue switch a slightly more substantial and weighted feel when fully pressing down a key compared to the Ink Box Pink.

In terms of weight, the Ink Box Pink can be considered lighter with its actuation and bottom out forces, while the Tourmaline Blue is on the slightly heavier side. The difference in weight may impact individuals' preferences and typing experiences. Some users may appreciate the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Ink Box Pink, as it allows for more prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those looking for a more solid and substantial typing experience will lean towards the Tourmaline Blue switch with its heavier forces.

In conclusion, while both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range for actuation and bottom out forces, the Tourmaline Blue requires a slightly higher force for both. The Ink Box Pink provides a lighter feel, which may be preferred by those seeking longer typing sessions, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a more weighted and substantial typing experience. Nonetheless, for individuals who prefer similar results, both switches are capable of providing a satisfying key press feel within their respective force ranges.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a different experience due to their varying travel distances. The Ink Box Pink provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a longer travel distance, which provides a more hefty and satisfying feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. Those seeking maximum responsiveness may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink, while individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press may prefer the longer travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are best described as clacky and high-pitched. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches have a more neutral sound profile. They fall in the middle ground, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. While the Ink Box Pink and the Tourmaline Blue differ in terms of sound, they both provide enjoyable sound experiences that cater to different preferences.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are known for their silky and polished qualities. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished finish and reduced friction result in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild. They provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. These switches have a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue. The Tourmaline Blue switches fall in the safe middle-ground zone, offering a more gentle typing experience that can be approachable to most users. Both switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing feel, catering to different preferences.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a silky and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing feel. Both switches provide enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences, appealing to different preferences. It's important to consider individual preferences in terms of sound and feel when choosing between these switches, as they will ultimately contribute to the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a smoother and lighter typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and provide a polished and silky feel during typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue would be a suitable option. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics and offer enjoyable typing experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more