Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink is known for its light typing feel and higher-pitched clack, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a smoother and more polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out with its use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing, providing typists with a creamy and buttery feel reminiscent of its dessert namesake. Additionally, the Ice Cream switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is evident that both switches offer a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. The Ink Box Pink utilizes its proprietary INK blend top housing to achieve this sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream relies on its KTT blend top housing. Both switches provide a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, making them popular choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience.

One key point of contrast between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Ink Box Pink features the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, maintaining consistency in sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK bottom housing, known for its exceptional durability and smoothness. This difference in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing feel between the two switches, with the POK material contributing to a smoother and more durable experience compared to the INK blend.

While the top housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream may vary, ultimately, both switches aim to provide a similar clacky sound signature. The qualities of the top housing material will play a significant role in the sound profile of the switch when keys are released, whereas the bottom housing material will impact the overall sound and feel when keys are pressed down. Despite any differences in housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that appeals to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a distinct sound and feel while typing.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches differ in weight. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option. The difference in weight between the two switches means that individuals looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream, while those seeking a more substantial push feel may opt for the Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's clear that the Ink Box Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the 3.5 mm of the Vanilla Ice Cream. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially with gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to all users and may come down to personal preference. Those looking for a bit more depth in their key presses may prefer the Ink Box Pink, while those seeking a slightly quicker response time may lean towards the Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar experience in terms of travel distance, and users can expect comparable results from either option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch produces a high-pitched and clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed. In comparison, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a unique combination of high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profiles that create a sharp and clean auditory experience. Both switches provide a distinctive sound signature, with the Ink Box Pink offering a slightly higher pitch while the Vanilla Ice Cream presents a more resonant and marbly sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharp clack of the Ink Box Pink or the smooth, resonant tones of the Vanilla Ice Cream.

Moving on to the typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a buttery and creamy typing sensation, reminiscent of gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing feel, with the Ink Box Pink focusing on a refined finish and minimal resistance, while the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes a seamless and uniform keystroke experience. Users can expect a luxurious and effortless typing experience with either switch, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer users unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Ink Box Pink provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound with silky and polished typing feel, the Vanilla Ice Cream presents a combination of high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound profiles with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a premium mechanical keyboard experience based on their preferred sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of satisfaction and performance from both switches, with slight nuanced differences in sound and feel to cater to individual tastes.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a higher-pitched clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams and appreciate a smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched and marbly sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what feels best for your typing style and sound preference.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more