Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances between different types can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Gateron Ink Box Pink switches stand out for their smooth operation and lighter feel, making them ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. Their beautiful translucent design produces a higher-pitched clack, creating a sound that is both clacky and polished, which some typists may find appealing for feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a tactile bump that provides subtle yet discernible feedback, catering to those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience without being overwhelming. Their balanced sound profile complements the tactile nature of the switch, providing a satisfying audible response without the sharpness characteristic of the Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for feel and sound, but 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
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness, significant differences emerge that shape their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This blend is designed to produce a satisfying clacky sound that many users find appealing, particularly in a gaming or typing context. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, known for its deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon contributes to a rounder auditory experience, somewhat dulling the higher pitches and resulting in a richer lower-end sound.
The impact of the housing material on the typing experience is further delineated when examining the bottom housing characteristics. For the Ink Box Pink, the proprietary INK blend again maintains its signature clacky sound, contributing to a delightful typing rhythm. Conversely, the Weightlessness's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer composition, leading to a more muted bottom-out sound that many users might find preferable for a quieter typing experience. This means that when typing on the Weightlessness, the user will experience a softer auditory feedback loop compared to the sharper notes delivered by the Ink Box Pink.
Despite these differences in materials and resultant auditory experiences, both switches can yield compelling typing experiences. If one is seeking a unique sound signature, the Ink Box Pink certainly delivers with its clacky, high-pitched tones. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness caters to those who prefer a subtler, fuller sound. In either case, understanding how these distinct housing materials impact sound and feel allows users to make an informed decision according to their personal preferences; ultimately, both designs provide distinct yet satisfying feedback during key presses.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit similarities in their actuation forces, both requiring 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. This equivalent actuation force can result in a similar typing experience in terms of responsiveness, making both switches suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. However, a significant difference arises in their bottom out forces; the Ink Box Pink features a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressed all the way down, which could appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch remains unknown, leaving uncertainty regarding the overall resistance experienced upon bottoming out. Consequently, if you're looking for a heavier option for a more tactile typing experience, the Ink Box Pink is the clear choice, while the Weightlessness may represent a lighter alternative, depending on its undisclosed bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This distinction indicates that the Ink Box Pink provides a more prolonged keypress experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Weightlessness tactile switch's shorter travel distance may cater to those who favor responsiveness and quicker actuation, which is especially advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Overall, if you prioritize a greater depth in your keystrokes, the Ink Box Pink would be the preferred option; conversely, if you lean towards enhanced responsiveness, the Weightlessness would be more suitable.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it's clear that the Ink Box Pink stands out with its distinctly high-pitched clacky sound. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, characterized by a crisp and bright quality that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch maintains a more balanced and subtle sound profile that is complementary to its tactile feedback. While the Weightlessness might not be as expressive or loud as the Ink Box Pink, it is likely to provide a more subdued auditory experience, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink offers a silky and polished typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing an exceptionally smooth key press. This luxurious feel contributes to an enjoyable and fluid typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch, with its subtle to moderate tactile bump, provides a slightly different typing sensation that can enhance the feedback during key presses without becoming overly intrusive. While the tactile feedback is designed to offer a sense of actuation, it creates a distinct experience compared to the smooth glide of the Ink Box Pink.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Gateron Weightlessness switches present differing subjective qualities that cater to various preferences. The Ink Box Pink excels in sound and offers a remarkably smooth feel, ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a seamless typing experience. Conversely, the Weightlessness switch provides a more gentle sound profile and tactile feedback, appealing to users who prefer subtlety. Understanding these qualities can help newcomers make a more informed choice between these two distinct switches, aligning their selection with individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when you're deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and desired experience. If you favor a smooth, lighter typing feel combined with a lively, high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Pink is an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a clacky, engaging auditory feedback while typing. These switches are perfect for fast-paced typists and gamers who enjoy a responsive experience without too much resistance, thanks to their medium bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a more nuanced tactile response without the pronounced characteristics of a linear switch, the Weightlessness is ideal. Though the exact force isn’t specified, its design provides a subtle tactile feel, making it suitable for users who enjoy a balanced sound profile and a more refined typing sensation that doesn’t overpower your workspace. Ultimately, consider how much you value sound feedback and tactile feedback in your typing experience, as this will guide you towards the switch that best fits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
