Kailh Box White vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be torn between the clicky Kailh Box White and the linear Gateron Ink Red. The Box White switch is renowned for its maximum audio feedback, providing a satisfying crunch similar to stepping on autumn leaves. Its tactile feel is also notably accentuated, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch boasts a lower actuation force, making it the ideal option for those with a lighter typing style. It offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a crispy and clacky sound profile. While these general points may help narrow down your choice, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$2.76 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Gateron Ink Red switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White creates a sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffness of the material. This results in a higher-pitched sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Ink Red provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While both switches have top housings that contribute to a higher-pitched sound, the Box White's polycarbonate housing offers a potentially clearer and more resonant sound.

In terms of bottom housings, the Box White utilizes a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which also contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound in their respective bottom housings, but the Box White's nylon housing may provide a slightly deeper sound due to its softer nature.

When it comes to the overall functionality of the switches, the top and bottom housings play distinctive roles. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a tactile and audible response when a key is fully pressed. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Although the Box White and the Ink Red may have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings respectively, the qualities associated with each material are still present in each switch. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, albeit with slight variations depending on the specific housing material used for each component.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation forces. The Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Ink Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Ink Red requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke, providing a smoother and potentially faster typing experience. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 60 grams, which means that regardless of which switch is used, the user will experience a similar level of resistance when pressing the keys all the way down.

Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ink Red with its lower actuation force might be the preferred choice. This allows for comfortable typing over extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box White's slightly higher actuation force provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer more resistance when pressing the keys.

In conclusion, while the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch may have some differences in actuation force, both result in the same bottom out force. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter touch may lean towards the Ink Red, while those desiring a heftier typing experience may opt for the Box White. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing sensations.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Ink Red has a slightly longer distance compared to the Box White. The traditional travel distance for switches is 4.0 mm, making the Ink Red closer to the norm, while the Box White falls on the shorter side. If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the Box White with its shorter travel distance may be a better option. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel and deeper keystrokes, the Ink Red with its longer travel distance might be more suitable. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more satisfying keypress depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is known for its resonant and high-pitched characteristics. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a more neutral sound profile. It is described as chirpy, featuring a unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak. Both switches offer satisfying sound experiences, but the Box White provides a more pronounced and immersive auditory feedback compared to the Ink Red.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as polished, offering a sleek and refined typing experience. This is achieved through reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to the materials used and potential factory lubing. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a silky typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Ink Red switch falls into the mild category, meaning it offers a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches deliver enjoyable tactile sensations, but the Box White leans towards a polished and refined experience, while the Ink Red focuses on smoothness and a middle-ground feel.

Taking into account all the available information, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box White provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who desire maximum audio feedback. Its feel is polished and refined, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Ink Red offers a neutral sound profile with a slight chirp, catering to users with a lighter typing style. Its feel is silky smooth, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall typing experience. While both switches deliver satisfying results, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer the audible crunch and accented tactility, opt for the Box White, but if you prefer a smoother experience with a lighter touch, the Ink Red will provide similar results.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you value maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force and crisp sound profile, typing on the Box White feels like stepping on autumn leaves and offers an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, the Box White switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing style and smooth key travel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With its medium bottom out force and chirpy sound profile, typing on the Ink Reds feels effortless and satisfyingly smooth. These switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Box White, the Ink Red also has a polished finish, further enhancing its sleek typing feel.

Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Box White and Gateron Ink Red switches comes down to your preferences for audio feedback and typing feel. If you enjoy a clicky, tactile typing experience, the Box White is the way to go. However, if you prefer a lighter, smoother typing style, the Ink Red switch will be the better choice. Consider your personal typing preferences and select the switch that suits you best.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more