Gateron Ink Box Black vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique features and characteristics for users to consider. The Gateron Ink Box Black is a linear switch that is lauded for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', this switch is ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more refined typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai is also a linear switch that boasts a unique PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy', the Xinhai strike a balance between sophistication and precision in performance. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Xinhai lies in the top housing. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend that creates a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the Xinhai features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The INK blend is known for its satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, which is not overly sharp, whereas polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Both materials allow for RGB lighting due to their translucency, offering an aesthetically pleasing option for those interested in customizable lighting effects.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the two switches also exhibit distinct characteristics. The Ink Box Black's INK blend bottom housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, matching the top housing's qualities. In contrast, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics thanks to its softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique combination of sound qualities in each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Xinhai will come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics based on their housing materials, the INK blend of the Ink Box Black provides a clacky and higher-pitched sound, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offer sharper and fuller sound profiles, respectively. Both switches allow for customization and unique typing experiences, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts looking for top-notch performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that they offer different weight options for users. The Gateron Ink Box Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more lightweight option. For those who prefer a sturdier feel and more resistance while typing, the Gateron switch would be the better choice. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai switch would be ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with the option to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Box Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Xinhai's 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a slightly deeper press may find the Ink Box Black more suitable, while those who value a slightly quicker response may opt for the Xinhai. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel 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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch also provides a clacky sound profile. However, it features a softer acoustics profile due to its unique PA12 top housing, along with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance from the POM stem. Both switches offer a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with the Xinhai switch offering a slightly more refined and sophisticated sound due to its design features.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The HMX Xinhai linear switch, on the other hand, offers a bouncy and creamy feel. With a spring-like feedback sensation, the Xinhai switch gives keys a lively rebound when pressed, while also offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a smooth typing feel, but the Xinhai switch might offer a bit more springiness and rebound compared to the Ink Box Black.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer exceptional qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Black is known for its smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Xinhai stands out with its softer acoustics profile, crisp resonance, and bouncy, creamy feel. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel, as both switches are sure to provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, smooth and creamy key presses, along with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, then the Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a softer acoustics profile with a higher-pitched resonance, and a bouncy and creamy typing experience, then the Xinhai switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
