Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Huano Sakura each offer unique attributes tailored to different user preferences and typing experiences. The Gateron Ink Box Pink stands out with its striking translucent design and smooth operation, providing a lighter typing feel that many enthusiasts appreciate. Its higher-pitched clack adds a distinct auditory feedback that some users find satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the acoustic characteristics of their keyboard. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches present a feather-light touch combined with medium acoustics, making them particularly suitable for extended typing sessions where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. While both switches are linear and cater to users seeking a fluid typing experience, they diverge in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. 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

Huano Sakura Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Pink and Huano Sakura switches present distinct approaches to their housing materials, each contributing unique acoustic and tactile characteristics to the overall typing experience. The Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, yielding a pointed, high-pitched sound profile that many users describe as satisfying and "clacky." In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch features a POK top housing, which, although not explicitly stated, offers similar acoustic benefits. The POK material is known for its smoothness and durability, providing a typing experience that is equally enjoyable. Both materials produce a higher-pitched sound, making them attractive options for those who appreciate the crisp auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience.

When it comes to the bottom housings, the differences between these two switches become more pronounced. The Ink Box Pink's bottom housing also uses the INK blend, which mirrors the treble emphasis found in its top housing. This synergy between the top and bottom creates a cohesive sound profile that supports the overall clackiness users expect. Conversely, the Huano Sakura features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer characteristics that absorb sound more effectively. The deeper, fuller sound produced by the nylon can soften the overall auditory response, creating a more rounded experience compared to the sharper tones generated by the Ink Box Pink. As a result, users seeking distinct auditory sensations may prefer one switch over the other based on these bottom housing materials.

Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Huano Sakura switches differ in composition, the combination of each switch's unique top and bottom housings yields a range of auditory experiences. The top housings contribute to the initial sound during keystroke release, while the bottom housings significantly shape the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, regardless of the material differences, both switches can satisfy users looking for a satisfying and clacky typing experience, but the choice between them will likely depend on personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sakura is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Sakura more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, as it allows for more prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink caters to those who enjoy a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Huano Sakura is the clear choice, whereas the Gateron Ink Box Pink offers a heavier alternative.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. Consequently, users can expect a similar keystroke feel and response when using either switch, as they both require the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures consistency in typing experience, making both switches suitable choices for those who prefer a linear switch with identical travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is characterized as clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying for typists who enjoy a more percussive sound. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the acoustic response of their keyboard, particularly in a setting where such sounds can be appreciated. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch has medium acoustics, which suggests a more restrained sound profile that is designed for comfort during extended typing sessions. While the Sakura may not produce the same level of high-pitched crispness as the Ink Box Pink, its sound is likely more subdued, making it more suitable for quiet environments.

In terms of feel, Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer a silky and polished experience, ensuring that each keypress is smooth and effortless. This smoothness is attributed to their refined manufacturing process, which minimizes resistance and enhances the overall typing experience. The lighter typing feel of the Ink Box Pink can make them particularly appealing for users who value rapid, fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the feel of the Huano Sakura switch is less defined in the available information, leaving an unknown in its tactile feedback. Nevertheless, the Sakura's feather-light touch suggests that it may also promote a comfortable typing experience, although potentially with less smoothness compared to the Ink Box Pink.

Overall, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Huano Sakura switches cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink excels in sound and smoothness, making it a vibrant choice for those looking for an engaging auditory experience along with a silky typing feel. The Sakura, with its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, seems to prioritize comfort for prolonged use, which can lead to a different typing dynamic. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a lively auditory response and a sleek feel like the Ink Box Pink, or a quieter typing experience and potential lightweight comfort offered by the Sakura.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a medium actuation force and prefer a clackier, high-pitched sound profile that excites your senses while typing, then the Ink Box Pink is an excellent choice for you. Its silky and polished feel, combined with a somewhat louder acoustic response, makes it well-suited for an expressive typing experience, especially if you're gaming or looking to make a statement with your keyboard. On the other hand, if you prioritize a feather-light touch that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the Sakura switch would be the better fit. With its lighter actuation force and medium acoustics, the Sakura provides a more subdued and comfortable typing experience, which is ideal for extended use and a quieter environment. By considering these factors, you can select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and the specific contexts in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more