HMX Blue Topaz vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, both linear switches. The Blue Topaz is renowned for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing users with an effortless typing experience. Its visually striking glitter housing adds a touch of elegance, while the clacky sound signature offers an additional sensory delight. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink boasts a translucent design that sets it apart, along with a smooth and light typing feel. With a higher-pitched clack and a silky, polished touch, these switches offer a unique typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, it is clear that both switches offer unique characteristics. The Blue Topaz features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and high-pitched but not overly sharp sound profile described as clacky. While both housings offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences – with the Blue Topaz offering a clearer and resonant sound, and the Ink Box Pink providing a satisfying thin and clacky sound.
In terms of bottom housings, the Blue Topaz utilizes a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink employs its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which mirrors the characteristics of its top housing – producing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their distinct sound profiles influenced by the top and bottom housings.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Blue Topaz and the Ink Box Pink may have different housing materials for their tops and bottoms, the overall typing experience is a result of how these materials interact to create a unique sound profile for each switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel when typing. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches means that users can choose the option that best suits their preferences - whether they prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or a heavier push for a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, the Blue Topaz is lighter in comparison to the Ink Box Pink, offering a smoother and quicker typing experience, while the Ink Box Pink provides a more tactile and forceful typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, making them ideal for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. The Blue Topaz offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying keystroke for some individuals who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the typing experience each switch can offer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches share a clacky characteristic, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. However, the Ink Box Pink offers a higher-pitched sound profile, which may appeal to users who prefer a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Blue Topaz. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Topaz switch is known for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a lightweight typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for either a light and easy actuation or a smooth and refined keypress.
Overall, both the HMX Blue Topaz and Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Blue Topaz offers a visually striking housing with a lighter typing feel and a clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink provides a smoother typing experience with a higher-pitched clack. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying keypress experience that suits your individual typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch or the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is important to consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you prefer a light and easy-to-press switch with a distinctive clacky sound, the Blue Topaz may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and silky typing experience with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and what feels most comfortable to you during extended typing sessions.
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