HMX Deep Navy vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Ink Box Pink offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem design. This switch delivers a more subdued typing experience with a focus on deep sound and tactile satisfaction, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a more immersive auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are known for their beautiful translucence and lighter typing feel, characterized by a higher-pitched clack that can be both playful and energetic. Their polished design lends itself to a quick and responsive typing experience, perfect for those who favor a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. Both switches have their unique charms, catering to different user needs and tastes; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Deep Navy and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches showcase distinct approaches to housing materials that greatly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is historically regarded as a classic switch housing material. The inherent properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, allow it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic makes the Deep Navy switches produce a duller and rounder auditory experience, particularly appreciated by users who favor a muted and solid sound while typing.

In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housings. This material is designed to create a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is often described as satisfying and clacky. Unlike nylon, the INK blend is likely harder, contributing to the sharper auditory feedback and a more pronounced sound when keystrokes are released. Therefore, the overall typing experience with the Ink Box Pink is more dynamic and lively compared to the heavier, warmer tones produced by the Deep Navy switches.

Despite these differences, both switch designs effectively highlight how housing materials impact sound and feel during use. When utilizing the HMX Deep Navy's nylon components, users can expect a softer sound experience that enhances the tactile feedback during key presses. Meanwhile, the INK blend top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Box Pink provide the reverse: a crisper sound and a different tactile response. However, if users sought a blend of these aural characteristics, they might achieve similar results by considering the combined aspects of each switch's design. In essence, while the materials differ starkly, the impact of those materials on sound and typing experience is a fascinating aspect that can be carefully balanced based on personal preference.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended work sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users might find preferable for tactile feedback. While the actuation force and bottom out force for both switches differ, the Deep Navy is lighter overall, while the Ink Box Pink leans towards a heavier feel. Hence, users seeking a softer touch should gravitate towards the Deep Navy, while those who favor a firmer switch might opt for the Ink Box Pink.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they are identical in this respect. This means that users can expect a similar feel and feedback from both switches when pressing down on a key, as the distance traveled is the same. Given their equal travel distances, both switches should provide a comparable typing experience in terms of key actuation depth. Therefore, whether you choose the Deep Navy or the Ink Box Pink, you'll achieve similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch provides a richer, sharper audio profile that can be quite immersive, thanks to its full nylon construction. This results in a sound that is more robust and thick, contrasting with the Gateron Ink Box Pink, which is noted for its high-pitched and clacky sound. The Ink Box Pink produces a crisp and bright noise that is both sharp and percussive, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Therefore, while both switches create unique sound experiences, the Deep Navy offers a fuller and deeper tone, whereas the Ink Box Pink caters to those who prefer a lighter, more energizing auditory signature.

In terms of feel, the HMX Deep Navy boasts a smooth typing experience with the guidance of its Ly stem. This contributes to an incredibly fluid keypress as you move your fingers across the board. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches emphasize silky and polished qualities, which means they provide an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. This is due to either the materials used or factory lubrication, which minimizes friction and enhances overall key travel. Ultimately, while both switches aim to produce a smooth feel, the Deep Navy leans towards a seamless keypress, while the Ink Box Pink emphasizes a refined and lightweight typing sensation.

In conclusion, selecting between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Deep Navy is perfect for users seeking a richer acoustics and smoothness in their typing experience, while the Ink Box Pink caters to individuals who enjoy high-pitched sounds and a polished, silky tactile response. Each switch offers a distinct experience, catering to various typing styles and preferences, ensuring that, regardless of choice, you'll be enjoying a quality mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and force. If you gravitate towards a lighter keystroke with a smooth, silky feel and a more subdued but rich sound, the Deep Navy might be your ideal choice. This switch is especially well-suited for those who appreciate a more immersive typing experience without much resistance, making it great for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced, high-pitched clack with a medium actuation force that gives your keystrokes a satisfying feedback while also maintaining a smoothness in travel, the Ink Box Pink would serve you well. This switch offers a polished and refined typing experience that can be more vibrant and engaging, particularly for those who enjoy a bit of auditory excitement with each keystroke. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you—whether it's sound, feel, or the amount of force required—when deciding which switch to use.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more