HMX Canglan V2 vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek the perfect blend of feel and sound to elevate their typing experience, making the HMX Canglan V2 and Gateron Ink Box Pink two noteworthy contenders worth exploring. The Canglan V2 stands out with its thocky, low-pitched sound signature and smooth, light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate depth and subtlety in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink offers a more polished touch with a higher-pitched clack, catering to users who prefer a livelier feedback during typing. Both switches are designed to provide a silky experience, yet they cater to different preferences: the Canglan V2 is ideal for those who favor a mellow, thocky sound, whereas the Ink Box Pink appeals to those who enjoy a brighter auditory response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your unique typing style.

By the numbers

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, distinct characteristics emerge that greatly influence their auditory and tactile experiences. The Canglan V2 utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is well-known within the mechanical keyboard community for contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer texture allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, reducing harshness and fostering a rounder auditory experience when typing. This consistent material choice across both housings ensures a cohesive sound feel throughout the key's travel, making it favored by users who enjoy a deeper typing sound.

In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink employs a proprietary INK blend for its housings, which is designed to produce a sharply distinct auditory profile. The top and bottom housings create a pointed and high-pitched sound that is characterized as clacky. This higher-pitched response is a direct result of the INK blend's more rigid composition, making it a preferred choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. Here, the separation of sound quality between the top and bottom housings means that users will experience a different auditory sensation depending on whether they are bottoming out or releasing a key.

While both switches showcase their unique auditory profiles due to their different housing materials, they demonstrate how housing composition can significantly alter the typing experience. For users seeking a more rounded and fuller sound profile akin to the Canglan V2, the INK blend in the Ink Box Pink provides an alternative with its clearer and crisper sound capabilities. Ultimately, while both switches are designed for different sound profiles, the similarities in how housing materials affect the sound can cause diverse outcomes that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different typing preferences. The Canglan V2 features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a softer feel for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which appeals to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Thus, the Canglan V2 is the lighter switch, while the Ink Box Pink is the heavier one. This difference allows the Canglan V2 to provide effortless keystrokes, while the Ink Box Pink offers a firmer resistance that some may prefer for a tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 the shorter option, which may appeal to those who favor quicker response times found in shorter travel distances, particularly gamers. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink’s 3.6 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which might be preferable for users who enjoy a stronger tactile depth during their typing or gaming experience. Thus, while both switches are relatively close in distance, the choice between the two will ultimately boil down to personal preference regarding the balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Canglan V2 switch stands out with its low-pitched, thocky profile that creates a rich and satisfying auditory experience. The deep thud produced when a key is pressed offers a soothing and mellow tone that many enthusiasts find enjoyable. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch emits a higher-pitched, clacky sound that is crisp and bright. This sharp, percussive auditory feedback can be invigorating but contrasts significantly with the deep resonance of the Canglan V2. Depending on your keyboard setup, including your choice of board and keycaps, both switches may provide distinct sound experiences, appealing to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.

In terms of feel, both switches provide a notably smooth typing experience, categorized as silky, but they each offer unique characteristics beyond that. The Canglan V2 features a feathery and bouncy sensation that makes typing feel effortless while providing a lively response, enhancing overall finger comfort during extended use. The light actuation force of the Canglan V2 results in reduced finger fatigue, making it suitable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's polished feel offers a refined and sleek experience. While also silky, it focuses more on a smooth key travel experience, emphasizing a reduced friction that can be pleasant for fast-paced typing or gaming. Both switches charm users with their smoothness, yet they cater to different tactile preferences.

Considering all these aspects, the HMX Canglan V2 and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences that will cater to different typing styles and preferences. If you prefer a richer, deeper sound alongside a lively and comfortable typing experience, the Canglan V2 might be your best pick. Alternatively, if you enjoy light, crisp sounds coupled with a polished feel, the Ink Box Pink is likely to appeal to you. Ultimately, both switches excel in delivering smooth operation, allowing you to find joy in your mechanical keyboard setup regardless of which you choose.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches ultimately boils down to your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation and enjoy a deep, thocky sound profile that resonates with a satisfying richness, the Canglan V2 is your go-to option. Its light 48-gram bottom-out force, silky feel, and bouncy feedback make it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions, especially if you often type for long periods or game extensively. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more pronounced, high-pitched sound and prefer a medium actuation force, the Ink Box Pink is likely a better fit. The polished finish and its noted smoothness cater well to users who want a sharp, crisp keystroke without sacrificing comfort. Whichever switch you choose, both offer unique benefits that cater to different typing styles and sound preferences, ensuring a satisfying experience tailored to your specific needs.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more