Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock White Lotus. The Ink Box Pink stands out for its smoothness and light typing feel, accompanied by a distinct higher-pitched clack. In contrast, the White Lotus offers an exquisite light tactile option designed for the discerning typist. It strikes the perfect balance with its delicate tactility, making it ideal for extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Furthermore, the White Lotus boasts a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects that enhance the keyboard setup. While these descriptions provide a general overview of each switch, let's delve deeper into their characteristics to help you determine which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Durock White Lotus differ in their housing materials. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the White Lotus boasts a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing. Both housing materials offer unique qualities to the switches. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink creates a satisfying, clacky sound profile that is pointed and relatively high-pitched. On the other hand, the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus provides a premium feel that is distinct and appeals to users looking for something special.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Ink Box Pink utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing. This blend contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, offering a thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In contrast, the White Lotus incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. The nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in sound profiles between the two bottom housings provides users with options based on their sound preference.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches share the characteristic of providing a satisfying sound experience. While the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend delivers a pointed and high-pitched sound, the White Lotus's modified PC and UPE Blend, along with the nylon bottom housing, create a distinct and premium feel with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between a clacky thin sound or a dull and rounder sound, ensuring a personalized typing experience. Overall, although the housing materials differ between the Ink Box Pink and the White Lotus, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium force range. The Ink Box Pink requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the White Lotus has a slightly lighter actuation force of 46 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams of force, whereas the White Lotus has a bottom out force of 56 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and longer typing durations, the White Lotus could be a suitable choice due to its slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink offers a slightly stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience.
However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within a relatively close range in terms of force requirements. Therefore, despite the slight differences, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to individual preference and the specific use case, whether it be for work or gaming.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the White Lotus is longer than the Ink Box Pink. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the White Lotus is considered to be the more traditional option, providing a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink with its 3.6 mm travel distance offers a shorter and potentially more responsive typing experience, which is often preferred by gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - those who prefer a shallower key press may opt for the Ink Box Pink, while those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel may lean towards the White Lotus. Either way, both switches provide distinct travel distances that cater to different typing preferences.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and Durock White Lotus switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink is known for its higher-pitched clack, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive, appealing to those who prefer a more distinctive sound. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound, which is typically more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. This neutral sound profile is suitable for a wide range of users and environments, providing a moderate and versatile sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink is described as silky and polished. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ink Box Pink's silky and polished characteristics result in reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek and refined typing experience. In contrast, the White Lotus is characterized by being easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches strike a balance between providing a responsive typing experience and being approachable to most users with its gentle characteristics.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Durock White Lotus switches offer different subjective qualities. The Ink Box Pink provides a higher-pitched clack sound and a silky, polished feel, while the White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound and easy-to-press, mild, and subtle tactile feel. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Overall, both switches provide unique experiences that cater to different preferences, so whether you choose the Ink Box Pink or White Lotus, you can expect satisfying results that align with your desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and lighter typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack sound, then the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile experience with a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, along with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you value a silky and polished typing experience with minimal resistance, the Ink Box Pink would be the way to go. However, if you prefer an easy-to-press and low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue, the White Lotus is the better option. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific preferences and needs in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and force required for activation.
Mentioned in this article
