HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, and two compelling contenders are the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The HMX Cloud - 50g, renowned for its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel, offers a lighter typing experience that caters to those who enjoy a bright and engaging feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches boast a beautiful translucent design and deliver a smooth touch with a higher-pitched clack, also catering to users seeking a lighter typing feel. Both switches cater to a niche of linear enthusiasts who appreciate the absence of tactile bumps, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, we see distinct characteristics that contribute markedly to their sound profiles. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon material for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon's softer properties help to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The result is a more muted and rounded sound when typing, which many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink employs a proprietary INK blend for its housing, which is engineered to elicit a higher-pitched and clackier sound profile. This choice of material for both the top and bottom housing leads to an intricate interplay of sound that is sharp yet not piercing, creating a distinctive typing experience.

While both switches employ a unique combination of housing materials, the effects on sound and feel are notably different. The nylon of the Cloud - 50g yields a more cohesive sound experience, as both the top and bottom housings contribute to the lower tonal qualities. Users of this switch will notice that pressing down emphasizes the rounded tones of the housing, while releasing the key produces a similarly deep sound. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink's INK blend creates a split in sound profile quality. The high-pitched sound emerges from both the top and bottom housings but in different magnitudes. The top housing significantly shapes the release sound, making it feel crisper, while the bottom housing’s impact is felt primarily during the bottom-out phase.

In summary, despite both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink being unique in their use of materials, their differences create distinct experiences for users. If a user were to try both switches, they might find that the Cloud - 50g offers a more muted and rounded tone overall, while the Ink Box Pink presents a higher-pitched, clackier sound profile. However, if one were to seek a sound experience that merges the qualities of both, focusing on acoustic dampening in the case of the Cloud and a sharper sound with the Ink Box Pink would yield similar satisfactory results in terms of tactile feedback and auditory pleasure.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the two have distinct characteristics. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience during extended use. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may appeal to those who favor a more substantial and resistant feel while typing or gaming. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cloud - 50g is 50 grams, which again is lighter compared to the Ink Box Pink's bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Cloud - 50g is overall the lighter option, while the Ink Box Pink is the heavier switch, providing a contrast in typing experience and user preference. For those looking for a more tactile and resistant feedback, the Ink Box Pink would be the preferable choice, while the Cloud - 50g serves those seeking a lighter, more effortless touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 50g boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the longer of the two options. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This slight difference suggests that the Ink Box Pink may offer a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Cloud - 50g may provide a richer typing experience for those who appreciate a little more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on whether you prefer the quicker action of the shorter Ink Box Pink or the more substantial feel of the longer Cloud - 50g switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch delivers a distinctly clacky profile that typists who favor a bright auditory experience will particularly enjoy. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, making each key press feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink also exhibits a clacky quality but emphasizes a higher-pitched tone, contributing to a more crisp and bright auditory experience. As with any mechanical switch, the final sound produced may vary based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, but users can generally expect a pronounced noise with both options.

When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch is noted for its silky smoothness, allowing for an enjoyable and seamless typing experience. This smoothness is a hallmark of well-engineered mechanical switches, making them suitable for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is similarly celebrated for its silky feel, characterized by a polished finish that minimizes resistance and friction during use. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and refined typing experience, which is essential for users seeking a pleasant tactile response.

In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer unique yet comparable qualities that can appeal to different preferences. While the Cloud - 50g leans toward a more traditional and lively clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink elevates this with a higher-pitched clarity. From a tactile standpoint, both switches promise a silky smooth typing experience, making either a solid choice for newcomers. Ultimately, whether users gravitate toward the more vibrant auditory profile of the Cloud - 50g or the refined smoothness of the Ink Box Pink, they're likely to find satisfaction in either switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, your preference will largely depend on your typing habits and sound preferences. If you're someone who enjoys a lighter touch and a bright, clacky sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice for you. Its 50g bottom-out force offers less resistance, making it ideal for quick typists or those who often engage in fast-paced gaming. In contrast, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a smooth and polished typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink with its 60g bottom-out force may be better suited for you. The Ink Box Pink not only provides a silky smooth sensation when typing but also features a higher-pitched clack that many find appealing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a lighter, more responsive touch or a sturdier, refined typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Cloud - 50g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more