Gateron Ink Box Black vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different user preferences. The Ink Box Black is renowned for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, delivering a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, characterized by a clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished tone—ideal for those who enjoy a dynamic auditory experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a unique tactile experience with its PA12 top housing that delivers a softer acoustic profile, paired with a POM stem that ensures a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This combination makes the Xinhai (Heavy) an attractive choice for users seeking a balance of subtle sophistication and precise performance. While both switches aim to enhance your typing experience, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), we find distinct differences in their compositions and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is designed to produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This lends the switch a clacky auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics that absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is warmer and rounder compared to the Ink Box Black. The choice of housing materials here sets a foundation for two fundamentally different typing experiences.
Additionally, the split between the top and bottom housing materials influences the tactile and auditory feedback experienced while typing. The Gateron Ink Box Black’s INK blend is designed to ensure a consistent high-pitched sound when keys are released, enhancing the clacky feel it aims for. However, because both the top and bottom housings of the Ink Box Black are made from the same INK blend, they complement each other to create a cohesive sound. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) achieves its unique sound dynamics through the interplay of nylon's softer qualities. While the nylon bottom housing significantly contributes to a fuller sound, the nylon top housing provides a comforting, rounded auditory experience upon releasing the keys, contrasting the sharper sound of the Ink Box Black.
Despite their differences, there remains a possibility for users to achieve similar results in terms of user satisfaction and typing experience, depending on personal preferences. The Ink Box Black’s sharp and clacky feedback may appeal to those who prefer a lively typing experience, while the Xinhai (Heavy)’s rounder sound profile offers a more subdued yet satisfying experience. However, if a user enjoys the qualities of each design, they can opt to pair switches or modify them, allowing for a blend of the two experiences. By effectively marrying the top and bottom housing qualities of each type, one can create a hybrid typing experience that draws on both the high-pitched clack of the Ink Box Black and the deep, rounded tones of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy).
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, compared to the 55 grams of the Xinhai, making the Ink Box Black the heavier option. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming may find the Xinhai more comfortable. On the other hand, the bottom out forces also reflect this trend; the Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Xinhai's bottom out force is 62.5 grams. Consequently, the Xinhai switch is overall lighter, making it a better choice for those who favor less resistance, whereas the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial feel with its heavier forces, appealing to users seeking a stronger push experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Ink Box Black features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Ink Box Black the longer option, providing a more substantial feel with its greater depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Xinhai (Heavy) may be advantageous for those who seek quicker response times, as shorter distances typically allow for faster actuation. Overall, if you prioritize depth and a hearty feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be the better choice, whereas if you favor responsiveness and speed, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) might be more suitable for you.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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 switches deliver a distinctively clacky and high-pitched profile. They produce a bright and sharp resonance, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken; this lively sound can be quite exhilarating for typists who enjoy an auditory feedback that adds excitement to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches are designed with softer acoustics thanks to their PA12 top housing, which likely reduces some of the sharpness found in the Ink Box Black. While there isn’t a detailed description of the Xinhai's sound, it’s expected to offer a more refined auditory experience, blending sophistication and performance in a crisp manner due to its POM stem.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black switches are characterized by their silky and polished nature, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The smoothness is enhanced by their refined finish, making each keystroke feel fluid and effortless. On the other hand, the tactile experience of the Xinhai (Heavy) is less documented, leaving some uncertainty as to how it compares. However, given the emphasis on crisp and precise performance in its design, one could anticipate a smooth feel, perhaps with a different character than the Ink Box Blacks, but without specific descriptors, it's hard to draw direct comparisons.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches are celebrated for their clacky and high-pitched sound, alongside their incredibly smooth typing feel, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) emphasizes softer acoustics and a crafted sophistication. Both switches promise an engaging typing experience, with the Ink Box Black excelling in auditory feedback and tactile smoothness, while the Xinhai's qualities remain somewhat ambiguous. For those seeking linear switches, both options can deliver compelling experiences, though the specific preferences would largely depend on whether one favors a lively typing sound or a more subdued audio profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch primarily hinges on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound, and overall typing experience. You might lean towards the Ink Box Black if you favor a heavier, more robust feel during typing, as it has a bottom out force of 70 grams that contributes to a slightly more substantial resistance. This switch is perfect for those who value a silky and polished typing experience, characterized by its clacky, high-pitched sound which is ideal if you're looking for a switch that offers an engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and more refined acoustic profile, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its lower bottom out force of 62.5 grams, would be a better fit. This switch excels in providing a unique balance of subtle sophistication and performance, thanks to its POM stem and PA12 top housing, which yield a crisper sound with gentle nuances. Ultimately, consider what attributes matter most to you—whether it's the weight of each keystroke or the auditory experience—before making your decision.
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