Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role, and two popular options worth comparing are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The Ink Box Pink switches are renowned for their silky-smooth keystrokes and a lighter typing feel that many users appreciate. Their high-pitched clack adds an engaging auditory feedback, making them ideal for those who enjoy a bit of sound to accompany their typing experience. On the contrary, the HMX Silent Sakura switches are designed for users who prioritize a whisper-quiet operation, evoking the soft sound of raindrops, which is perfect for shared workspaces or late-night coding sessions. With an ultra-light bottom-out force of only 43g, these switches cater to light typists seeking a serene tactile experience. While both switches offer their own unique advantages, 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
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches both showcase distinct sound profiles influenced heavily by the materials used in their housing constructions. The Ink Box Pink employs a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed sound that has been characterized as clacky and higher-pitched. This choice of material tends to emphasize treble frequencies, creating a satisfying audio experience when typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes nylon for its top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is inherently softer, it minimally absorbs sound waves, leading to a sound that is decidedly rounder, contrasting the sharpness of the Ink Box Pink's INK blend.
When examining the bottom housings, a noticeable distinction arises: the Ink Box Pink again features a proprietary INK blend, while the Silent Sakura - 43g opts for polycarbonate. The polycarbonate bottom housing produces a clearer, more resonant sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This stiffness can accentuate high frequencies and add crispness to the sound, which pairs well with the softer nylon top housing. Consequently, users of the Silent Sakura may find themselves experiencing a sound that leans towards higher clarity and precision, whereas the Ink Box Pink combines both similar materials, yielding a more consistent and clacky auditory feedback throughout the typing experience.
In terms of performance, the difference in housing materials means that the typing experiences could yield different audio results depending on how each switch is engineered. The Silent Sakura utilizes a combination of softer and harder materials to create a sound profile split between deeper tones from the nylon top and sharper notes from the polycarbonate bottom. In comparison, the Ink Box Pink produces a more homogeneous sound profile that emphasizes higher pitches due to its dual-use of the proprietary INK blend. However, if a user is aiming for a high-pitched typing experience, both switches can be suitable; while they achieve different tonal characteristics, they both enhance the overall sensory experience of typing depending on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences 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 a heavier option suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g has an actuation force of only 37 grams and a bottom-out force of 43 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch. This can be beneficial for users who engage in long typing sessions or gaming, as the lower force can reduce fatigue. As a result, individuals opting for the Silent Sakura may enjoy a quicker and more effortless keystroke, while those choosing the Ink Box Pink might appreciate the tactile feedback of a heavier switch. Overall, if users desire a lighter experience, the Silent Sakura is the better choice, while those seeking a more robust feel should lean toward the Ink Box Pink.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it is evident that the two options cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura offers a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience, which some users may find more satisfying for typing and gaming. Conversely, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Ink Box Pink might appeal to gamers or those who prioritize quicker response times, as shorter distances typically allow for faster actuation. Thus, the Ink Box Pink is the shorter option, while the Silent Sakura is the longer one, making your choice dependent on whether you favor quickness or depth in your keystrokes.
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 Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 considering the sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are characterized by a high-pitched clack that delivers a sharp and snappy auditory feedback. This results in a crisp and percussive experience that many typists enjoy, especially if they prefer a brighter sound profile over deeper, bassy tones. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are designed for a whisper-quiet operation, producing a near-silent experience akin to gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This makes the Silent Sakura an ideal choice for environments where noise is a consideration, such as shared workspaces. The Ink Box Pink is distinctly clacky, while the Silent Sakura offers a serene typing ambiance, allowing users to choose based on their sound preference.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches provide a silky and polished typing experience. This smoothness and refined finish significantly reduce friction during key presses, making for an enjoyable and effortless typing session. The lighter feel of the Ink Box Pink also caters to those who prefer a less resistive experience. On the other hand, the specific feel characteristics of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g remain unknown, but with its ultra-light bottom-out force of 43g, it promises a light typing experience that appeals to users who favor a gentle touch. If both switches maintain smooth traveling characteristics, typists can expect a comfortable tactile sensation regardless of their choice.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches offer contrasting auditory and tactile experiences. The Ink Box Pink is well-suited for users who enjoy a higher-pitched, lively typing sound along with a silky feel, while the Silent Sakura caters to those in need of a quieter environment with a feather-light actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your sound preferences and typing style, but in terms of available options, both can deliver satisfying typing experiences tailored to different needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a more tactile experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Ink Box Pink switches are your best bet. They provide a smooth, silky feel and a higher-pitched clacky sound that can make typing feel lively and engaging, perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you value a whisper-quiet environment or are a light typist, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches with their ultra-light 43-gram force offer a gentle and serene typing experience. Their design minimizes noise, making them ideal for office settings or late-night typing sessions where sound could disturb others. Ultimately, consider how each switch's characteristics align with your typing habits to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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