Gateron Ink Yellow vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Gateron Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel distance, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a typing experience that strikes a balance between the familiar feel of a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard. Its smooth action coupled with a satisfying clackiness provides a joyful tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a completely different purpose, delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience reminiscent of soft raindrops, making it perfect for environments where noise must be kept to a minimum. With an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, it caters to light typists who prioritize a serene and unobtrusive atmosphere. While both switches are linear and share a category of key feel, they cater to distinct needs—one for those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience, and the other for those who prefer silent operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow switches and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, distinct differences emerge, particularly in terms of the top housing. The Gateron Ink Yellow utilises a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which contributes to a pointed, higher-pitched sound profile that many users describe as clacky. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics. This variance highlights the influence that different materials have on the auditory experience of each switch, with the Ink Yellow catering to those who prefer a more vibrant sound, while the Silent Sakura appeals to users looking for a more muted and rounded auditory feedback.
Moving to the bottom housing, the disparity continues with the materials used. The Ink Yellow employs a proprietary INK blend, mirroring its top housing's sound profile that enhances the high-pitched characteristics of the switch. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g opts for polycarbonate in the bottom housing, which is inherently stiffer and thus creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This fundamental difference plays a crucial role in defining how each switch behaves when pressed. The bottom housing greatly influences the bottom-out feel and sound; therefore, the crispness offered by the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate could yield a different tactile experience than the clacky sensation from the Ink Yellow's INK blend.
Despite these variations, users can still achieve somewhat similar results in terms of the overall typing experience. For instance, while the Ink Yellow emphasizes higher-pitched sounds and a clacky feedback, the Silent Sakura's combination of nylon and polycarbonate aims for a sound that's rounder yet clearer when bottoming out. Both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit through different auditory routes—where the Ink Yellow creates a lively keyboard atmosphere, the Silent Sakura cultivates a more subdued, smoother feedback. Therefore, while the acoustic profiles diverge due to material differences, individual preferences for sound and feedback will ultimately determine which switch is more appealing to a user, allowing each type to shine in its own right.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Yellow features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which many typists and gamers might find provides a satisfying resistance. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lighter switch is ideal for those who favor extended typing sessions or quick gaming responses, as it requires less effort to actuate each key press. Consequently, those who prefer a heavier typing experience will lean towards the Ink Yellow for its more substantial feel. In summary, the Gateron Ink Yellow is the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter switch, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a notable difference can be observed. The Gateron Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This indicates that the Silent Sakura switch offers a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances are often favored in gaming for their agility. Therefore, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a deeper and more deliberate keystroke may opt for the HMX Silent Sakura.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch produces a distinctively clacky profile, delivering a sharp and percussive sound with each keystroke. This is ideal for typists who appreciate an audible response while typing, making it particularly satisfying for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet typing experience, evoking the soft ambience of gentle raindrops. This makes the Silent Sakura a better choice for those who seek tranquility in their environment, such as in shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. The Ink Yellow’s clackiness can be quite noticeable, while the Silent Sakura offers a serene alternative, providing two different auditory environments that suit distinct preferences.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow is characterized by a mild and polished sensation. This means it provides a gentle typing experience while being smooth and refined, which make for reduced friction and ease of use. The mild nature of the switch ensures that it appeals to a broad range of users, whether they are beginners or seasoned typists. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g switch is unknown. Given its ultra-light actuation force, it is likely to offer a different typing experience, but without specific details, an exact comparison cannot be drawn in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a clacky sound and a smooth, polished feel, making it suitable for users who enjoy auditory feedback and are accustomed to a gentle typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g provides a silence-oriented option that caters to those looking for a discreet typing environment, though its feel characteristics are not defined. Both switches meet different user needs, with the Ink Yellow excelling in audible and tactile engagement and the Silent Sakura prioritizing quietness and a tranquil experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will boil down to whether you prefer auditory stimulation or a more silent typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a more tactile and engaging experience, the Ink Yellow might be the way to go. With its medium-heavy 67g bottom-out force and a clacky sound profile, it is well-suited for those who enjoy the dynamic feedback of each keystroke, making it ideal for both work and casual gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quieter workspace or simply prefer a more subtle and serene typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g would be an excellent choice. Its light 43g bottom-out force and whisper-quiet design allow for minimal disruption, catering well to anyone who types lightly or spends long hours at the keyboard. In summary, choose the Ink Yellow for a lively and pronounced typing experience, while opting for the Silent Sakura if you value quiet operation and comfort during extended typing sessions.
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