HMX Hibiscus vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Silent Ink Black offer distinct experiences for users with different preferences. The HMX Hibiscus is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, allowing for an incredibly smooth and responsive typing experience that stands out among the majority of switches. Its satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound adds a delightful auditory element for those who appreciate a bit of character in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black caters to quieter environments, featuring a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal sound output, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is a priority. While the Hibiscus excels in delivering an engaging and lively typing experience, the Silent Ink Black focuses on providing a serene and polished interaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Color coated
Housing materials
The HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches showcase distinctly different characteristics attributed to their housing materials, which play a crucial role in defining their auditory and tactile experiences. The Hibiscus features a nylon top and bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition. This quality allows the Hibiscus to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounded and muted acoustic signature. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend in both the top and bottom housings. This material is engineered to produce a higher-pitched and more clacky sound, indicating a distinct acoustic personality driven by the inherent properties of the INK blend.
Despite their differing sound profiles, the split between the top and bottom housing in both switches means that each switch’s overall sound performance and typing experience will reflect a combination of their physical materials. The Hibiscus’s nylon construction creates a cohesive sound profile that remains deep and rounded throughout the typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black's INK blend contributes to a more punctuated and high-frequency auditory feedback. This divergence in housing materials means that when typing on the Hibiscus, one can expect a smooth and rich sound at both the actuation and bottom-out phases, while the Silent Ink Black’s unique engineering leads to a lively and elevated sound when the keys are released.
Ultimately, using nylon for both housings in the Hibiscus ensures a consistent audio dampening effect, resulting in a satisfying typing experience characterized by a warm and smooth ambience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black’s proprietary INK blend introduces sharper auditory notes by maintaining a balance between both housings that emphasizes a chime-like resonance. However, if one were to theoretically combine these elements—for instance, using a nylon top with an INK blend bottom or vice versa—similar results could be approximated: the deeper notes from the nylon would blend with the sharper clack from the INK blend, producing a complex and layered auditory experience, thus highlighting how variations in material selection can significantly alter overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, significant differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Hibiscus features a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its reduced resistance. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black exhibits a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for tactile feedback. As a result, individuals looking for a lighter option for comfort and endurance should gravitate towards the Hibiscus, whereas those who enjoy a firmer typing experience may opt for the heavier Silent Ink Black. These differences in force characteristics ensure that each switch caters to distinct user preferences regarding typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Ink Black features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Hibiscus offers a shorter travel experience, which may be preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances often facilitate faster key presses. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's longer 4 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, favored by those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile typing experience. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Hibiscus could be the better choice, while the Silent Ink Black may appeal to users looking for a more pronounced key travel.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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, the HMX Hibiscus switch stands out with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it an engaging option for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This sound profile enhances the tactile experience and provides a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed for environments where noise is a concern, offering a muted audio experience that minimizes the typical clatter associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it ideal for quieter settings, ensuring that typing remains discreet while still delivering a mechanical feel.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switches promise an unparalleled smoothness and a lightweight actuation force, making for an effortlessly enjoyable typing experience. They are specifically designed to provide a luxurious touch, appealing to users looking for fluidity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, enhancing the overall typing experience by reducing friction and providing a refined, smooth key travel. The cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel of the Silent Ink Black also adds a layer of comfort, particularly during long typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize comfort.
In conclusion, while both switches cater to different user preferences and environments, the HMX Hibiscus is perfect for those who enjoy a lively audio signature coupled with a smooth typing experience, whereas the Gateron Silent Ink Black is tailored for quieter settings and a silky feel. Selecting between these options will depend on whether you value auditory feedback or a more muted, comfortable typing experience. If you find yourself gravitating towards sound, the Hibiscus offers a richer and more engaging quality, while the Silent Ink Black excels in providing seamless, quiet typing performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Hibiscus and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches ultimately revolves around your typing environment and personal preferences. If you lean towards a lighter switch that provides an exceptionally smooth and clacky typing experience, the Hibiscus is likely the better option for you. Its bottom-out force of 48 grams makes it ideal for those who enjoy rapid key presses and a lively sound profile, especially in casual or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you often find yourself in quieter settings or working alongside others, the Silent Ink Black is a superior choice due to its muted audio feedback and plush bottom-out feel, which offers a more tactile experience. With a heavier bottom-out force of 70 grams, it’s suited for users who prefer a more deliberate keystroke, providing a polished and silky typing experience while minimizing noise. In the end, consider the environment in which you’ll be typing and whether you prioritize a lively sound with a light feel or a subdued and heavier switch that offers a smooth tactile experience.
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