Gateron Ink Red vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Swift mechanical keyboard switches, we find that both are linear switches but offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Red is praised for its lower actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those with a lighter typing style. Known for its smoothness and satisfyingly crisp sound profile, the Ink Reds are effortless to type on, categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, thanks to its full nylon housings. With a delicate 42g actuation force, the Swift is categorized as clacky, easy to press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, so you may want to consider your typing style and sound preference when choosing between them. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision on the switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Swift both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Swift utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the Ink Red is described as clacky, the Swift offers a rounder and duller sound due to the softer nature of nylon.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Swift also differ in their materials. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing provides a similar high-pitched sound profile as its top housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Swift's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, offering a different tactile feel compared to the top housing. Overall, the bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron Ink Red and the HMX Swift emphasize the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience. While the Ink Red focuses on a thinner and higher-pitched sound profile, the Swift offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon housing. Both switches prioritize the sound quality and tactile feel, showcasing how housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. In the end, whether using the Ink Red or the Swift, users can expect satisfying results based on the specific characteristics of each housing material.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the Swift is lighter in both aspects. The Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Ink Red falls into the medium weight category, providing a balance between a light touch and a substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Swift is on the lighter side, perfect for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately depends on whether a lighter or medium weight is preferred for a more comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ink Red being slightly longer than the Swift. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Swift, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Ink Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and scenarios. This switch provides a moderate level of noise that falls in between being too quiet or too loud, ensuring it can be used in various settings. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as having a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This unique sound quality sets it apart and may be preferred by those who enjoy a more distinct auditory feedback during typing. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is praised for its silky and mild typing experience. The switch offers a smooth and refined feel, minimizing resistance during key presses and releases. This polished sensation enhances the overall typing comfort and efficiency, making it a popular choice among users seeking a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery feel. The light actuation force required to activate these switches reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience, particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions such as gaming or work. Additionally, the bouncy and creamy qualities of the Swift switch offer a lively and buttery typing sensation, adding to the overall typing enjoyment.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch share some similarities in their smoothness and effortless typing experience, they differ in their sound profiles. The Ink Red provides a neutral sound suitable for various environments, while the Swift offers a clacky sound that may appeal to those seeking a more distinct auditory feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the actuation force that suits your typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, the Swift with its 50 grams bottom out force would be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force, the Ink Red with its 60 grams bottom out force may be more suitable. Additionally, consider the sound and feel profiles that each switch offers. The Ink Red provides a smooth and polished typing experience with a crispy sound profile, while the Swift offers a silky smooth feel and a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should align with your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel to enhance your typing experience.
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