Gateron Ink Box Black vs. HMX Macchiato
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Macchiato switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular linear options stand out: the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Macchiato. The Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, evoking a unique sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, which can add a playful auditory element to the typing experience. Its characteristics—clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished—make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more vibrant keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is tailored for individuals who seek a smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, giving it a distinct personality of its own. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, offering smooth actuation and quiet operation, their acoustic characteristics differ significantly. The decision between the two can hinge on your preference for a more textured auditory experience versus a refined and bright sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Black and HMX Macchiato switches differ significantly in their housing materials, leading to distinct auditory characteristics when typing. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings that is designed to create a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. This unique blend is softer in comparison to traditional materials, resulting in a satisfying yet pointed auditory feedback with a more pronounced upper register. In contrast, the HMX Macchiato utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material, being softer and more absorbent than harder plastics, leads to a sound that is described as rounder and less sharp, creating a warm typing experience that contrasts with the clacking of the Ink Box Black.
The distinction in housing materials also affects the feel and feedback of each switch. For the Ink Box Black, the proprietary INK blend imparts a consistent high-pitched sound, making the overall keypress feel sharp and brisk, enhancing its appeal for typists who prefer a responsive and lively feedback. On the other hand, the Macchiato’s nylon construction leads to a notable difference in the bottom-out feel and sound, with the softer material contributing to a more muted and cushioned response. This implies that the typing experience on the Macchiato may feel more forgiving and less jarring, which is ideal for prolonged use or for those who favor a more subdued auditory experience.
Despite these differences, both switches can be tailored to produce complimentary sound profiles if tuned appropriately. For instance, if a user desires to achieve a sound similar to the Ink Box Black while using the nylon-material Macchiato, they could consider pairing it with different keycaps or tinkering with the switch’s assembly to enhance the higher frequencies. However, the inherent qualities of each housing material will still shape the fundamental sound and feel; thus, while one might replicate certain characteristics, each switch will ultimately maintain its unique identity shaped by the materials used. Thus, while they may yield overlapping sound experiences under specific conditions, the intrinsic differences in their materials provide distinct auditory pleasures.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Ink Box Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Macchiato is notably lighter, with an actuation force of just 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it in the light category. This difference in weight significantly influences the typing experience; the lighter Macchiato is better suited for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons due to its lower force requirements, while the heavier Ink Box Black provides a more substantial push feel that some users prefer for a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches differ, they cater to distinct user preferences based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The travel distance between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch highlights a notable contrast in their designs. The Ink Box Black features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Macchiato offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Macchiato switch provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience. Conversely, the Ink Box Black's shorter travel distance suits those who favor a quicker response time, often preferred by gamers. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, users seeking a more responsive feel might opt for the Gateron Ink Box Black, while those valuing a deeper, more immersive typing experience should consider the HMX Macchiato linear switch.
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 Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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 linear switch presents a unique auditory experience. It has a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, which produces a sharp and percussive auditory feedback when the keys are pressed. This bright and crisp sound can easily capture attention, making it more audible in environments where typing noise may be more noticeable. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Macchiato linear switch remains unspecified, leaving its acoustics somewhat of a mystery. Given this, if you enjoy a bright and vibrant typing sound, the Ink Box Black would likely satisfy that preference, while the Macchiato's sound signature remains to be discovered.
Regarding the feel, the Ink Box Black excels in providing a silky and polished typing experience. These switches minimize resistance and friction during key presses, creating an exceptionally smooth journey from actuation to release. This refined finish makes for a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, allowing users to type quickly and accurately without any hindrance. The HMX Macchiato also aims to deliver a silky smooth experience, but without additional details, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, if both switches prioritize smoothness in their designs, one could expect a similarly pleasant tactile experience from the Macchiato.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is notable for its clacky, high-pitched sound and its exceptionally silky and polished feel, leading to an enjoyable typing experience. While the HMX Macchiato linear switch also promises a smooth typing experience, its sound characteristics remain unclear. If you're drawn to bright sounds and buttery smooth key presses, the Ink Box Black will provide a rich auditory and tactile experience, while the Macchiato may also deliver a similar feel, but with unknown sound qualities. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to personal preference regarding sound, while both switches are designed to offer a satisfying linear experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Macchiato linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a heavier switch with a tactile experience and enjoy a distinct clacky sound profile, the Ink Box Black is your go-to option. Its substantial 70-gram bottom-out force caters well to those who appreciate a firm keypress, while its smooth, silky feel and polished finish enhance your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for something lighter and more responsive, the HMX Macchiato with its 50-gram bottom-out force might be more suitable for you. It is designed for a silky, effortless typing experience that many find enjoyable, especially during long typing sessions. The Macchiato's bright sound profile adds another layer of appeal for users who appreciate a more cheerful auditory feedback. In essence, if you value a robust and tactile engagement while typing, go for the Ink Box Black; but if you lean towards lightness and smoothness, the Macchiato is the right choice for you.
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