Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preferences in feel and sound, and two noteworthy contenders in the linear switch category are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Sunset Gleam. The Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, offering a delightful higher-pitched clack that appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Its clacky and polished nature makes it an enticing option for those who appreciate a unique blend of aesthetics and performance in their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, brings its own charm with a well-balanced blend of materials that delivers a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, enhanced by HMX's renowned factory lube. While both switches cater to linear preferences, the Ink Box Pink leans towards a more vibrant sound profile, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers a refined and plush experience. 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 Sunset Gleam Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Sunset Gleam, distinct differences emerge that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, though not overly sharp. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This discrepancy in materials leads to a notably different auditory experience when typing, as the Ink Box Pink's sound is more satisfying and higher-pitched, while the polycarbonate construction of the Sunset Gleam yields a clearer resonance that can enhance the sharpness of each keystroke.

In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housing materials present another layer of distinction between these switches. The Ink Box Pink's bottom housing maintains the same proprietary INK blend as the top, further enhancing the high-pitched sound profile and providing a cohesive auditory feedback. In stark contrast, the Sunset Gleam employs a nylon bottom housing, which is celebrated for its softer characteristics. This choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the Ink Box Pink’s clackiness. As a result, the bottom-out feel and sound are markedly influenced by the material composition; the Ink Box Pink is likely to produce a more pronounced clack, whereas the Sunset Gleam's nylon bottom softens the acoustic output, rendering it rounder.

The combination of different materials in both the top and bottom housings of the Ink Box Pink and Sunset Gleam shows the significance of each component in contributing to the overall typing experience. With the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key, and the bottom housing shaping the bottom-out feel and sound, a switch's character emerges from this interplay. While the Ink Box Pink showcases a cohesive sound profile throughout its INK blend housing, the Sunset Gleam exhibits a dichotomy, with clarity from its polycarbonate top and a muted richness from its nylon bottom. This variance ultimately results in two distinctly different yet enthralling typing experiences, appealing to different user preferences in the world of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch with the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Ink Box Pink requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of just 42 grams and an even lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. Consequently, users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions would benefit from the Sunset Gleam, while those who appreciate a stronger push for a more tactile feel might prefer the Ink Box Pink. Overall, the Ink Box Pink is the heavier of the two switches, whereas the Sunset Gleam offers a lighter touch, catering to different preferences in typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we find distinct differences. The Ink Box Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that, although both switches offer shorter distances than the traditional 4.0 mm, the Ink Box Pink provides a more pronounced tactile experience with its longer travel. Gamers looking for quicker response times might prefer the Sunset Gleam's shorter travel for a snappier feel, whereas those who appreciate a little more depth and a gradual bottoming out may favor the Ink Box Pink. In conclusion, the Ink Box Pink is the longer option, while the Sunset Gleam is the shorter one, catering to different preferences in key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches produce a distinctly high-pitched clack that is crisp and bright, characterized by a sharp and snappy feedback when keys are pressed. This clack embodies a vibrant and percussive quality, which can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. In contrast, while the sound profile of the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch isn't explicitly detailed, it is noted for a satisfying clack and subtle top-out, suggesting a sound that may lean towards a more muted yet refined character. The overall quality of sound can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap combination used, but if you're after a sharper sound, the Ink Box Pink would likely stand out.

When examining the feel, the Ink Box Pink switches are celebrated for their silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally refined typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. Their polished finish enhances the smooth travel of each key, making for a satisfying tactile feedback that many find enjoyable for lengthy typing sessions. I have no specific details regarding the feel of the HMX Sunset Gleam switches, which leaves a gap in the comparison. However, given their mention of excellent factory lube, one can infer that they likely offer a smooth experience as well, akin to the Ink Box Pink in terms of reduced friction, though the exact characteristics may differ.

Overall, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and HMX Sunset Gleam switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink leans more towards a sharper and brighter sound profile, paired with a notably smooth and polished typing experience. While the specifics of the Sunset Gleam’s sound and feel are less defined, their construction and reputation for factory lube suggest they may provide a delightful subtle clack and a smooth typing experience as well. If you’re inclined toward a lighter, more responsive feel with clear auditory feedback, the Ink Box Pink is a strong choice. However, if you're curious about a potentially unique experience with a well-crafted linear switch, exploring the HMX Sunset Gleam could yield satisfying results too.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you're seeking. If you favor a medium bottom out force combined with a pronounced, high-pitched clack, the Ink Box Pink is an excellent choice for a more tactile and engaging typing sound, perfect for those who enjoy a spirited feedback during their keystrokes. The silky and polished feel of this switch allows for a smooth typing experience, making it ideal for users who type heavily or engage in fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress and a subtler sound profile, the HMX Sunset Gleam, with its 48-gram bottom out force, might be the right switch for you. This switch combines a delicate top-out with a satisfying clack, elevated further by HMX's renowned factory lube, making it suitable for those who price smooth operation and a quieter typing experience. In essence, consider the Ink Box Pink for a robust auditory and tactile experience, while the Sunset Gleam is your go-to for a smoother and quieter keystroke journey.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more