HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The HMX Cheese switch is best known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light switches are in a class of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is celebrated for its smoothness and lighter typing feel relative to other mechanical switches. Users often appreciate the higher-pitched clack produced when using them. The Ink Box Pink is also noted for its 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished' characteristics. Both switches have their unique advantages that appeal to different preferences, making them suitable choices for those seeking a specific typing experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches both have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. While the Cheese uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, giving it a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile described as clacky. Despite their different materials, both switches offer a unique sound experience, with the Cheese providing a duller and rounder sound, while the Ink Box Pink offers a thinner and higher-pitched sound.
In terms of construction, the nylon housing of the Cheese is known for its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a more subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the INK blend housing of the Gateron Ink Box Pink is characterized by a sharper and clacky sound that is not overly sharp. While the Cheese offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon housing, the Ink Box Pink provides a unique thin and high-pitched sound that is satisfying to many users. Both housing materials bring their own unique qualities to the switches, resulting in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Although the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Ink Box Pink differ in terms of sound characteristics, both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable typing experience. While the Cheese's nylon housing offers a more muffled and rounded sound profile, the INK blend housing of the Ink Box Pink provides a sharper and clackier sound that is described as satisfying. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a thinner and clackier sound, both switches offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, providing a softer 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, offering a more substantial push feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Cheese switch more comfortable for longer typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a more pronounced keystroke may opt for the Ink Box Pink switch. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for their faster response times. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users in terms of performance. Ultimately, if you prioritize a slightly longer travel distance, the Ink Box Pink may be the better option for a more satisfying key press feel. However, if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker keystrokes, the HMX Cheese would be the ideal choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a higher-pitched clack when pressed, giving a unique sound profile that may appeal to those who prefer a sharper and crisper typing sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is subjective and can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cheese switch's specific tactile qualities are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing keys. This smoothness and refined finish can enhance the overall typing feel, offering a sleek and comfortable typing experience for the user.
Considering all available information, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Cheese switch excels in providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience with its clacky sound signature, the Ink Box Pink switch stands out for its higher-pitched clack and silky, polished feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of overall performance and satisfaction with either option.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a satisfyingly smooth and crisp sound, you should choose the HMX Cheese linear switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a high-pitched clacky sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be the better option for you. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Regardless of your choice, both switches provide a pleasant typing experience that will enhance your overall keyboard usage.
Mentioned in this article
