HMX Cheese vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are two options that stand out. The HMX Cheese is a linear switch that is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. With a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, these ultra-light switches offer a unique typing sensation that is lighter than the majority of switches on the market. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is also a linear switch but is best known for its silenced version, perfect for quieter environments. Offering a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, this switch falls into the categories of 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing, 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
60g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Gateron Silent Ink Black have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Cheese's nylon top and bottom housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softness, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller tone. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings produce a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a satisfying thin and sharp sound profile. While both housing materials affect the sound produced by the switches, they offer different tones and textures to the typing experience.
Despite their differences, both the Cheese and the Silent Ink Black use housing materials that impact the sound profile of the switches. The nylon housing of the Cheese creates a rounder and softer sound, while the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a sharper and more defined sound. While the Cheese may offer a deeper typing experience with its nylon housing, the Silent Ink Black provides a unique clacky sound that may appeal to those looking for a more pronounced noise while typing. Overall, both housing materials have their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
In terms of how the housing materials affect the typing experience, the bottom housing of a switch typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. With the Cheese's nylon bottom housing offering a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, users may enjoy a more cushioned typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing provides a sharper and more clacky bottom-out sound, adding a unique tactile feedback to each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, users may find one type of housing material more appealing than the other based on the desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it becomes apparent that the Cheese is the lighter option, while the Silent Ink Black is the heavier one. The actuation force of the Cheese is 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the actuation force of the Silent Ink Black is 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cheese is 46 grams, indicating a light and comfortable typing feel, whereas the Silent Ink Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a firmer and more robust typing sensation. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Cheese, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more forceful keystroke may lean towards the Silent Ink Black for a more tactile and responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cheese has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. A switch with a shorter travel distance is often favored by gamers for quicker response times, while a switch with a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Silent Ink Black being more traditional at 4.0 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press feel and responsiveness.
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 $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is unique and enjoyable for those who prefer a louder typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch produces a muted sound that is softer and quieter, making it ideal for environments where noise needs to be minimized. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch provides an unparalleled smoothness and typing experience that is pristine and highly satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a silky and polished feel, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance and friction. Both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, with the Cheese switch being lighter and the Silent Ink Black switch being quieter.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switch is known for its lightness and satisfying clacky sound, while the Silent Ink Black switch is praised for its muted sound and pillow-like bottom-out feel. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but cater to different preferences in terms of sound and noise level. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, then the HMX Cheese linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel, then the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a lighter typing feel with a louder sound or a quieter typing experience with a cushioned feel. Consider your preferences and environment when choosing between these two switches.
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