Gateron Ink Box Black vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Lucky offer distinct typing experiences that cater to varying preferences among users. The Gateron Ink Box Black is renowned for its exceptionally smooth and creamy feel, combined with a sound profile reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken—characterized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. This makes it an enticing option for those who appreciate a tactile response with a bit of auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches, featuring softer and glittery nylon housings, provide a lightweight and deeply satisfying neutral typing experience. This makes them ideal for users seeking comfort and consistency without too much distraction from sound. While both switches fall into the linear category, their unique characteristics make them suited for different typing styles and preferences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Lucky, distinct differences emerge, primarily concerning the materials used for the top and bottom housings. The Gateron Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to its unique sound profile characterized as "clacky" and relatively high-pitched. This consistency in housing material allows for a synergistic effect, where the auditory experience of the Ink Box Black maintains a pointed and satisfying quality from key press to release. In contrast, the HMX Lucky, with its nylon top and bottom housings, produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon contributes to sound absorption, yielding a more muted and rounded acoustic experience that enhances the tactile feel of the key actuations.
While both switches offer distinctive auditory characteristics owing to their housing materials, their impact on the overall typing experience differs significantly. The INK blend used in the Ink Box Black imparts a sharper tonal quality, affecting the sound when releasing a key, often leading to the perception of a more active feedback during typing. On the other hand, the nylon used in the Lucky deliberately absorbs sound, resulting in a lower resonance that can be more forgiving on the ears during sustained typing sessions. This difference implies that even though both switches may provide satisfying tactile feedback, the auditory sensations can cater to varied preferences—those who enjoy a more pronounced sound would lean towards the Ink Box Black, while those favoring a subdued profile may prefer the Lucky.
Ultimately, if the top or bottom housings were to be identical in composition, the switches would yield a more balanced sound signature reflective of both materials' distinct qualities. However, given these differing materials, users will experience differentiated auditory outcomes that highlight the individual attributes of each switch. For typists seeking an exhilarating, higher-pitched feedback, the Ink Box Black's INK blend is optimal, whereas those who seek a cushioned and fuller typing sound would find the HMX Lucky more appealing. Each design brings its own unique flair to the switching experience, allowing users to select according to their auditory preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch present a clear contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black features a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Lucky offers a much lighter typing experience with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This distinction means that the Ink Box Black is better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, as the higher forces can contribute to a sense of sturdiness and feedback, which some typists and gamers appreciate. Conversely, the HMX Lucky's lighter forces make it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, reducing fatigue for those who prefer a minimalist effort when pressing keys. Overall, users seeking comfort and ease should gravitate towards the Lucky switch, while those who favor a heavier push feel might prefer the Ink Box Black.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Ink Box Black provides a more responsive feel, making it a preferable choice for gamers who seek faster response times. In contrast, the HMX Lucky, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience, making each keypress feel more substantial. While both switches are designed for linear actuation, their differing travel distances suggest a divergence in user preference: those favoring the quick feedback of the short switch may opt for the Ink Box Black, whereas those who appreciate a deeper press might lean towards the Lucky.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box 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 Ink Box Black for $7.65.
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black switches produce a notably clacky and high-pitched audio profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This crisp and bright sound provides an engaging auditory experience that can appeal to users who prefer a more percussive feedback when typing. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches' sound characteristics are not explicitly detailed, leaving a gap in understanding how they might compare in terms of auditory enjoyment. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by any switch can vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap choice, which can create an environment where sound differences may be muted or accentuated.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black switches stand out with their silky and polished attributes, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience accompanied by minimal resistance. The factory lubing and refined materials contribute to a seamless key travel that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the feel of the Lucky switches remains unspecified, leaving potential users curious but without firm comparisons on tactile feedback. Nonetheless, the smoothness of the Ink Box Blacks indicates they would be well-suited for extended typing sessions, as less friction typically reduces fatigue.
In conclusion, both switches have their unique qualities, with the Ink Box Black excelling in a clacky, high-pitched sound and an incredibly smooth feel, while the Lucky's specific sound and feel characteristics remain unknown. For those who prioritize auditory feedback and silky typing experience, the Ink Box Black may be the preferred choice. However, the lack of detail on the Lucky switches means that users might find surprising enjoyment if they opt for them, potentially leading to similar typing satisfaction depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a bottom-out force of 70 grams, characterized by a smooth, creamy feel and a higher-pitched, clacky sound, the Ink Box Black is likely the better option for you. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience and a sound that adds a bit of flair to your typing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of just 43 grams, the HMX Lucky linear switch could be your best bet. With its softer nylon housing, this switch offers a neutral and satisfying typing experience without the extra auditory feedback. This makes it particularly appealing for users who prefer a quieter, smoother keystroke with less resistance. In the end, consider what aspects of tactile feedback and sound production matter most to you, and choose the switch that aligns with your typing rhythm and aesthetic preference.
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