Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for a quiet typing experience, two impressive options stand out: the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both of which are linear switches renowned for their unique characteristics. The Silent Ink Black is favored in environments where noise needs to be kept to a minimum, offering a plush, pillow-like bottom-out feel that provides a muted and polished typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize a soothing auditory atmosphere. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is celebrated for its light, yet satisfying keystroke, delivering a serene feel reminiscent of raindrops tapping on a window. This whisper-quiet switch, with a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, is perfect for typists who enjoy a gentle, responsive touch. Both options enhance the typing experience in their own right, but their distinct traits cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Color coated
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, there are notable differences that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housings, which is designed to emit a clacky and higher-pitched sound. This choice of housing material contributes to a unique typing experience that many users find satisfying, as it creates a pointed sound that can be particularly engaging during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing that promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience than that of the Silent Ink Black.
The contrasts continue with the bottom housing materials. The Silent Ink Black employs the same INK blend for its bottom housing, supporting its characteristic high-pitched sound profile. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g makes use of polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which yields a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonation, contributing to the overall sound quality of the switch. This differentiation between the two designs affects how each switch feels and sounds when bottoming out. For the Silent Ink Black, users will experience a consistent and defined auditory feedback, while the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a more muted yet cleaner sound.
Despite their differences, both switches can produce satisfying results depending on user preference. While the varying materials yield different sound profiles—a clacky sound against a deeper, rounder echo—the way in which the top and bottom housings influence the experience remains similar. Each switch's sound profile is a result of its distinct combination of housing materials, but the foundational principles of sound production and tactile feedback still apply. For users seeking a unique auditory experience, understanding these differences and how they manifest can help them choose which switch aligns better with their typing style and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we see a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while the Silent Sakura - 53g features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. As a result, users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Silent Sakura more appealing. In contrast, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the varying tactile preferences among users, with the Silent Sakura being lighter and the Silent Ink Black being heavier.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. This means that when you press down on a key featuring either of these switches, you will experience a consistent distance of movement. As a result, if you're looking for a uniform feel while typing or gaming, you can expect similar results from both switches due to their identical travel distances. Whether you choose the Silent Ink Black or the Silent Sakura - 53g, you'll benefit from the same travel distance, allowing for a comparable keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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 - 53g 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 Silent Ink Black switch is known for its muted characteristic, producing a softer and quieter output compared to standard mechanical switches. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is crucial, minimizing the clacky sounds commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the characteristics of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches in terms of sound are unspecified. However, their design suggests they also likely produce a whisper-quiet typing experience, akin to the gentle sound of rain, which would suit similar environments where subtlety is appreciated.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Ink Black excels due to its silky and polished nature. Users experience an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance during keystrokes, thanks to the refined finish and possibly factory lubing, which reduces friction. In contrast, the feel characteristics of the Silent Sakura - 53g are not detailed, leaving a gap in understanding how they compare in terms of smoothness and typing comfort. However, it is likely that these switches cater to typists looking for a satisfying keystroke, albeit with a lighter bottom-out force of 53g.
In summary, both the Gateron Silent Ink Black and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches prioritize creating a quieter typing experience, making them suitable for noise-sensitive environments. The Silent Ink Black provides a notably muted sound profile alongside its smooth, polished feel, while the Silent Sakura - 53g promises a light and potentially satisfying keystroke, though its tactile qualities remain less defined. Depending on what factors you value most—sound or feel—both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, but the specific nuances may sway your preference one way or another.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, your choice should largely hinge on the typing experience you prioritize and the environment in which you'll be using them. If you find yourself in a noisy setting or require minimal auditory feedback for focused work, the Silent Ink Black's heavier 70g bottom-out force and softly muted sound profile make it an excellent choice for a cushy, yet satisfying feel that reduces distractions. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter keystroke for a more responsive and nimble typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g will likely be more appealing thanks to its 53g bottom-out force, providing a gentle touch akin to raindrops on a window while still maintaining a whisper-quiet operation. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct benefits: the Silent Ink Black excels in providing a smooth, polished typing experience for heavier-handed typists, while the Silent Sakura appeals to those looking for a light and breezy typing feel. Consider your personal typing style and your work environment, and select the switch that aligns best with your preferences for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
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