Canon PIXMA TS6160 Ink Cartridges
Your PIXMA TS6160 uses the PGI-680 / CLI-681 cartridge series, featuring a five-ink system that separates pigment black from dye-based colours. Creative home users often find that colour depletion patterns vary wildly based on print jobs, as the printer intelligently selects the large pigment black tank for text documentation while drawing from the slim CLI-681 colour tanks for photo rendering. This independent setup prevents premature replacement of an entire multi-colour block when only a single hue is exhausted.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Page yield metrics for these inkjet consumables are determined using the international ISO/IEC 24711 and 24712 standards for continuous printing on plain A4 paper. Real-world output deviates based on standard domestic usage factors like photographic border coverage and printhead cleaning cycles. Heavy document printing depletes the thick PGI-680BK pigment tank fastest, whereas document sets with logos or creative graphics draw evenly across the cyan, magenta, and yellow cells. Choosing XXL variants reduces maintenance touchpoints for busier home workspaces.
| 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 | $0.068 |
| 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 options
Australian homes seeking lower daily running costs can safely alternate between original equipment and third-party options. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Premium compatible lines deliver identical fitments and reliable fluid properties at a fraction of the original retail cost, allowing for economical domestic printing without risk to the internal mechanics. For complete peace of mind, read more about original vs aftermarket performance on our blog at genuine vs compatible.
Strategy for stocking these cartridges
For standard households focusing on creative photo printing or vibrant school assignments, buying pre-configured bundle packs ensures all core hues are topped up simultaneously. Aftermarket value bundles offer substantial upfront savings and carry a comprehensive money-back guarantee should any technical fault arise. To learn more about our returns framework, review the policy. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply), with orders dispatched rapidly from our regional fulfillment centers located in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Browse our full range of Canon ink cartridges to secure your next batch.
Pro Tip
The Canon PIXMA TS6160 houses two distinct varieties of black ink: a large PGI-680 pigment black tank and a smaller CLI-681 dye black tank. Selecting the correct paper medium in your print preferences menu is essential; forcing the printer to run glossy photo jobs causes it to draw black tone exclusively from the small dye cartridge, which can deplete it unexpectedly fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix a single genuine PGI-680XXL cartridge into a printer running compatible CLI-681 tanks?
Yes, the printer firmware treats each cartridge slot independently, allowing you to freely combine genuine and compatible versions of the PGI-680 and CLI-681 series without triggering internal communication errors or affecting standard diagnostic menus.
Why does my CLI-681 dye black cartridge run out even though I only print black and white text text documents?
The printer uses a minimal amount of ink from all individual dye colour channels, including the CLI-681 dye black, during its automated startup maintenance routines to clear micro-nozzles and ensure the thermal printhead assembly stays lubricated.
Will the high-capacity CLI-681XXL cartridges physically fit into the standard carriage slots of my PIXMA TS6160?
Yes, the external physical dimensions of the standard, XL, and XXL cartridge casings are identical. The difference lies solely in the internal ink reservoir volume, meaning any high-yield variant fits seamlessly into the designated slot.
