Gateron Ink Box Black vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g are two compelling linear options, each boasting unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Ink Box Black is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and creamy feel, alongside a sound profile that resonates with a clacky, high-pitched, yet polished quality, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This switch is ideal for those who revel in audible feedback and a tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g excels in delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience, which is perfect for users seeking tranquility in their workspace. With a thoughtfully calibrated 53g bottom-out force, it provides a light yet satisfying keystroke, catering to those who prioritize a serene typing atmosphere. Both switches have their distinct appeals, making them suited for various users—whether you value acoustic feedback or silent efficiency. 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
53g
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
Partial box
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, significant differences emerge that shape their auditory profiles and overall user experience. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is crafted to produce a bright, high-pitched sound that users often describe as "clacky." This distinctive auditory signature contrasts with the Silent Sakura - 53g, whose nylon top housing lends a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic nature, which naturally absorbs more sound. As a result, while both switches offer unique sound experiences, the Ink Box Black is more suited for those who prefer an upfront and vibrant typing sound, whereas the Silent Sakura provides a more subdued and rounded auditory feedback.
In the bottom housing, the contrasts become even more pronounced. The Ink Box Black features the same proprietary INK blend that characterizes its top housing, thereby maintaining that consistent high-pitched quality throughout the switch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which is known for producing a clearer and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper audio experience, enhancing the bottom-out sound when a key is pressed. Collectively, these materials establish each switch’s sound signature, with the Ink Box Black creating a largely uniform soundscape, while the Silent Sakura pairs the more profound capabilities of nylon with polycarbonate’s clarity for a unique typing feel.
It's worth noting that if the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, their respective materials will influence the overall typing experience in distinctive ways. For instance, while the Gateron Ink Box Black maintains a consistent high-pitched sound profile through both its housing materials, the HMX Silent Sakura—through its combination of a nylon top and polycarbonate bottom—offers diversity in sound and feel. However, users who prefer a singular sound profile can still find satisfaction in either option, as the overall design allows for the enjoyment of distinct typing sensations while achieving balanced auditory results. In this regard, both switches cater to different user preferences while providing a unique depth to the experience of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Ink Box Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it in the medium-light range. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura, while those who appreciate a stronger push and tactile feedback may find the heavier Ink Box Black more appealing. Overall, the Silent Sakura is the lighter option, while the Ink Box Black is the heavier choice, leading to differing user experiences based on personal preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between them. The Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 53g features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura - 53g provides a deeper feel with its more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer the tactile feedback of a fuller key press. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to deliver faster response times, making it a suitable option for gamers seeking quick key presses. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor the responsive nature of a shorter travel distance or the more substantial engagement of a longer one.
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 Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 switches create a distinct auditory signature that can be likened to a spray paint can being shaken—this results in a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive. These characteristics make it an engaging experience for those who appreciate a more active sounding keyboard. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches are designed for a completely different auditory experience. These switches offer a whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to gentle raindrops on a window, which suggests they are built for tranquility and distraction-free environments. If sound levels matter to you, these two switches differ greatly—the Ink Box Hides a lively soundscape while the Silent Sakura promotes discretion.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black is notable for its exceptionally smooth and creamy typing experience, offering both a silky and polished sensation during keypresses. This smoothness minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, making it a delight for typists who value a refined touch. The switches' combination of great materials and possibly factory lubing contributes to this superior feel, ensuring a sleek typing experience overall. Unfortunately, no detailed descriptions are available for the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g switches. Therefore, one might want to test these switches personally to assess their tactile properties for a complete understanding.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches serve different purposes based on sound and feel. The Ink Box Blacks present a vibrant, high-pitched auditory experience alongside an incredibly smooth typing sensation, ideal for users who enjoy an engaging and responsive keyboard. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura caters to those who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing keystroke satisfaction, with an appropriate level of bottom-out force. Overall, selecting between the two will heavily rely on your personal priorities regarding sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience that provides a tactile feel and a bit more resistance, the Ink Box Black, with its 70-gram bottom-out force, might be the ideal choice for you. Its smooth and silky action, combined with a clackier, high-pitched sound signature, is perfect for users who appreciate a more prominent auditory feedback as they type, making it suitable for gaming or for those who enjoy a more stimulating typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a softer touch and quieter operation, the Silent Sakura - 53g with its 53-gram bottom-out force offers a more subdued sound akin to gentle raindrops, ideal for quiet environments or shared workspaces. Its light and responsive actuation can enhance your typing comfort, especially during extended sessions. Ultimately, think about the forces and sounds that make typing enjoyable for you, as both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.
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