Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference often plays a pivotal role in your decision. The Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are renowned for their smooth, silky feel and high-pitched clack, making them an appealing choice for those who enjoy a lighter typing experience with a touch of auditory feedback. These switches offer a polished performance that is perfect for typists who appreciate a slightly whimsical sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches stand out with their medium-heavy weight of 62.5g and a bright, resonant sound that delivers a super bouncy feel. This switch is ideal for individuals who prefer a more substantial resistance, providing tactile satisfaction with every keystroke. While both switches share the linear characteristic that promotes a smooth actuation, their distinct tonal qualities and weight considerations cater to different user experiences. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 Pink and HMX Lotus (Heavy), it becomes apparent that there are distinct differences that greatly influence their sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, creating a unique typing experience characterized by a pointed, high-pitched, and clacky sound. This specific material is designed to produce a sharper auditory response, giving users a satisfaction often associated with quick and crisp keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) employs nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which, as a result, generates a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This softness allows the housing to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder and less pronounced keystroke sound compared to the Ink Box Pink.
Despite the stark differences in the materials used, the unique properties of each switch housing can create a versatile typing experience when considered individually. Given that the Ink Box Pink’s INK blend promotes high-pitched, emphatically sharp acoustics, users might find that they achieve a lively response during rapid typing sessions. Meanwhile, the nylon of the Lotus (Heavy) encourages a more muted and subdued sound, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Though these switches contribute to opposing sound profiles, they each cater to different user preferences, thereby serving varied needs in terms of auditory feedback during typing tasks.
It’s important to note that even though the top and bottom housings of these switches utilize different materials, they each present their own unique characteristics that impact the overall experience. For instance, while the performance of the Ink Box Pink may feel pronounced and exaggerated upon actuation due to its high-pitched INK blend, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a plush, deeper feedback, especially as the bottom-out feel emphasizes the soft nylon material. Thus, even when different housing materials are employed, thoughtful consideration of their individual contributions can lead to satisfactory results in terms of sound and feel, tailored to a user’s specific typing style and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch with the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a heavier feel. This means that while the Ink Box Pink may be preferable for users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Lotus offers a stronger push for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium range for actuation and bottom out forces, but the Lotus's heavier specifications contribute to a firmer feel. Overall, users can expect different tactile experiences, depending on their preference for lighter or heavier switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, it's clear that the Ink Box Pink offers a slightly longer travel distance at 3.6 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Ink Box Pink the choice for those who favor a more pronounced keypress, as it provides a bit more depth than the Lotus. The difference is minimal, but for users who prefer a softer touch and a more gradual response, the longer travel distance of the Ink Box Pink may be more appealing. Conversely, gamers or those seeking faster response times might lean towards the HMX Lotus (Heavy), which, with its shorter travel distance, could offer quicker actuation and a more immediate feel. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the choice ultimately depends on whether one values a deeper keypress or a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Pink for $7.65.
The HMX Lotus (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 Lotus (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 Pink linear switch stands out with its higher-pitched clack, which imparts a bright and crisp auditory experience. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer sharp and snappy sounds over deeper, bassy tones. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch is noted for its bright, resonant sound, which complements its tactile responsiveness. While both switches provide a lively acoustic profile, the exact sound characteristics may differ depending on the keyboard build and keycap selection, leaving potential users with the need to test both to determine which sound profile resonates best with them.
In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink linear switch is celebrated for its silky and polished touch, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness minimizes resistance, enhancing the overall feel of key presses and releases, which can lead to fatigue-free typing during long sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch, with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, is designed to offer a bouncier feel, adding a dynamic quality to each keystroke. While the Ink Box Pink focuses on smoothness and reduced friction, the Lotus (Heavy) emphasizes a more engaging, tactile interaction with each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches provide distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prioritize a bright and high-pitched sound with a silky, smooth feel, the Ink Box Pink may be the ideal option. Conversely, if you prefer a more resonant sound paired with a bouncy tactile feel, the Lotus (Heavy) could better suit your typing style. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on your individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, and it's recommended to try both to find the best match for your mechanical keyboard layout.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, your personal typing style and sound preferences should guide your choice. If you enjoy a smooth, light typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink is an excellent option. Its 60-gram bottom-out force delivers tactile feedback without feeling too heavy, making it ideal for long typing sessions or for users who favor a faster typing style. This switch shines particularly in environments where a brighter sound is more appealing and where a silky feel can enhance overall comfort and typing efficiency. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke with a slight increase in resistance, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch might be the better fit for you. With a heavier bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it provides a bouncy feel that many typists find satisfying, especially if you appreciate a more resonant sound profile. The Lotus switch is perfect for those who enjoy a firmer key press that still maintains a smooth action, making it a solid choice for both gaming and typing alike. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you lean towards a lighter, more fluid touch or a slightly heavier, more pronounced feel with each keystroke.
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