Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves considering the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both of which are linear switches with unique characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The Ink Box Pink is renowned for its smooth, lighter typing feel and high-pitched clack, making it an aesthetically pleasing option for those who enjoy a silkier touch combined with a bit of auditory flair. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus is designed specifically for gamers, offering an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, ideal for rapid-fire inputs that cater to fast-paced gameplay. This switch not only delivers a bright and clacky sound but also boasts an invigorating push feel, perfect for those seeking responsiveness. While both switches have clacky sound profiles, the Ink Box Pink leans towards a polished smoothness, whereas the Vintage Citrus emphasizes snappy feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing or gaming experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, it becomes evident that they are constructed from different proprietary materials, which contributes to their distinct auditory profiles. The Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings. This material is noted for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which many enthusiasts describe as "clacky." In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switches feature a nylon top and bottom housing, a classic choice known for its ability to soften sound. The nylon construction results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, with a more muted character due to the material's ability to absorb sound waves more effectively than the harder INK blend.
The impact of these housing materials on the overall typing experience varies significantly. As the Ink Box Pink's INK blend produces a higher-pitched sound, this can lead to a more inspiring and stimulating typing experience, especially for those who prefer a sharper auditory feedback. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus's nylon housing creates a warmer and more rounded sound, which may appeal to users who prefer a quieter and softer keystroke. This difference emphasizes how the blend of materials affects not only the perceived sound but also the sensory experience of typing, allowing each switch to cater to different preferences among typists.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink and HMX Vintage Citrus switches use different materials for their housings, the overall sound and feel can still create a unique typing experience. For users who value the high-pitched and clacking sounds of the Ink Box Pink, the INK blend's properties will dominate both the bottom-out and release sounds due to its material characteristics. On the other hand, the thicker, softer nature of the nylon in the Vintage Citrus leads to a more profound impact during the bottom-out phase, contributing to its distinct sound profile. Thus, users can choose between these switches based on the sound and feedback they desire; however, it's important to understand that their differing materials indeed provide distinctive yet equally enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a slightly lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that the Vintage Citrus is the lighter option, which may make it more suitable for long typing sessions and gaming, allowing users to conserve energy. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink, with its heavier forces, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel during their typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, the Ink Box Pink is geared towards users who prefer a bit more resistance, while the Vintage Citrus caters to those seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option by 0.6 mm, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and hearty depth for those who prefer a less abrupt typing experience. Overall, if you prioritize speed and quicker actuation, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, whereas the Ink Box Pink will likely offer a more traditional feel for users who value depth in their 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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches exhibit a distinctively clacky profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that brings an engaging auditory experience to typing or gaming. However, the Ink Box Pink has been noted for its higher-pitched clack, which may be appealing for those who prefer a brighter, more elevated sound. The Vintage Citrus switch offers a similarly bright clack but does not specify a high-pitched characteristic. It is important to remember that multiple factors, including the keyboard construction and the choice of keycaps, can further influence the sound produced by both switches.
In terms of feel, the differences between the two switches are more pronounced. The Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its silky and polished feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, which caters to those who enjoy a refined tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is characterized as snappy and invigorating, delivering pronounced feedback with a more reactive and engaging typing experience, designed specifically for the rapid input typically demanded by gamers. While both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience, they do so through different tactile sensations, appealing to diverse preferences.
In summary, while both the Ink Box Pink and Vintage Citrus switches produce a satisfying clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink stands out with its higher pitch, making it suitable for those who prefer brighter audio feedback. On the feel front, the Ink Box Pink excels in smoothness and refinement, while the Vintage Citrus is designed for a snappy, responsive experience ideal for gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch should be guided by your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force and enjoy a smoother, polished typing experience with a higher-pitched clack, the Ink Box Pink is an excellent option. It's particularly suitable for both casual typing and comfortable gaming sessions, providing a silky feedback that allows for extended use without fatigue. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for speed and rapid responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus is designed for you with its lower actuation force and snappy feel. Its quick actuation and clacky sound profile make it ideal for fast-paced gaming or those who value reactive feedback in their typing. In summary, choose the Ink Box Pink for a more refined and smooth typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus offers the exhilarating speed and feedback that serious gamers often seek.
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