HMX Lucky vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the HMX Lucky and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Lucky and the Gateron Silent Ink Black stand out as exceptional choices, especially for those who prefer a linear type. The HMX Lucky switch is celebrated for its softer nylon housings, which contribute to a lightweight and neutral typing experience that's both smooth and deeply satisfying. This makes it an ideal option for users seeking a delightful tactile sensation without the distractions of sound or resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black excels in providing a quieter typing experience, tailored for environments where noise control is essential. With its cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch is perfect for those who prioritize discretion while maintaining a polished feel. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on your typing context and personal preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lucky and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, a notable distinction emerges between the two designs. The Lucky switches utilize a nylon top and bottom housing, known for their softness and acoustic properties. This nylon composition leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, resulting in a typing experience that is characterized by a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches feature a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, which creates a higher-pitched, clearer sound profile often described as clacky. The materials used significantly influence the overall auditory experience during typing, showcasing how different plastics can affect sound.
Moreover, the impact of the housing materials on the tactile and auditory feedback of the switches is worth noting. For the Lucky switches, the uniformity of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that users will experience a consistent sound quality—both when pressing down and releasing the keys. The muted sound signature provided by nylon absorbs impact noises, leading to a smooth and subdued auditory feedback, which might appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black with its INK blend is designed to provide varying sound qualities; the sharper, clacky sound emerges from the interaction between the top and bottom housing, resulting in a distinctive auditory profile that underscores the character of each key press.
In essence, while both the Lucky and Silent Ink Black switches provide unique typing experiences, the materials chosen create substantially different sound profiles. If both switches were to have the same materials, a hybrid approach could be utilized, where the characteristics of nylon could produce a mellower auditory experience akin to that of the Lucky. Simultaneously, the higher frequencies of the INK blend would deliver a crisper, more pronounced response, reflecting how material choice directly correlates to the resulting sound and feel—a fascinating interplay of engineering and user experience tailored to distinct preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lucky linear switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces are apparent. The HMX Lucky features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer feedback while typing. Thus, the Lucky is ideal for those seeking a softer touch for prolonged use, while the Silent Ink Black caters to those who enjoy the tactile response of a stronger push. Overall, if you’re looking for a lighter typing experience, the HMX Lucky would be the preferable choice, whereas the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a medium-heavy feel that may appeal to users preferring greater resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we see that the Lucky has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Ink Black features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Lucky the shorter option and may appeal to those who prefer a more responsive feel, often favored by gamers due to its quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's longer travel distance could be more comfortable for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke, providing a more substantial tactile feedback. Overall, those who enjoy a swifter response might lean towards the Lucky switch, while users those who favor a more pronounced keypress might prefer the Silent Ink Black.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 HMX Lucky switch offers a typing experience that is typically more vibrant and full compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black, which is specifically designed for quieter operation. The Silent Ink Black is characterized by its muted sound profile, resulting in softer audio feedback that minimizes the clack commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Ink Black a superior choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept low, while the Lucky’s sound can be more satisfactory for users who enjoy a fuller auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Lucky switch provides a neutral and satisfying typing experience, but lacks the specified smoothness that characterizes the Silent Ink Black. The Silent Ink Black is noted for its silky and polished feel, offering a beautifully refined typing experience with minimal resistance throughout. This smooth action contributes to a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out sensation that enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. While the Lucky switch provides enjoyment, it may not rival the degree of smoothness found in the Silent Ink Black.
In summary, while both the HMX Lucky and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Lucky switch excels in a more vibrant sound profile and neutral feel, making it suitable for general typing enjoyment. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black prioritizes a quieter operation and superior smoothness, ideal for those seeking a refined and less disruptive experience. Depending on your priorities—whether sound, feel, or a balance of both—you can find satisfaction in either switch, but the Silent Ink Black is specifically tailored for those who desire silence coupled with an elegant typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Lucky linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a neutral and satisfying typing experience, the HMX Lucky is your best bet. Its 43-gram actuation force makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who value speed and responsiveness without significant fatigue. On the other hand, if you work in a quieter environment or simply require a more subdued experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is well-suited for you. Its heavier 70-gram actuation force and muted sound profile provide both a cushy feel and minimal audio feedback, allowing for a typing experience that’s both smooth and discreet. In summary, choose the Lucky for a more energetic and lighter feel, perfect for rapid keystrokes, while the Silent Ink Black caters to those who favor a substantial, quieter typing sensation.
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