Gateron Ink Box Black vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g presents a fascinating contrast in user experience. The Gateron Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, offering a unique sound signature that evokes the gentle rhythm of a spray paint can being shaken. This switch falls into categories like "clacky" and "polished," making it an appealing option for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a more auditory typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a whisper-quiet operation, akin to the soft sound of raindrops tapping against a window. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, it is ideal for light typists who prioritize a serene and discreet typing environment. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you’re drawn to the dynamic feedback of the Ink Box Black or the tranquil presence of the Silent Sakura. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches both exhibit distinct sound characteristics influenced by their respective housing materials. The Ink Box Black employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile often described as clacky. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer characteristics that absorb more sound. Consequently, typists may find that the Ink Box Black creates a sharper auditory experience while the Silent Sakura leans towards a more muffled and rounded output, offering two different auditory sensations that cater to varying preferences in mechanical keyboard users.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the Ink Box Black retains the proprietary INK blend, maintaining the consistency of its high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a clearer and crisper sound when the switch is actuated. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonance of keystrokes, leading to a sharper feedback experience. This differentiation means that the bottom-out sound dynamics vary significantly between the two switches, with the Silent Sakura emphasizing a crisper sound owing to its polycarbonate material, whereas the Ink Box Black holds onto its distinct clacky nature supported by the INK blend.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches provide contrasting auditory experiences rooted in their housing materials. While differing in sound profiles—where the Ink Box Black delivers a higher-pitched clack and the Silent Sakura offers a fuller and quieter typing experience—they may still yield similar user satisfaction based on personal preference. In cases where users prioritize a more tailored auditory experience, either switch can be advantageous: the Ink Box Black may appeal to those who enjoy an engaging and sharp sound, while the Silent Sakura caters to users seeking a more subtle, muted keystroke.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Box Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that some users might prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is designed for lighter typing, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. As a result, the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Meanwhile, the heavier Gateron Ink Box Black may appeal to users who appreciate a firmer push feel. Since the actuation and bottom out forces are distinctly different between these switches, users can expect varying levels of feedback and urgency while typing, ultimately tailoring their experience based on their personal preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it's clear that there is a difference between the two. The Gateron Ink Box Black features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This distinction means that the Ink Box Black offers a shorter travel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, while the Silent Sakura, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper press. Overall, if responsiveness is your priority, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be the more suitable choice, whereas if you favor a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g would be preferable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched auditory experience. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be likened to the sound of a spray paint can being shaken, providing a bright and percussive feedback that many typists enjoy. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is specifically engineered to be much quieter, aiming to deliver a serene typing environment akin to gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This creates a stark contrast between the two, with the Ink Box Black favoring a more dynamic auditory experience while the Silent Sakura prioritizes silence.

Regarding feel, the Ink Box Black is characterized by its silky and polished typing experience. Users can expect exceptionally smooth key travel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, thanks to its refined finish and potentially factory lubing. This enhanced smoothness makes the Ink Box Black popular among enthusiasts who appreciate a refined tactile experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g switches is not detailed, leaving their tactile response and overall typing experience largely unknown. However, it’s reasonable to assume that their ultra-light actuation force of 43g may contribute to a different tactile feedback aimed at providing comfort for lighter typists.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a vibrant clacky sound and a luxuriously smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively auditory experience while typing. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g emphasizes whisper-quiet operation and light bottom-out force for a tranquil experience, although its tactile feel remains unspecified. Each switch caters to distinct typing preferences, making your choice heavily reliant on whether you prioritize sound or the subtleness of your typing environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a heavier feel and a more pronounced, clacky sound signature combined with an exceptionally smooth and silky typing experience, the Ink Box Black is likely to be your go-to option. Its 70g bottom out force provides the tactile feedback and weight that many typists find satisfying, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch and prioritize a quiet, serene environment while typing, the Silent Sakura - 43g is well-suited for you. With its whisper-quiet operation and lightweight 43g bottom out force, this switch is ideal for individuals who type gently and may be working in shared spaces or simply want a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value tactile feedback and sound or a light, quiet touch in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 43g Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more