Gateron Ink Box Black vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Poro each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, coupled with a sound signature reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can, which provides a unique auditory experience. Its classification as 'Clacky,' 'High-pitched,' 'Silky,' and 'Polished' further emphasizes its refined, responsive design, making it ideal for users seeking both tactile feedback and a pleasing sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Poro stands out with its meticulously lubricated construction that allows for an effortless glide, delivering a silky smooth keystroke experience. Its ultra-light actuation force creates a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. While both switches excel in smoothness and responsiveness, their unique sound profiles and actuation forces make them suited for different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Poro, distinct differences in sound profiles and material properties emerge. The Gateron Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound characterized as thin, high-pitched, and clacky. This specific sound profile is a result of the unique blend that allows the Ink Box Black to maintain a pointed acoustic signature that resonates with users looking for a sharper auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Poro employs a nylon material for both the top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer texture that tends to absorb sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound characterized by a more rounded tone, creating a markedly different typing experience.
The material differences between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Poro significantly influence their performance characteristics. The INK blend used in the Ink Box Black's housing enhances its clackiness and allows for a brighter sound, especially when releasing a key. Conversely, the nylon material in the Poro’s housings contributes to a balanced and muted experience, where the sound produced is less sharp and more mellow. The interaction between the housing materials and the acoustic properties sets the two switch designs apart, as the Ink Box Black tends to provide a more lively typing experience, while the Poro offers a comforting, deeper tone that can be enjoyed during longer typing sessions.
Despite their differences, both switch designs will provide satisfying keypresses, albeit in varying auditory textures. In switches where the top and bottom housings are consistent in material, similar sound profiles can emerge based on the quality of the materials. For example, if the Ink Box Black were to use nylon in both its top and bottom housing, one could expect a sound output closer to that of the Poro, albeit not identical due to the unique INK blend properties. Ultimately, both the Ink Box Black and the HMX Poro serve distinct preferences in a switch’s acoustic design and tactile feedback, making them attractive options for various typing styles while offering different auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch to the HMX Poro linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black requires an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Poro is notably lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which aligns it with lighter switches. This means that the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a firmer feel while typing, whereas the Poro offers ease of use, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, allowing for less finger fatigue. Ultimately, if users prioritize a lighter touch for extended use, they should opt for the HMX Poro, while those seeking a heavier feedback may prefer the Ink Box Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Poro offers a slightly longer travel distance at 3.7 mm. This 0.1 mm difference indicates that the Poro switch provides a marginally deeper key press compared to the Ink Box Black. For gamers seeking rapid response times, the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black may be more appealing for its quicker actuation. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming might appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Poro. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 are characterized by a clacky and high-pitched profile that produces a bright and snappy auditory feedback. This sharpness creates an engaging experience, reminiscent of the percussive sound made when shaking a spray paint can. In contrast, while the HMX Poro linear switches feature a silky smooth keystroke that prioritizes quiet operation, their sound profile leans towards a satisfying pop rather than any clackiness. The sound may be influenced by the ultra-light actuation force, which could provide a different acoustic experience compared to the more pronounced clack of the Ink Box Black.
Regarding feel, the Ink Box Black excels in delivering a luxurious typing experience marked by its silky and polished traits. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth glide with minimal resistance, making every keystroke a delight. The polished finish also results in reduced friction, contributing to an overall refined and enjoyable typing sensation. The Poro switches, while similarly praised for their smoothness, specifically highlight a meticulous lubrication process that ensures an effortless glide. However, the absence of detailed descriptors for the Poro’s feel makes it difficult to make a direct comparison, though both switches aim to provide a high-quality linear typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Poro linear switches offer smooth operation, their auditory and tactile profiles differ significantly. The Ink Box Black presents a clacky sound with a luxurious feel, whereas the Poro focuses on a milder, silky sensation accompanied by a softer sound. Newcomers can expect to find pleasant linear experiences with either switch, yet the specific auditory and tactile qualities may sway preferences based on individual typing styles and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Poro switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you lean towards a heavier typing experience with a more pronounced tactile feel, along with a clacky, high-pitched sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can, the Ink Box Black might be your ideal pick. Its 70-gram bottom out force provides satisfying resistance, making it a great option for those who enjoy a bit more feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more effortless keystroke with a smooth, polished glide and a poppier sound profile, the HMX Poro will suit you better. With a bottom out force of just 50 grams, it allows for rapid keystrokes and is especially appealing for those who type for extended periods and value a comfort-first approach. In the end, consider your typing style, the sound you prefer, and how the switch feel aligns with your daily tasks to make the best choice.
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