HMX Game1989 vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the HMX 1989 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black can significantly influence your typing experience. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep and thocky sound profile, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who appreciate a tactile feedback that feels substantial. This switch exemplifies a traditional linear feel, providing smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black caters to those in quieter environments, offering a silenced version of the popular Ink Black switch. This switch is characterized by its cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel, delivering a smooth typing experience while minimizing audio feedback — ideal for professionals in shared workspaces. Each switch has its unique appeal: the HMX 1989 for those who crave audible tactile satisfaction and the Silent Ink Black for users seeking a serene typing environment. 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
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches represent two distinct approaches to housing materials that ultimately influence their sound profiles and typing experiences. Starting with the top housing, the 1989 utilizes polycarbonate, a rigid plastic known for its acoustical clarity. This material enhances a sharper, crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black incorporates a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which delivers a pointed yet less abrasive high-pitched sound. While both switches aim for a higher-pitched profile, the polycarbonate produces a more resonant clarity compared to the softer tones of the Ink blend, which leans towards a clacky sound. As a result, while they share a high-pitched characteristic, the clarity and sharpness of the HMX 1989's sound set it apart from the more muted yet satisfying resonance of the Silent Ink Black.
Looking at the bottom housing, a contrasting approach is evident as well. The 1989's nylon bottom housing is a classic choice that yields a deeper and fuller audio experience due to its sound-absorbing qualities. Here, nylon's softer nature creates a more enriching tone that is round and smooth during key presses. In comparison, the Gateron Silent Ink Black also employs a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which maintains the trend of a high-pitched sound profile. However, the subtlety of the Nylon’s capabilities results in differing auditory textures. Users of the 1989 will experience the fullness from the nylon bottom, whereas Silent Ink Black users will encounter a clackier and more lightweight auditory signature due to the absence of a traditional material like nylon that enhances depth.
When considering the overall impact of these materials, it’s essential to note that the qualities brought by each housing will manifest differently during key presses. The combination of the nylon bottom and polycarbonate top in the HMX 1989 produces a sound experience characterized by both clarity and depth, striking a balanced harmony between the two. Meanwhile, the Gateron Silent Ink Black’s dual INK blend construction leads to a uniquely vibrant auditory experience that prioritizes high-pitched tones over depth. Thus, while the Silent Ink Black can achieve a similar high-end tonal output, the experience varies significantly based on the different housing materials used. Ultimately, users seeking a more resonant and fuller typing sound may prefer the HMX 1989, while those who favor a crisper and clackier feel may opt for the Silent Ink Black, reflecting diverse preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, resulting in a more comfortable typing experience for extended use, particularly beneficial for long workdays or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, which could provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a greater resistance. This trend continues with their bottom out forces; the HMX 1989 bottoms out at 53 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. Therefore, those who favor a lighter touch and less fatigue should gravitate towards the HMX 1989, while enthusiasts who prefer a firmer keystroke might opt for the Gateron Silent Ink Black.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users pressing either switch will experience the same distance as they activate the key, providing a consistent key feel. Consequently, this similarity leads to comparable typing experiences, making both switches suitable for individuals who prefer a linear switch with no tactile bump or audible click. Overall, the equal travel distance ensures that both switches will deliver a similar performance in terms of key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 HMX 1989 switch is characterized by its deep and thocky resonance, offering a rich auditory experience that is popular among gamers and typists who enjoy a pronounced feedback with each keystroke. This switch provides a satisfying auditory indicator that can heighten the typing experience, especially when combined with a well-built keyboard. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is designed for a more muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The softer audio output of this switch makes it an excellent choice for quiet environments where disruptions must be kept to a minimum. While the 1989 enhances your typing with a more resonant feedback, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes discretion and reduces overall sound.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 switch is known for delivering a robust typing experience, characterized by a substantial bottom-out feel that contributes to its thocky nature, although specific descriptors of its smoothness or resistance aren't provided. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black excels in providing an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience. It is described as silky, ensuring that each keystroke glides with minimal resistance, while its polished finish allows for an enjoyable and effortless feel. The combination of these attributes results in a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different forms; the 1989 offers a more tactile presence, while the Silent Ink Black excels in fluidity and comfort.
In summary, the HMX 1989 and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches cater to distinct preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The 1989 stands out for its deep, thocky sound and robust, tactile feel, appealing to users who enjoy an audible typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a muted sound and a silky, polished touch, making it ideal for quieter settings where the typing experience is key without the accompanying noise. Choosing between these two switches boils down to personal preference: whether you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback and a substantial feel, or a smoother, quieter typing experience with a more discreet sound profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black largely depends on your personal preferences and your typing environment. If you favor a lighter bottom-out force and a deeper, thocky sound profile that adds character to your keystrokes, the HMX 1989 might be your ideal choice. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy a responsive and tactile feel while gaming or typing in a less noise-sensitive setting. On the other hand, if you require a quiet typing experience without sacrificing smoothness, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the switch for you. With its medium-heavy actuation and a polished, silky feel, it excels in environments where noise control is paramount, such as in shared workspaces or during late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only your typing style but also the necessary sound levels dictated by your surroundings.
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