Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX SU can significantly influence your typing experience. The Ink Black V2, a classic linear switch, is celebrated in the keyboard community for its smooth downstroke and rich, resonant clack, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a satisfying tactile feedback and a low-pitched, basy acoustic profile. On the other hand, the HMX SU offers a unique typing experience with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, generating a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts seeking smooth keystrokes, the Ink Black V2 leans towards a more pronounced auditory presence, whereas the HMX SU emphasizes a more subdued auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX SU switches illustrate distinct approaches to housing materials, which play a crucial role in defining their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ink Black V2 employs a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharp, pointed sound that is often described as clacky—high-pitched yet not excessively harsh. This unique material choice gives the Ink Black V2 its signature auditory signature, creating an engaging typing experience that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX SU features top and bottom housings made from nylon, a more traditional switch housing material known for producing deeper, fuller sound profiles. The nylon's softer texture allows it to absorb more sound, yielding a rounder, more muted auditory experience during key presses.
The differences in housing materials between these two switches significantly influence their respective acoustics and overall feel while typing. For the Gateron Ink Black V2, the firmness and specific properties of the INK blend contribute a crispness to both the sound and tactile feedback, delivering keypresses that resonate with clarity and a certain sharpness. Conversely, the nylon housings of the HMX SU emphasize a softer touch, thus generating a sound that lacks the brightness of the Ink Black V2, but instead comforts users with a warmer and more subdued auditory output. This differentiation allows enthusiasts to choose between a stimulating, clacky experience with the Ink Black V2 or the more rounded, cozy feel offered by the HMX SU.
Despite these contrasts, both switches can yield similar results for users seeking a satisfying typing experience. While the Gateron Ink Black V2's INK blend produces a distinct and lively sound, the HMX SU's nylon houses can still accommodate a relatively enjoyable feel through its unique sound absorption properties. A user who prefers the clackiness of the Ink Black V2 may find that switching to the HMX SU offers a change in auditory character without severely compromising the overall typing satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, highlighting how different materials can emphasize various aspects of the typing experience, even while still delivering enjoyable results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch to the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Ink Black V2 features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX SU switch is lighter, with an actuation force of only 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which can facilitate longer typing sessions and ease of use during extended gaming. This makes the HMX SU more suitable for users who favor a lighter touch. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches depends on personal preference: users seeking a heavier, more deliberate key feel might gravitate towards the Ink Black V2, while those who desire a lightweight and faster typing experience would likely favor the HMX SU.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, a notable difference in travel distance emerges. The Ink Black V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ink Black V2 offers a more substantial depth when pressed, which can provide a satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a hearty depth. On the other hand, the shorter distance of the HMX SU caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, making it better suited for fast-paced environments. If you prefer a switch that combines responsiveness with a bit more depth, the Ink Black V2 would be the preferable choice, while the HMX SU is ideal for those who favor speed over depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
The HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch presents a low-pitched, bassy quality that is quite pleasing for enthusiasts who appreciate a deeper auditory experience. The switch delivers a rich sound profile with a hint of chirp, adding character and uniqueness to each keypress. This combination creates an acoustic atmosphere that resonates well with a variety of setups, possibly enhanced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch has less documented information regarding its sound profile, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat unknown.
When evaluating the feel of both switches, the Ink Black V2 stands out for its mild and polished characteristics. These traits contribute to a gentle and smooth typing experience that is accessible, making it a safe choice for both new and experienced users. The polished nature ensures minimal friction during key travel, resulting in a satisfying ergonomic experience. On the other hand, there is limited information on the feel of the HMX SU switch, so we cannot make a direct comparison in this regard.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a distinctive auditory presence along with a smooth and beginner-friendly typing feel. With its rich low-pitched sound and polished touch, it appeals to a wide range of users. The HMX SU linear switch remains a mystery in terms of sound and feel, which may make it less predictable for newcomers looking for specific tactile qualities. Ultimately, if you seek a more established option, the Ink Black V2 provides reliable performance, whereas the HMX SU might be an interesting alternative if you discover more about its unique attributes in the future.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX SU linear switches, consider your personal preferences in typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound accompanied by a slight chirp, the Ink Black V2 is likely the better choice for you. Its polished feel ensures smooth key travel, making it ideal for users who appreciate a refined and gentle typing experience, particularly in a casual or gaming environment where you want the auditory feedback to match your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, you might find the HMX SU linear switch more suited to your needs. While it may not offer the same pronounced sound profile, its full PA12 housing provides a different playing field that focuses on a relatively deep sound without the extra richness that the Ink Black V2 offers. Individuals who type quickly or prefer a lighter, more effortless keystroke are likely to enjoy the HMX SU. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and sound preference to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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