Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between a variety of options, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) are two noteworthy linear switches that cater to different typing preferences. The Ink Box Pink is renowned for its smooth operation, producing a higher-pitched clack that adds a delightful auditory touch to your typing experience. With a lighter feel, it's an excellent choice for those who prioritize a silky and polished typing experience without overwhelming feedback. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) brings a more robust presence to the table, featuring a PA12 top housing for a softer acoustic profile paired with a POM stem that generates a distinctively crisp sound, providing a blend of sophistication and performance suited for heavier typists. While both switches cater to specific audiences—one offering a playful and light typing experience and the other a more assertive and refined feel—choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches utilize distinct materials in their housing constructions, leading to different auditory and tactile experiences for users. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to its signature sound profile characterized by a pointed, relatively high-pitched, and clacky tone. This consistent use of the INK blend across both housings creates a uniform acoustic experience that emphasizes sharpness and clarity. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) relies on nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound and generate a deeper, fuller sound profile, resulting in a more muted yet rounded auditory feedback. The contrast in materials means that while the Ink Box Pink aims for a pronounced and bright sound, the Xinhai (Heavy) emphasizes a softer, warmer experience.

When analyzing the impact of these materials on the overall feel and sound of each switch, a notable distinction emerges. The Gateron Ink Box Pink, with its high-pitched sound profile, elicits a specific tactile response that is particularly noticeable during the release of the key. Because both the top and bottom housings are made from the INK blend, the overall sound feedback remains consistent, allowing typists to experience that characteristic clackiness both when bottoming out and releasing the key. Conversely, the nylon housings of the Xinhai (Heavy) change the dynamics significantly. The softer nylon not only affects the depth of the sound profile—the bottom-out feeling from the nylon material provides a gentle thud rather than a sharp clack, contributing to a less jarring typing experience when keys are released. Thus, users of the Xinhai can expect a smoother auditory transition rather than the pronounced feedback experienced with the Ink Box Pink.

Ultimately, the comparison between these two switch types illustrates the significant influence that housing material has on key feel and sound. While both housing configurations have their merits, they cater to different preferences among typists. The Gateron Ink Box Pink is designed for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright, clacky auditory signature, which is achieved through its unique INK blend material. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) appeals to those who favor a deeper and more subdued typing experience, enabled by the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. Despite their differences, if one were to modify these switches, they could potentially achieve a blend of sound characteristics by combining elements from both housing types, ensuring that typists have a plethora of options to tailor their keyboard experience to their liking.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the unique characteristics of each switch. The Ink Box Pink requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, positioning it as the heavier choice. While both switches exhibit medium force characteristics, the Ink Box Pink offers a more delicate feel, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, those who favor a stronger push may gravitate towards the Xinhai (Heavy) for a more substantial typing experience. Despite their relatively close specifications, these differences in force may lead to distinct user experiences tailored to individual preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Ink Box Pink features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures a shorter 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Ink Box Pink may provide a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to users who prefer a deeper actuation when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance can facilitate quicker key presses, making it more suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. Therefore, those who value a hearty depth might find the Ink Box Pink more satisfactory, whereas users looking for a snappier performance may prefer the Xinhai (Heavy) due to its reduced travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches, the Ink Box Pink is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched auditory feedback. This results in a sharp and crisp sound that is percussive, making typing an engaging experience. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch is designed with a focus on softer acoustics due to its PA12 top housing. Although specific sound descriptors are not provided for the Xinhai, it is noted that it produces a distinctively crisp higher-pitched resonance because of its POM stem. Nonetheless, both switches can yield a similar higher-pitched sound profile that may appeal to users seeking a less bass-heavy auditory experience. However, factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps can ultimately influence the perceived sound.

In terms of feel, the Ink Box Pink switches excel with a silky and polished typing sensation, offering a smooth and refined experience with minimal resistance. The materials and design enhance the overall typing feel, making it pleasurable and effortless to type on. On the other hand, the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch is not explicitly defined, leaving an unknown factor regarding how it compares in tactile experience. If the Xinhai (Heavy) maintains a traditional linear feel, users may have a moderately smooth typing experience that may offer satisfactory performance, albeit potentially lacking the refined touch that the Ink Box Pink offers.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink offers a clear advantage in terms of both sound and feel, with its clacky and high-pitched profile paired with a smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents an appealing alternative with its unique housing designed for softer acoustics, although its tactile feedback remains less defined. For those who prioritize sound and feel, the Ink Box Pink may be more suited to their needs, while the Xinhai (Heavy) could still provide a competent performance in a heavier variant. Users choosing either switch can expect engaging results, particularly if they appreciate higher-pitched sound profiles and smooth key action.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches boils down to your personal preferences regarding typing feel, acoustics, and the overall switch experience. If you’re drawn to a smooth, silky typing experience with a lighter feel and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Pink is your go-to option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams offers a balanced tactile experience while keeping things light, making it ideal for both gaming and typing sessions where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force at 62.5 grams and are looking for a switch that combines subtle sophistication with precise acoustics, the Xinhai (Heavy) will cater to your needs. Its unique PA12 top housing dampens sound while providing a more polished, refined feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. Evaluating these aspects according to your typing style and preferences will help you make an informed decision between the two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more