Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Yunhai stand out as appealing options for enthusiasts and casual users alike, each offering distinct characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink switches are celebrated for their beautiful translucent design and lighter typing feel, providing a smooth and polished experience with a higher-pitched clack that can enhance the auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches deliver a unique typing experience characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, making them well-suited for those who prioritize a gentle, effortless touch while typing. Each switch has its own charm—if you enjoy a more vibrant sound and silky feel, the Ink Box Pink may be your go-to; however, if you prefer a deeper sound with minimal effort in actuation, the Yunhai could be the perfect match. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the TTC Yunhai, there are notable differences that significantly affect the acoustic profile and tactile experience of each switch. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This unique material contributes to a high-pitched, pointed sound profile that many users describe as clacky. The synthesis of this material allows for a consistent auditory experience throughout the pressing motion, as both the top and bottom housings reinforce the same sound characteristics. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai uses nylon for its housings, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb sound, resulting in a duller profile that contrasts with the lively clankiness of the Ink Box Pink.
The impact of the different housing materials extends to the tactile feedback and overall key feel of each switch. With the Ink Box Pink, the proprietary INK blend ensures that the switch feels cohesive, maintaining a sharp, responsive feedback from both the top and bottom housings. This seamless interaction can enhance the typing experience by providing a pronounced auditory cue with each keypress and release, enhancing the perception of clarity. Conversely, the nylon in the Yunhai switches leads to a more muted and rounded feel. The softer plastic contributes to an overall subdued experience, which some users may prefer for extended typing sessions. Thus, the typing experience with the Yunhai is characterized by a depth of sound and softness that differs markedly from the more exciting and pronounced feel of the Ink Box Pink.
Despite the differences in material and sound profile, both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on the user's preference. For those who enjoy a high-pitched and clacky keypress, the Ink Box Pink's construction ensures consistency in auditory feedback, as it maintains a similar sound profile in both the keypress and release phases. Meanwhile, users seeking a more subdued, fuller sound will appreciate the nylon composition of the Yunhai, which excels in absorbing sound and providing a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may boil down to individual preference for sound and feel, as they each offer distinct characteristics that can enrich a user's typing experience in different ways.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference in weight makes the Yunhai switch easier to type on, which can be advantageous for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the Ink Box Pink provides a more substantial feel due to its heavier forces. Thus, users looking for a lighter switch experience should lean toward the TTC Yunhai, whereas those who prefer a bit more resistance might opt for the Gateron Ink Box Pink. Overall, the Ink Box Pink is the heavier option, whereas the Yunhai is the lighter switch, accommodating different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they offer an identical experience when it comes to the distance traveled while pressing down on a key. Since their travel distances are the same, users can expect similar tactile feedback and overall performance from both switches. This similarity ensures that whether one chooses the Ink Box Pink or the Yunhai, the actuation feels consistent, making them interchangeable in terms of distance-related preferences in keyboard dynamics.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 is characterized by a high-pitched and clacky profile, producing a bright and snappy noise upon actuation. This sharp, percussive quality can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switch provides a sound profile that is deep and rounded, promoting a more subdued auditory experience. While specific descriptions of the Yunhai's sound profile are absent, it is clear that the difference in tonal qualities leans towards a softer and more mellow auditory feedback, making them ideal for those who might find the Ink Box Pink too bright.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and light typing experience. They are described as both silky and polished, minimizing resistance while providing an effortless key press that enhances overall typing fluidity. The combination of these qualities allows for a seamless experience when typing, as they enable quick and comfortable keystrokes. The Yunhai, on the other hand, is known for its incredibly light actuation force, which caters to those who prefer a gentle touch while typing. Without additional descriptors for the feel of the Yunhai, one can infer that it may not match the Silkiness and polished experience of the Ink Box Pink, but the lighter actuation does lend itself to an effortless typing experience.
Overall, both switch options offer distinct characteristics that can be appealing for different typing preferences. The Gateron Ink Box Pink provides a high-pitched response paired with a smooth feel, making it a great choice for individuals who appreciate clear auditory feedback and a refined typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai's deeper sound profile and light actuation can cater to those who favor a subtler auditory experience and a minimal exertion in keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile experience, but both can deliver satisfying results for any enthusiast.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches and TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, enjoy a clacky sound profile, and appreciate a silky and polished typing feel, the Ink Box Pink switch may be the better choice for you. Its higher-pitched clack can make your typing experience feel more vibrant and engaging, which is perfect for both typing and gaming scenarios where tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction are important. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force at 50 grams and seek a typing experience that feels effortlessly smooth with a deeper sound profile, the Yunhai switch is likely to suit your needs better. Its gentle touch makes it ideal for extensive typing sessions or for those who find heavier switches fatiguing over time. Ultimately, it’s about what resonates with your comfort and enjoyment—you can’t go wrong by choosing the switch that aligns best with your personal typing preferences!
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