Gateron Ink Box Black vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy action, producing a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This switch is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished, making it appealing for those who seek a tactile and auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, combines a carefully curated blend of materials to deliver a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, further enhanced by HMX’s excellent factory lubrication. Although both switches are linear, they provide distinct sensations and sound profiles that can dramatically affect overall typing enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches present distinct contrasts that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend material for its top housing, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound. This design allows for a satisfying acoustic experience, often described as "clacky." In contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs polycarbonate in its top housing. Known for its stiffer nature, polycarbonate produces a sharper, crisper sound, contributing to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. Both switches aim for a high-pitched sound but achieve it through different material properties, indicating that while both can create a similar auditory high-frequency output, the clarity and resonance vary based on the housing materials used.

The bottom housings of the two switches further underline their differences. The Ink Box Black retains the proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing as well, maintaining the same high-pitched sound profile. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam features a nylon bottom housing, a material recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer characteristics, which absorb more sound and thus result in a duller tonal quality. This divergence in materials means that while the Ink Box Black offers a consistent high-pitched sound from both the top and bottom housing, the Sunset Gleam provides a more layered auditory experience, where the top housing delivers crispness, while the nylon bottom enhances the overall depth.

In terms of overall performance, the differences in materials indicate how the sound profiles interact during key presses. With the Ink Box Black, a consistent clackiness is felt and heard throughout, thanks to the similarity between its housings. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam presents a paradigm where the sound quality is enriched by the interplay of its materials—polycarbonate in the top housing for clarity and nylon in the bottom housing for fullness. Therefore, while both switches can achieve a high-pitched sound, the distinct housing materials lead to different auditory experiences, and users looking for a specific sound profile will find that the choices in housing significantly influence their typing dynamic.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam exhibits a significantly lighter feel with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience, suitable for users who prefer a heavier switch, while the Sunset Gleam is better suited for those who might favor lighter switches, leading to less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, if you are looking for a switch that allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be the optimal choice, while the Gateron Ink Box Black would appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced key press.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Ink Box Black features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Ink Box Black offers a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more robust typing experience, while the Sunset Gleam, being the shorter of the two, might appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. Both switches are designed to cater to modern preferences, with shorter travel distances becoming increasingly common. Consequently, if you prioritize responsiveness, you may find the Sunset Gleam more suited to your needs. However, if you desire a more pronounced tactile feel, the Ink Box Black would be the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch has a distinctive auditory profile characterized by a clacky and high-pitched quality. This results in a sound that can be described as sharp, bright, and percussive, reminiscent of the sound produced by shaking a spray paint can. This acoustic signature can create a lively typing experience, especially if clarity is desired. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch is known for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, enhanced by the excellent factory lube HMX is recognized for. While the specifics of its sound profile are not elaborated upon, the combination of materials used indicates that it may have a more refined auditory experience that might not be as pronounced or aggressive as the Ink Box Black.

When it comes to feel, the Ink Box Black excels in providing a silky and polished typing experience. It offers a remarkably smooth and creamy action, minimizing resistance, which can lead to an effortless typing rhythm. The transition from keypress to release feels refined, thanks to the high-quality materials and factory lubrication. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam's tactile qualities haven’t been detailed specifically. However, the mention of its smooth action due to its material blend suggests that it is likely designed for a similar heightened level of smoothness that enhances the typing experience.

In conclusion, both switches offer unique auditory and tactile characteristics that can significantly influence your typing experience. The Ink Box Black's clacky sound and silky feel present an energetic typing sensation, while the Sunset Gleam's emphasis on subtle clacks and excellent factory lubrication hints at a refined experience, although its exact tactile qualities remain unspecified. Ultimately, while there are distinct elements that set these switches apart, both can cater to enthusiasts seeking a smooth and enjoyable linear typing experience. Due to their inherent qualities, you may find that whichever switch you choose may yield a similarly gratifying experience, just with variations in sound and character.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you gravitate towards a heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 70 grams, the Ink Box Black is an excellent option for you. Its silky and polished feel, combined with a clacky, high-pitched sound signature reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can, makes it ideal for those who appreciate a tactile feedback during their typing sessions. This switch excels in providing a smooth and creamy experience, making it a great choice for both typing and gaming, especially if you prefer a bit more resistance in your keystrokes.

On the other hand, if you find yourself leaning towards lighter switches, the HMX Sunset Gleam, with its lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, might be more suitable. The Sunset Gleam is crafted for a softer typing experience combined with an enjoyable clack sound, thanks to its carefully chosen materials and effective factory lube. This makes it perfect for prolonged typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue while still delivering satisfying acoustic feedback. The subtle top-out of the Sunset Gleam allows for a unique blend of comfort and responsiveness, making it a great pick for casual users or those who appreciate a lighter, more nuanced keystroke. Therefore, consider how much weight you prefer in a switch and what sound profile resonates with your typing style before making your choice.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more