Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Ink Box Black is widely recognized for its smooth and creamy operation, providing a delightful typing experience. It produces a clacky, high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, these switches deliver a bouncy feel with each keystroke. They are known for their easy-to-press buttery action and have a mild yet neutral sound signature. While these generalities give us an idea of the characteristics of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these descriptions so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue differ in their housing materials. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. This material offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relative stiffness and clear translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.

Despite their different housing materials, both the Ink Box Black and the Tourmaline Blue share some similarities in terms of sound characteristics. The pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile can be found in both switches, although the Ink Box Black's INK blend provides a slightly less sharp and sharper sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing. Additionally, both switches offer a satisfying clacky sound when pressed down, indicating a similar level of tactile feedback.

When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the housing materials of the top and bottom play a significant role. The bottom housing has a more noticeable influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. In this aspect, the polycarbonate found in the Tourmaline Blue's housing creates a crisper and more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the Ink Box Black and the Tourmaline Blue may have different materials for their top and bottom housing, the overall experience of the switches will still provide similar results in terms of sound and feel during usage.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have a medium-heavy feel, making them suitable for those who prefer a stronger push for a more substantial typing experience. The Gateron Ink Box Black has a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 59 grams, but both are relatively similar. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Black requires 70 grams of force, while the Tourmaline Blue requires 67 grams. Again, they are quite close, but the Ink Box Black is slightly heavier. For those who prioritize a lighter switch, the Tourmaline Blue may be a better choice, as it offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force. However, if one prefers a slightly heavier switch, the Ink Box Black would be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer a medium-heavy feel, allowing for a satisfying typing experience, although the Ink Box Black is slightly heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Tourmaline Blue has the longer distance compared to the Ink Box Black. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered the most traditional, while a 3.6mm travel distance is a bit shorter. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue with its longer travel distance. It is important to note that both switches offer unique experiences, with the shorter distance providing a more responsive feel and the longer distance offering a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This switch's sound profile can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a more lively and vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound. This switch strikes a balance between being rich and bassy, making it suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced typists, and for both home and work environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished. Being silky means that this switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is known for its buttery and easy-to-press feel. The term buttery implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Furthermore, the easy-to-press nature of this switch requires minimal force to activate, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a gentle and low-impact typing feel, making it a good choice for those seeking a responsive and comfortable typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a silky and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for most users, and a buttery and easy-to-press typing feel that is gentle and low-impact. Both switches provide enjoyable experiences, but it's important to consider personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Ink Box Black, the Tourmaline Blue can provide comparable results in terms of smoothness and accessibility.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, then the Ink Box Black is the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, along with a bouncy feel due to the lengthened single-stage spring, then the Tourmaline Blue is the switch to go for.

In terms of sound, the Ink Box Black has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you enjoy a more rich and bassy sound, the Tourmaline Blue's neutral sound profile may be more suitable for you, as it strikes a balance with a moderate actuation force requirement.

When it comes to feel, the Ink Box Black provides a silky and polished typing experience, with exceptional smoothness and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery and easy-to-press feel, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that requires minimal force to activate. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue falls into the category of mild switches, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you value the smoothness and creamy sound of the Ink Box Black or the deep and thocky sound with a bouncy feel of the Tourmaline Blue. Take into account the sound and feel descriptions provided and choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more