Canon PIXMA TS6160 Ink Cartridges
Shop ink cartridges for your Canon PIXMA TS6160, which uses the Canon PGI-680 and CLI-681 ink cartridge series. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this printer since Nov 2017. The TS6160 relies on a 5-ink system that separates pigment black for crisp text from dye colour inks for photo output. Upgrading to PGI-680XXLBK pigment black and CLI-681XXL colour cartridges drastically lowers per-page costs while maintaining photo clarity. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Expected Page Output and Replacement Cycles
ISO/IEC 24711 standards govern page yield testing for inkjet cartridges under standard coverage conditions. The 5-ink system depletes PGI-680 pigment black rapidly during text printing, whereas CLI-681 dye inks drain according to colour distribution in image files. Choosing XXL variants delivers higher yield efficiency for both documents and photo prints.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-681BK | Standard | Black | 1,500 | $0.012 |
| PGI-680BK | Standard | Black | 200 | $0.089 |
| CLI-681C | Standard | Cyan | 250 | $0.071 |
| CLI-681M | Standard | Magenta | 250 | $0.071 |
| CLI-681Y | Standard | Yellow | 250 | $0.071 |
| PGI-680XLBK | High Yield | Black | 400 | $0.071 |
| CLI-681XLBK | High Yield | Black | 3,120 | $0.009 |
| CLI-681XLC | High Yield | Cyan | 515 | $0.055 |
| CLI-681XLM | High Yield | Magenta | 515 | $0.055 |
| CLI-681XLY | High Yield | Yellow | 515 | $0.055 |
| PGI-680XXLBK | Extra High Yield | Black | 600 | $0.053 |
| CLI-681XXLBK | Extra High Yield | Black | 6,360 | $0.005 |
| CLI-681XXLC | Extra High Yield | Cyan | 760 | $0.045 |
| CLI-681XXLM | Extra High Yield | Magenta | 760 | $0.045 |
| CLI-681XXLY | Extra High Yield | Yellow | 760 | $0.045 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing Between Genuine and Compatible Cartridges
Both genuine Canon ink cartridges and high-quality compatible options are available for the PIXMA TS6160. Compatible cartridges offer a cost-effective alternative for daily print tasks without compromising output performance. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. To understand the differences in ink formulations and overall performance, read our genuine vs compatible cartridges comparison guide.
Selecting the Ideal Cartridge Option
If you print mainly text documents, purchasing the high-capacity PGI-680XXLBK pigment black cartridge yields the lowest cost per page. If you print photos or mixed media, full colour multipacks containing CLI-681XXL cartridges ensure balanced ink levels across all five slots. Compatible cartridges provide substantial savings and include a money-back guarantee backed by our returns policy. We dispatch directly from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99. Explore our complete selection of Canon ink cartridges today.
Pro Tip for Canon PIXMA TS6160 Cartridges
Pro Tip: Do not confuse the CLI-681BK dye black cartridge with the PGI-680BK pigment black cartridge. The PGI-680 pigment black tank is used exclusively for plain text printing, whereas CLI-681BK photo black ink activates during photo printing on glossy media to improve contrast and tonal depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the PIXMA TS6160 use two different black ink cartridges?
The TS6160 uses PGI-680 pigment black for sharp, water-resistant text on plain paper and CLI-681 dye black for smooth shading and deep blacks on photo paper. Each cartridge feeds distinct nozzles on the printhead depending on the media type selected in your print settings.
Can standard PGI-680 and high-yield PGI-680XXL cartridges be mixed in the printer?
Yes, standard, XL, and XXL capacity cartridges share the same physical outer dimensions and slot design. You can freely install a PGI-680XXLBK black tank alongside standard CLI-681 colour cartridges depending on your printing requirements.
How does replacing individual colour tanks compare to tri-colour cartridges?
Individual CLI-681 colour tanks allow you to replace only the specific colour (Cyan, Magenta, or Yellow) that has run empty. This prevents ink wastage compared to integrated tri-colour cartridges where depleting a single colour channel requires replacing the entire cartridge.
