Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, there are key differences that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Ink Box Pink is renowned for its smooth and light typing feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack that adds a unique touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet offers a gentle tactile feedback with a smooth actuation and a subtle poppy tactility, creating a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the Ink Box Pink leans towards a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet provides a more stepped and neutral feel. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that make them appealing to different users. 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
45g
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
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Jerrzi Violet switches offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink provides a satisfying, thin, and clacky sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink offers a similar sound profile to the top housing, while the nylon bottom housing of the Violet elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound.
Although both switches have different top and bottom housing materials, each housing material brings unique qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable when bottoming out a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The INK blend in the Gateron Ink Box Pink provides a high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Jerrzi Violet offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Ink Box Pink prioritizes a clacky sound, the Violet emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
The choice of housing materials influences not only the sound but also the overall typing experience of mechanical keyboard switches. The distinct characteristics of the INK blend and polycarbonate materials in the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Jerrzi Violet switches, respectively, provide users with a range of options to suit their preferences. Whether you prefer a clacky sound with the INK blend housing or a crisper sound with the polycarbonate housing, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help you choose the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Violet's 45 grams, making the Ink Box Pink slightly heavier in terms of initial key press. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink is also higher at 60 grams, while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Ink Box Pink requires a slightly stronger push for both actuation and bottoming out compared to the Violet. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Jerrzi Violet switch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Gateron Ink Box Pink.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, whether you choose the Ink Box Pink or the Violet switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and key feel.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, giving a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This can be ideal for those who enjoy a more lively and crisp auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users regardless of their preference for sound. The Violet switch offers a balanced and enjoyable typing experience without being too loud or too quiet, making it versatile for various settings.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined feel when typing. This is achieved through reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the contrary, the Jerrzi Violet switch provides a stepped tactile feel, offering a more mild tactile response compared to other switches. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a gentler tactile bump while typing.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Jerrzi Violet switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Pink switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a neutral sound profile with a stepped tactile feel. Choosing between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference for sound and typing experience. However, if you prefer a similar sound or feel, both switches can provide comparable results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth actuation with a poppy tactility and a neutral sound signature, the Violet switch could be more suitable. Additionally, consider the bottom out force of the switches, with the Ink Box Pink having a medium 60-gram bottom out force compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Violet. Both switches offer unique characteristics, so it's important to test them out and see which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision rests on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you type away on your mechanical keyboard.
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