HMX Hibiscus vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Ink Box Black stand out for their distinct characteristics, appealing to different typing preferences. The HMX Hibiscus switch is renowned for its ultra-light actuation force and a unique sound profile that is both clacky and poppy, providing a fun and engaging typing experience. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a bouncy feel and crave the tactile responsiveness that comes with it. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of the satisfying sound of a shaken spray paint can. With its polished and silky sound signature, this switch favors users who prefer a quieter yet equally enjoyable typing experience. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them based on personal preference, but each caters to a different set of priorities in terms of feedback and sound. 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 Hibiscus Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Ink Box Black both feature distinct housing materials, which contribute significantly to their overall sound profiles during typing. The Hibiscus utilizes traditional nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a choice that results in a deeper and fuller characteristic. Nylon's softer texture absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, yielding a sound that can be perceived as duller and rounder. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its housing materials, resulting in a thinner and higher-pitched sound profile. This unique blend creates a typing experience that is often described as clacky and more pronounced, highlighting the differentiation in the auditory quality associated with each switch.

When examining the bottom housing of these switches, the differences in material continue to influence the user experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Hibiscus reinforces the switch’s deeper sound upon bottoming out, aligning with the rounder signature prevalent throughout the switch's design. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black’s INK blend bottom housing offers a similarly pointed sound, which prioritizes a higher-pitched acoustic characteristic. While both switches have bottom housings that impact the feel and sound at the moment of bottoming out, the Hibiscus leans towards a muffled quality, whereas the Ink Box Black provides a more vibrant audio feedback that might resonate more with users who prefer sharp sound profiles.

In summary, the primary contrast between the two switches lies in the choice of housing materials and their respective acoustic signatures. For typists seeking a rounder and fuller sound profile, the HMX Hibiscus offers the classic benefits of nylon, both in the top and bottom housings. Conversely, those who favor a clacky, higher-pitched auditory experience would lean towards the Gateron Ink Box Black with its INK blend housing. Despite the differences, typists can expect an engaging typing experience with both products, as the integration of distinct materials creates a variance in sound and feel that caters to diverse preferences. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials will dictate how sound resonates during typing, contributing to the unique experiences brought forth by each switch.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Hibiscus features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize long typing sessions or extended gaming due to its low resistance. In contrast, the Ink Box Black boasts a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. This difference in weight influences the user experience: while the Hibiscus offers a more effortless typing experience, the Ink Box Black provides a firmer push that may be appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy pronounced feedback. Overall, the Hibiscus is the lighter option, while the Ink Box Black falls into the medium-heavy category, making the choice between the two largely a matter of personal preference regarding typing feel and endurance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, we find that the Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ink Box Black measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This makes the Hibiscus the shorter option, offering a marginally quicker response time, which may be desirable for gamers seeking speedy actuation. Conversely, the Ink Box Black, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys, providing a more pronounced depth during use. Overall, selecting between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile feedback, though both switches offer a relatively modern travel distance that falls within the recent trend towards shorter distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Hibiscus switch is noted for its clacky, satisfying tone, characterized by a crisp and bright auditory feedback when keys are pressed. This poppy sound signature can enhance the typing experience by providing an acoustically engaging feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a distinct auditory experience during their sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch also boasts a clacky quality, similarly offering a sharp and percussive sound. However, it brings an additional aspect to the auditory experience, as it can remind users of the sound of a spray paint can, introducing a unique high-pitched element to its signature. While both switches share clackiness, the Hibiscus may lean towards a more pronounced pop, whereas the Ink Box Black adds a distinctive sonic texture.

When considering their tactile qualities, the HMX Hibiscus switch is described as bouncy and feathery, providing a spring-like feedback that is lively and energetic with each keystroke. This elasticity in feel not only makes typing enjoyable but also reduces finger fatigue, allowing for long periods of use without discomfort. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch offers a silky and polished experience, creating a smooth, frictionless typing environment. This refined quality contributes to a seamless key press and release, which many users find appealing for both typing and gaming. While the Hibiscus switch may feel lighter and more effervescent, the Ink Box Black prioritizes an ultra-smooth, effortless experience, appealing to those who value a luxurious touch.

In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Ink Box Black switches provide unique and enjoyable experiences, with clear distinctions in their auditory and tactile qualities. The Hibiscus stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize audible feedback and a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black offers a smooth, creamy sound accompanied by a silky and polished touch, perfect for users seeking exceptional smoothness in their typing sessions. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can deliver an engaging experience, although your choice may ultimately hinge on whether you prioritize acoustic engagement or a refined tactile sensation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter feel and are looking for a smooth, bouncy typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, the Hibiscus switch stands out as an excellent option, particularly for long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. Its clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory feedback, making it particularly appealing if you enjoy typing sounds that are sharp and lively. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Ink Box Black may be the way to go. These switches provide a silky, polished feel that many typists find incredibly satisfying, and their unique sound contributes a distinctive quality reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, which could appeal to those who prefer a deeper auditory texture. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on what aspects of typing—such as actuation force, tactile feedback, or sound profile—you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Hibiscus Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more