HMX Hibiscus vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Ink Box Pink mechanical keyboard switches, users will find that each switch offers unique tactile experiences and acoustic properties suited to different preferences. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and an ultra-light actuation force, exceeding that of 80% of other switches. This gives a satisfyingly clacky and crispy sound signature, making it an enticing option for those who enjoy a feathery typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are recognized for their silky and polished feel, providing a lighter typing experience combined with a distinctive high-pitched clack. This makes them particularly appealing for users who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Both switches have their merits, with the Hibiscus being perfect for those craving a bouncy and clacky sound and feel, while the Ink Box Pink caters to those desiring smoothness and consistency. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, it becomes evident that the Hibiscus utilizes classic nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This nylon construction contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature. The way nylon absorbs sound echoes a cozy typing ambiance, making the Hibiscus appealing to those who prefer a more muted auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which is noted for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This design yields a satisfying, clacky sound, ideal for users looking for a more pronounced auditory response.
The contrasting materials of the two switches significantly affect their sound profiles. While the nylon materials of the Hibiscus are designed to absorb sound and provide a soothing typing experience, the INK blend of the Ink Box Pink accentuates higher frequencies, resulting in a more vibrant and potentially sharper auditory experience. This divergence means that the Hibiscus will yield a softer sound when keys are pressed and released, whereas the Ink Box Pink is engineered to deliver a more pronounced sound that stands out, particularly when keys are bottomed out. Consequently, users selecting between these switches may gravitate towards the Hibiscus for a warmer, more subdued typing experience while favoring the Ink Box Pink for a more lively and exciting soundscape.
Despite their differences, it’s essential to recognize that if the top and bottom housings were composed of the same materials, the resulting sound characteristics would become even more defined. For instance, if both the Hibiscus and Ink Box Pink had their nylon and INK blend materials intertwined or replicated in different configurations, the resulting sound profiles would exhibit hybrid characteristics. The Hibiscus might still maintain its fuller sound, but with potential higher-pitched elements introduced from a blended design, while the Ink Box Pink could potentially mellow out, making it less clacky. Therefore, while the inherent qualities of the materials lead to distinctive typing experiences, variations or combinations of these housing materials can produce a spectrum of auditory feedback that caters to various preferences.
Weight
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which may appeal to different preferences among users. The Hibiscus boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor an easier typing experience, ideal for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink requires a medium actuation force of 50 grams and has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial feel and tactile feedback when typing. As such, the Hibiscus is the lighter option, while the Ink Box Pink offers a heavier experience. This difference in actuation and bottom out forces highlights how users can achieve varying levels of typing comfort and performance based on their individual preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Hibiscus switch is the shorter of the two, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who favor quicker key actuation. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink, with its longer 3.6 mm travel, may offer a more pronounced tactile experience for those who prefer deeper key presses. While both switches are relatively close in distance, the difference could influence personal preference—choosing the Hibiscus for a brisk response or the Ink Box Pink for a more substantial feel. Overall, while they share similarities as linear switches, the distinct travel distances cater to different user experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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
When it comes to sound, both the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches provide a clacky auditory feedback characterized by a sharp and snappy tone. The Hibiscus switches deliver a satisfyingly clacky sound signature, which is crisp and bright, while the Ink Box Pink switches add a higher-pitched quality to this experience. This means that the sound profile of the Ink Box Pink is not only clacky but also features a distinctive high-pitched element that may appeal to users who prefer a sharper, more piercing sound. Both switches produce an engaging auditory experience, but the added high pitch of the Ink Box Pink could sway those who enjoy a brighter sound profile in their typing.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch stands out for its bouncy and feathery characteristics, offering a rebound sensation and requiring minimal effort to press. This makes it particularly suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue significantly. Contrastingly, the Gateron Ink Box Pink provides a silky and polished feel, focusing on an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance. Though both switches prioritize a smooth experience, the Hibiscus emphasizes an elastic feedback and light actuation, while the Ink Box Pink concentrates on a refined finish and seamless key travel. Users may find that while the action feels different due to the unique attributes of each switch, both options could create a pleasant overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches both possess clacky sound signatures, the Ink Box Pink differentiates itself with a higher-pitched tone. On the tactile side of things, the Hibiscus offers a bouncier and more feathery feedback, whereas the Ink Box Pink appeals with its ultra-smooth, polished feel. Ultimately, both switches deliver smoothness, but their distinct characteristics in sound and tactile feedback cater to different preferences. Whether you lean towards the crisp and lively feel of the Hibiscus or the silky polish of the Ink Box Pink, you're likely to enjoy a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience with either choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding actuation force, typing feel, and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with an ultra-smooth feel and a clacky, bubbly sound, the Hibiscus switch may be your best option. It's particularly well-suited for long typing sessions since its light actuation force helps minimize finger fatigue, making it ideal for gaming or intensive writing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a switch that provides a more medium resistance while still offering a smooth experience, the Ink Box Pink could be the one for you. Its higher actuation force lends a bit more feedback when typing, while still maintaining a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that many users find appealing. Ultimately, whether you prioritize the feather-light feel and bouncy feedback of the Hibiscus or the polished, silky experience offered by the Ink Box Pink, both switches are excellent choices that cater to different typing preferences. Experimenting with both can help you discover which switch enhances your overall typing experience.
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