Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX SU both present compelling options, particularly for users who prefer linear switches. The Silent Ink Black is renowned for its whisper-quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments where minimal audio feedback is a necessity. With a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel categorized as silky, muted, and polished, it promises a smooth typing experience without the distraction of noisy keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX SU, with its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, offers a subtly deeper sound profile, striking a balance between tactility and tranquility that some users may prefer. While both switches excel in providing a smooth linear feel, the Silent Ink Black caters more to noise-sensitive users, while the HMX SU offers a richer auditory experience without being overly intrusive. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
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
Color coated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and HMX SU switches present distinct characteristics when it comes to their housing materials, ultimately affecting their overall audio profiles. The Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, which is designed to produce a high-pitched, clacky sound. This material is aimed at achieving a unique sound signature that caters to those who prefer an elevated auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the HMX SU employs classic nylon material for both its top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper, rounder sound profile. Because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than the harder plastic used in the INK blend, the result is a more muted auditory experience.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on typing feel and sound, the differences are notable. The Silent Ink Black, with its consistent INK blend throughout, will generate a relatively sharp audio feedback when the keys are released, accentuating a pointy, clacky sound. Conversely, the nylon housing of the HMX SU will yield a more subdued sound that contributes to a fuller typing experience. This difference means that while both switches might offer satisfying tactile feedback, the acuteness of the sound varies significantly. Users accustomed to the crisper feedback of the Silent Ink Black might find the HMX SU’s rounded tones a departure from what they expect from a mechanical keyboard.
However, should one desire a balance between these characteristics, the result can still be achieved through a combination of various switch configurations. By mixing elements from both switch designs, one can potentially enjoy the high-pitched clarity of the Silent Ink Black alongside the richer sound profile of the HMX SU. For instance, incorporating different sound-dampening materials or custom keycaps can help blend the attributes that users appreciate from both switches. This versatility can enhance the typing experience, ultimately catering to a broader range of auditory preferences while allowing users to tailor the feedback according to their needs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, a distinct difference in actuation and bottom out forces can be noted. The Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX SU is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which appeals to those who favor a softer touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch should opt for the HMX SU, while those who prefer a heavier feel may find the Silent Ink Black more satisfying. The differences in force also mean that you will notice a more pronounced pushback with the Silent Ink Black compared to the smoother, quicker response of the HMX SU.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Gateron Silent Ink Black boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Silent Ink Black provides a more traditional key press experience, which some users might prefer for its substantial depth, making it feel less abrupt and more satisfying for typing. In contrast, the HMX SU's shorter 3.6 mm travel caters to those who enjoy quick responsiveness, often favored by gamers seeking faster actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more profound feel while typing, the Silent Ink Black is the better choice, whereas if you lean towards quicker key presses for gaming, the HMX SU is suitable for quicker response times.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 Silent Ink Black linear switch excels in producing a muted acoustic profile, making it an ideal choice for quiet environments. This switch minimizes the typical noises associated with mechanical keys, allowing for a tranquil typing experience without compromising performance. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, which likely adds a unique tonal character to each keystroke. While both switches strive for a less obtrusive sound compared to standard mechanical switches, the Silent Ink Black is particularly designed for silence, whereas the SU may still offer a noticeable auditory presence.
In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black offers a silky and polished typing experience, characterized by its exceptionally smooth operation and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. This results in a luxurious, cushy feel that enhances comfort during prolonged typing sessions. The HMX SU switch, on the other hand, lacks specific tactile descriptions in the provided information, which leaves its overall feel somewhat ambiguous. However, given that it shares the linear switch design with the Silent Ink Black, it’s reasonable to expect a generally smooth action, though without the explicitly refined attributes such as the "silky" and "polished" characteristics identified with the Silent Ink Black.
Overall, while both the Gateron Silent Ink Black and HMX SU linear switches cater to those looking for a quieter typing experience, they offer different nuances. The Silent Ink Black guarantees a more subdued sound and a highly refined feel, making it a strong choice for noise-sensitive environments. The SU, while potentially offering a unique sound profile, leaves some uncertainty regarding its tactile feel. Thus, if you're prioritizing a very quiet operation and a smooth tactile experience, the Silent Ink Black will be undoubtedly appealing, but if you seek a moderate sound with potentially varied tactile feedback, the HMX SU may be worth considering.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX SU linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you find yourself in a quieter environment, such as a shared office space or a library, and value a cushy typing feel with minimal noise, the Silent Ink Black is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams provides a sense of stability, while its muted sound profile and silky, polished feel will enhance your typing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers a relatively deeper sound profile and a smooth yet responsive typing experience, the HMX SU would be ideal for you. With its lower bottom-out force of 50 grams, this switch is great for fast-paced typing or gaming, allowing for quicker key presses while still delivering adequate feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your environment, typing style, and personal comfort—both switches have their unique strengths catered to different user preferences.
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