Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. HMX Lucky

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Lucky both offer unique characteristics that can greatly enhance your typing experience. The Ink Box Pink switches are celebrated for their smooth actuation and lighter typing feel, producing a higher-pitched clack that many users find delightful and engaging. Their polished, silky action makes them an exciting option for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches, with their softer and glittery nylon housings, provide a neutral and satisfying typing experience that many find exceptionally comfortable and adaptable for various tasks. While the Lucky switches may lack the clacky sound associated with the Ink Box Pink, they excel in offering a more subdued yet equally enjoyable tactile feedback. Each switch has its merits, appealing to different user preferences and styles. 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 Pink Linear

HMX Lucky Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Lucky switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, significantly influencing their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The top housing of the Ink Box Pink is crafted from Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which results in a higher-pitched and more resonant sound profile, often described as "clacky." This contrasts sharply with the nylon top housing of the HMX Lucky, which delivers a deeper, rounder sound due to nylon's softer composition. As a result, while the Ink Box Pink is known for its sharp and pointed auditory feedback, the Lucky provides a more subdued and fuller auditory experience. The materials not only define the acoustic qualities but also the overall typing sensation, leading to a marked difference in user experience.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the two switches reflect this divergence in material composition. The Ink Box Pink utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, contributing to that characteristic high-pitched sound profile that is consistent throughout the switch. In contrast, the HMX Lucky's nylon bottom housing adds a layer of warmth and depth, creating a more rounded sound on bottom-out. This discrepancy between the materials affects how users perceive the switches, particularly in terms of sound retention and resonance, with the Ink Box Pink favoring a more pronounced acoustical feedback and the Lucky favoring a softer sound absorption that results in a quieter operation.

However, should both switches be used, one could find common ground in how the two designs impact the overall typing experience. If the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the traits of each material can influence distinct aspects of sound and feel during operation. In the case of the Ink Box Pink, the INK blend consistently maintains a high-pitched sound that influences the auditory experience when letting go of the key, while the nylon wiring of the Lucky contributes to the overall feel, particularly during bottoming out. This can allow users to appreciate the unique qualities of both switches in tandem, offering varying tactile and auditory feedback based on the specific materials used.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch with its actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams to the HMX Lucky linear switch, which features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 43 grams, distinct differences emerge. The Ink Box Pink offers a medium typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, making it suitable for those who enjoy a stronger push. In contrast, the Lucky's lighter forces make it ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions, allowing for less strain on the fingers. Overall, the Lucky is the lighter option, while the Ink Box Pink is heavier, catering to differing user preferences depending on desired typing feel and endurance.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch differ in travel distance, with the Ink Box Pink offering a distance of 3.6 mm and the Lucky featuring a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the Ink Box Pink would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prioritize quick response times. In contrast, the Lucky's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, providing a deeper engagement with each keystroke. Overall, while the Ink Box Pink is designed for faster action, the Lucky offers a more traditional depth that some users might find more comfortable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is characterized by its high-pitched and clacky nature, producing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback when pressed. This sound offers a lively and percussive typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory cue with each keystroke. On the other hand, the specifics of the sound produced by the HMX Lucky switch are not detailed, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat unknown. However, one might expect that it offers a more muted or neutral sound compared to the Ink Box Pink, given its description of being deeply satisfying.

When it comes to feel, the Ink Box Pink switches excel with their silky and polished characteristics. They provide an incredibly smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing the fluidity of each keystroke. This level of smoothness is often attributed to the materials used and may be bolstered by factory lubricating processes. In contrast, the details regarding the feel of the HMX Lucky switches are unspecified, but the claims of a neutral and satisfying typing experience suggest that they may not deliver the same level of smoothness found in the Ink Box Pink, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more balanced feel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch stands out for its high-pitched, clacky sound and exceptionally smooth typing feel, making it an appealing choice for enthusiasts seeking an auditory and tactile delight. The HMX Lucky, while lacking detailed information about its sound and feel, is described as offering a neutral and satisfying experience, making it potentially more versatile for those who prefer a more understated approach. Ultimately, users may find that while these switches cater to different preferences, both can provide enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with unique sound and feel qualities that influence overall satisfaction.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Lucky linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and key resistance. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Pink is an excellent choice. Its silky and polished feel enhances smoothness during your typing sessions, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you find a lighter key press more comfortable, the Lucky with its 43-gram bottom out force might be the better option for you. With its softer, neutral typing feel and glittery nylon housing, the Lucky provides a satisfactory experience for those who prioritize comfort over auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value an engaging sound and premium smoothness or prefer a lighter, more comfortable touch that still feels great under your fingers.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

HMX Lucky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more