Gateron Ink Box Black vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often weigh the characteristics and benefits of various options to find the perfect fit for their typing or gaming experience. The Gateron Ink Box Black switch is renowned for its creamy, silky smoothness, offering a unique auditory experience reminiscent of a spray paint can. This switch delivers a clacky, high-pitched sound profile while providing a polished push feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is meticulously engineered for gamers, featuring an impressively low actuation force of just 1mm, which facilitates rapid-fire keystrokes ideal for fast-paced gameplay. The Vintage Citrus also boasts a bright, clacky sound, paired with a smooth push that enhances quick reactions. While both switches offer their own distinct advantages, the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences for sound, feel, and intended use. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus, notable differences in sound profiles arise from their respective compositions. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a notably high-pitched and pointed sound character. This produces a distinctive clacky noise that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a classic nylon material for its housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than the harder plastics used in the INK blend, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing.
The variations also influence how each switch feels during use. The Ink Box Black maintains a consistent sound signature across both its top and bottom housings, meaning the clacky sound produced when pressing the key down is matched by the sound when releasing the key. This cohesiveness gives typists a well-rounded experience that is tuned for a sharper and more energetic typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus separates its sound characteristics between the top and bottom materials; as users bottom out, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper thud, while the top housing's nylon retains a comparatively subdued release sound. This means that the overall typing experience is characterized by a contrast in audio feedback, with the deeper tones enhancing the feeling of grounding, especially during prolonged typing sessions.
When considered together, these characteristics highlight a fundamental contrast in user experience between the two switches. While both switches cater to distinct sound profiles, they exemplify different philosophies in their design. If one were to combine the housing properties of the Vintage Citrus with the housing design of the Ink Box Black, the result would still deliver a unique typing experience, albeit with an interesting blend of the Nylon’s deep sound absorption and the INK blend's sharpness. Therefore, even if the materials are different, careful management of sound and feel can yield a typing experience that incorporates elements of both switches for those who appreciate the juxtaposition between clackiness and depth.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black has a stronger actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy; this can provide a more tactile feedback that some users prefer for a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This lighter feel can aid in extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort per keystroke. Consequently, users seeking a tactile push and more resistance would gravitate towards the Ink Box Black, while those desiring a softer touch for prolonged use might favor the Vintage Citrus. Overall, differences in their forces cater to varied preferences in typing comfort and intensity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find that the Ink Box Black features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that users of the Ink Box Black will experience a greater depth when pressing down on the key, which may appeal to those who prefer a fuller tactile feel. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers who prioritize speed and agility in their key presses. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, whereas the Ink Box Black may be more suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced key action.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 generates a unique audio signature that sets it apart. It produces a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, which offers a combination of sharpness and brightness without the pronounced clack of tactile or clicky switches. This contributes to a nuanced typing experience that can be pleasing in a quiet environment. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a bright, clacky sound profile, ideal for users who enjoy more auditory feedback when typing or gaming. This clacky sound creates a lively atmosphere, which can be energizing during extended gaming sessions. While both switches cater to different sound preferences, they each provide a distinct audio experience that can enhance the immersion of the user, though the specifics of the Vintage Citrus’s sound are less defined in this context.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black stands out for its incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience. Terms like silky and polished describe the way these switches minimize resistance, offering an exceptionally seamless keypress that is preferred by many typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with an extremely low actuation force of just 1mm, making it well-suited for rapid-fire inputs, particularly in gaming scenarios. However, details about the subjective feel of the Vintage Citrus switch are currently unknown, leaving the overall tactile experience open for user evaluation. While the Ink Box Black is refined and smooth, the Vintage Citrus prioritizes speed, appealing to those who value quick response times over a smoother typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Ink Box Black is characterized by its creamy, polished feel and mildly unique sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate a smooth typing experience without excessive noise. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed for gamers, emphasizing rapid actuation and a clacky auditory response, though its tactile feel remains less defined. Users can choose based on whether they prioritize fluidity and smoothness or speed and auditory feedback, as these differences will significantly influence their typing and gaming experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch will largely depend on your typing style and specific use cases. If you appreciate a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy a smooth, creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black is an excellent choice, especially for typing and general productivity. Its silky and polished feel makes it particularly suitable for longer typing sessions where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you're a gamer looking for rapid-response capabilities, the Vintage Citrus with its medium-light bottom-out force and exceptionally low actuation point of just 1mm is tailor-made for quick inputs. Its bright, clacky sound adds an exciting auditory element to your gaming experience. Overall, consider how you plan to use your keyboard—if you prioritize speed and quick keystrokes, go for the Vintage Citrus; but if you value a smooth typing experience with deeper keystrokes, the Ink Box Black will serve you well.
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