Gateron Ink Red vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct yet appealing qualities for typists with varying preferences. The Ink Red, known for its smooth actuation and lighter touch, is ideal for users with a lighter typing style who appreciate a more reactive response. With its crisp and clacky sound profile, it provides an engaging auditory experience that adds a layer of satisfaction to the typing process. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those seeking a quieter environment, delivering a whisper-soft keystroke that mimics the delicate sound of raindrops. With a balanced actuation force, it caters to typists who value a gentle yet gratifying feel without the distracting noise often associated with mechanical switches. Both switches have their own unique strengths, appealing to different typing styles and environments; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Red and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches are constructed with distinct housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and overall performance. The Gateron Ink Red employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is noted for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This characteristic results in a satisfying clacky sound that can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy auditory feedback. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer material, absorbs sound better than harder plastics, giving it a deeper and fuller acoustic profile compared to the Ink Red. This difference in materials will lead to fundamentally different auditory experiences even if the switches may have similar actuation points or force requirements.

When considering the bottom housing, both switches again showcase a divergence in materials. The Gateron Ink Red uses a proprietary INK blend that continues the trend of producing a pointed, high-pitched sound signature, contributing to the clacky experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, recognized for its sharper, crisper sound profile due to the rigidity of the material. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition yields a more clearly resonant bottoming-out sound, which can make typing feel quicker and more precise. This discrepancy in bottom housing materials leads to contrasting experiences; while the Ink Red's INK blend reinforces its signature sound, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate grants it a cutting clarity that caters to a different auditory preference.

Despite these differences, there are aspects of the switches that can lead to similar end results in the typing experience. While the materials for top and bottom housing are different, both the Ink Red and Silent Sakura are designed to optimize performance with regard to tactile feedback and actuation force. If a user prioritizes a softer, deeper sound while still seeking the satisfying feedback common in mechanical switches, the sound profiles could align in practice despite their material origins. Ultimately, while the housing materials diverge in sound characteristics, both switches can offer a fulfilling typing experience, albeit with distinct auditory flavors that cater to varied user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience a similar lightness when triggering a keystroke, which is ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly; the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it feel heavier when pressed all the way down, compared to the Silent Sakura's lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This difference suggests that while both switches require the same force to actuate, the Gateron Ink Red provides a more substantial push feel upon bottoming out, which might appeal to users who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura offers a lighter overall feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer typing experience. Thus, if one seeks a heavier switch experience for a more robust tactile sensation, the Gateron Ink Red would be the choice, whereas those favoring a lighter switch for extended use may gravitate toward the Silent Sakura.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users can expect very comparable keystroke experiences when pressing down on either switch, providing a uniform tactile feedback throughout the keypress. As both switches share the same 4 mm travel distance, gamers and typists alike can achieve similar results in terms of key response and actuation, making them appealing options for those looking for a consistent feel in their keyboard's performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering sound, the Gateron Ink Red switches offer a unique acoustic character. They have a moderately crispy and clacky profile that adds an engaging layer to the typing experience, which is complemented by a chirpy quality that introduces a slight squeak when pressed. This makes the Ink Reds suitable for varied environments, whether at home or in an office setting, appealing to both casual and serious typists alike. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switches prioritize a quiet experience, engineered specifically to produce little to no sound – akin to soft raindrops. This design is perfect for quiet environments where minimal noise is preferred, making the Silent Sakura especially appealing for those in shared spaces or seeking tranquility during typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the Ink Red shines with a remarkably silky and polished typing experience. The smoothness and minimal resistance provided by these switches enhance comfort and fluidity when typing, while their mild characteristics ensure that they remain approachable for various typing styles. The carefully refined finish further contributes to a sensation of luxurious ease. The Silent Sakura switches, however, have no distinct descriptive qualities provided, leaving their tactile feedback and overall feel somewhat unknown. This lack of detail suggests that the experience of using the Silent Sakura could vary widely depending on personal preferences, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Red switches provide both a lively sound profile and an exceptionally smooth feel, making them versatile for different typing scenarios. Their appeal lies in the balance of a satisfying auditory experience while remaining smooth under the fingers. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura switches cater to those seeking silence and potentially a different tactile experience, though specifics on their feel remain unclear. Depending on your priorities—whether sound or subtlety—each switch offers unique advantages that may resonate differently based on personal typing preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you lean towards a typing style that favors smoothness and a bit of auditory feedback, the Ink Reds are an excellent choice with their satisfying 60g bottom-out force and characteristic crisp, clacky sound. They invite a medium-level resistance, which many find rewarding for both typing and gaming scenarios, particularly in more casual settings. On the other hand, if you are looking for a typing experience that prioritizes silence and gentle responsiveness, the Silent Sakura with a lower 53g bottom-out force is likely to suit you better. These switches are engineered for a whisper-quiet interaction, making them perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions, where minimizing noise is key. In essence, your decision should reflect not only your tactile preferences but also the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

HMX Silent Sakura - 53g Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more