HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is a linear switch known for its clacky sound profile and heavier 63.5g actuation force, providing enthusiasts with a bright typing experience and a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch stands out for its translucent design, smooth keystrokes, and lighter typing feel compared to other switches. It offers a higher-pitched clack and is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own appeal depending on user preferences, but 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
56g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
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 Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink both have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink produces a thinner and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials affect the sound of typing, they offer different auditory experiences to the user.
On the other hand, when comparing the bottom housings of the two switches, we see similar characteristics reflected in their respective materials. The nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. Likewise, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink also produces a higher-pitched and clacky sound, aligning with the characteristics of its top housing. This consistency in sound profile suggests that both switches are designed to offer a cohesive typing experience with a balanced auditory feedback.
Overall, while the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink may differ in their specific sound profiles, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound of the Cloud - 63.5g's nylon housing or the thinner and higher-pitched sound of the Ink Box Pink's INK blend housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch with an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams while the Ink Box Pink needs 60 grams. This makes the Ink Box Pink slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, with the Cloud - 63.5g leaning towards the heavier side and the Ink Box Pink being a bit lighter. Depending on personal preference, some users may appreciate the lighter actuation force of the Ink Box Pink for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the firmer typing experience provided by the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and desired feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Pink has the shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. A shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive typing experience, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying sense of depth when typing. Both switches provide a different feel in terms of travel distance, but ultimately the choice between the two depends on personal preference for responsiveness or depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches share similar qualities as they are both described as clacky and high-pitched. This means that users can expect a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound when typing on either switch. However, it's important to note that the actual sound produced can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for providing a bouncy and creamy typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky and polished feel. This indicates that while both switches deliver smooth typing experiences, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g may offer a more spring-like feedback sensation compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink's refined and sleek key travel.
Overall, whether you choose the HMX Cloud - 63.5g or the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with unique characteristics. The Cloud - 63.5g switch will provide a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy a bright and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a similar clacky sound but with a lighter and higher-pitched tone, paired with a silky and polished feel for a smooth and refined typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it all boils down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, then the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and smoother typing feel with a medium bottom out force, along with a higher-pitched clack sound, then the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch would suit your needs better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard setup. Make sure to consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and preferences before making your final choice.
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