Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct yet compelling experiences for users. The Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its beautiful translucent design and silky smooth feel, providing a high-pitched clack that many enthusiasts find satisfying and dynamic during typing sessions. Its lighter feel makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quicker response without sacrificing comfort. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switches offer a more subdued auditory experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making them ideal for quieter environments where noise can be a concern. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, these switches cater to users seeking a light yet satisfying keystroke that can enhance long typing sessions without the fatigue often associated with heavier switches. Both switches have their own merits, appealing to different preferences whether you desire a more pronounced tactile feedback or a whisper-quiet experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g are two distinctly engineered mechanical switches, notable for their different housing materials and the sound profiles they yield. The Gateron Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is characterized as pointed, high-pitched, and clacky. This choice of housing material is designed to create a satisfying auditory experience that resonates well with typists who prefer a more pronounced sound when typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura employs nylon for its top housing, which brings a softer and fuller sound profile compared to the INK blend. This difference arises from the properties of nylon, which tends to absorb sound better than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and less sharp sound when typing.
The bottom housing of the two switches also showcases a contrasting use of materials that significantly affects their auditory characteristics. The Gateron Ink Box Pink uses the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which harmonizes with the top housing to sustain that high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound when bottoming out. The rigid nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound made during key presses, marking a distinct difference in the tactile and auditory experience. Thus, while both switches aim for unique sound profiles, the Ink Box Pink maintains a consistent high-pitched tone, whereas the Silent Sakura introduces a deeper sound variation with its nylon and polycarbonate combination.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g differ in their housing materials, they can provide similar experiences in specific contexts due to the interplay of their housing characteristics. The top housing serves as a critical component in determining the "release" sound of the switches, where the Ink Box's elevated sound profile may still deliver a sharp auditory response comparable to the polycarbonate's crisper finish. Meanwhile, the bottom housing impacts the "bottom-out" sound and feel during key presses, with the INK blend's added clackiness resonating starkly against the Silent Sakura's more subdued nylon base. In this way, users may find parallel satisfaction in each switch's design philosophy despite their inherent material differences, especially when considering personal sound preferences during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Silent Sakura the more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Box Pink also has a higher value at 60 grams compared to the Silent Sakura's 53 grams. This difference indicates that the Ink Box Pink provides a firmer feel when keys are fully pressed, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer medium to medium-light feels, the Ink Box Pink is heavier both in actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger keypress, whereas the Silent Sakura is lighter and may be better for users seeking ease and comfort during long usage periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, it is clear that they differ in length. The Ink Box Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 53g has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Ink Box Pink may be the ideal choice due to its shorter distance, which can lead to quicker key presses—popular among gamers for faster response times. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a deeper engagement with its longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced tactile experience for those who enjoy a hearty keystroke. Thus, individuals seeking a snappier typing experience might lean towards the Ink Box Pink, while those who favor a more traditional typing feel may opt for the Silent Sakura.
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 - 53g 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is characterized by a notable clacky and high-pitched tone. This sound profile produces a crisp, bright noise that is both sharp and snappy, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is designed for a completely different sound experience, emphasizing a whisper-quiet performance. The auditory experience with the Silent Sakura can be likened to gentle raindrops, providing a serene and less disruptive atmosphere ideal for quiet environments. If you're looking for sound, the Ink Box Pink will deliver the delightful acoustic presence of a clacky switch, while the Silent Sakura offers a nearly silent operation that won't disturb those around you.
Regarding feel, the Ink Box Pink switches stand out for their silky and polished characteristics. They offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, largely attributed to the refined finish and effective lubing used in production. This results in a sleek and enjoyable keystroke, making them an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g is not specified, leaving some unknowns, though the 53g bottom out force suggests a balanced and satisfying keystroke. If you prefer a lighter touch, both switches are likely to be enjoyable, but the Ink Box Pink's notable smoothness may give it an edge in tactile pleasure.
In conclusion, if you are choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, your decision will largely hinge on your priorities of sound versus feel. The Ink Box Pink presents a high-pitched and clacky sound profile along with a remarkably smooth feel, ideal for those who revel in an engaging auditory experience while typing. Alternatively, the Silent Sakura - 53g appeals to users seeking a quieter option, albeit with some unknowns regarding their tactile feedback. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their respective strengths, making them enticing choices depending on your preference for sound or silence.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your preferences and typing environment will play a crucial role. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with each keystroke and appreciate a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, the Ink Box Pink is an ideal choice. Its 60g bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance for those who like a bit more weight while typing, making it well-suited for dynamic typing, such as gaming or fast-paced writing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience, whether for a shared workspace or late-night sessions, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. Its medium-light 53g actuation force and whisper-quiet performance evoke a serene atmosphere, allowing you to type without disturbing others. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages—choose the Ink Box Pink for an engaging and lively experience, and opt for the Silent Sakura if a soft, peaceful typing environment is your main concern.
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