Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and HMX Vintage Citrus stand out for different reasons, catering to diverse user preferences. The Silent Ink Black is a silenced linear switch designed for tranquil typing experiences, making it an excellent choice for those in environments where noise is a concern. Users appreciate its cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel that offers minimal audio feedback, providing a smooth and stealthy typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm. This responsiveness allows for rapid-fire keyboard inputs, complemented by a bright, clacky sound profile that adds an energizing vibe to gaming sessions. While the Silent Ink Black excels in providing a quiet sanctuary for work or study, the Vintage Citrus thrives in delivering the snappy, invigorating response sought after in competitive gaming. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus, a clear distinction arises between the sound profiles produced by the proprietary INK blend used in the Silent Ink Black and the classic nylon utilized in the Vintage Citrus. The INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black produces a sound that is described as pointed, high-pitched, and clacky. This characteristic makes it appealing for those who enjoy an articulate and sharp auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Vintage Citrus is designed to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively. This results in a more muted and rounded auditory result, providing a soothing typing experience preferred by many users.
The differences continue with the bottom housings, where the Silent Ink Black again showcases its INK blend material, echoing the same high-pitched, clacky sound profile as its top housing. This consistency reinforces the pronounced auditory feedback that users can expect throughout the typing experience. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Vintage Citrus brings a deeper sound, akin to the qualities found in the top housing. This confluence of sounds in the Vintage Citrus creates a balanced auditory experience, as the softer nylon enhances the sound dampening effect, yielding a more pleasant and cushioned bottom-out feel. The contrasting materials used in the housings ultimately dictate how the switch responds not only when being pressed but also when released.
Despite these differences, it is important to recognize that both switches will yield unique typing experiences reliant on their housing materials. While the Gateron Silent Ink Black prioritizes a sharp and lively auditory experience, the HMX Vintage Citrus caters to those seeking a more subdued sound. However, for users looking for versatility, using keystrokes at varying intensities can offer a blending of these qualities. By pressing the switches with different levels of force, both could achieve a balance between the high-pitched clack and the deeper, rounded sound—though the overall experience would still remain distinctly tailored to the switch's specific housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent Ink Black requires a heftier actuation force of 60 grams and bottoms out at 70 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. Consequently, the Gateron Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer keystroke. On the other hand, the lighter Vintage Citrus is ideal for users seeking comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, reducing finger fatigue. Thus, users must choose based on their preferences for weight; the Silent Ink Black, being heavier, offers a stronger push feel, while the Vintage Citrus caters to those who favor a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find a clear distinction: the Silent Ink Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a travel distance of 3 mm. This 1 mm difference places the Silent Ink Black in the traditional category for key travel, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced, hearty depth during key presses. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter 3 mm travel distance, aligns more with the modern trend favored by gamers seeking quicker response times, although some individuals may find this abrupt feel less satisfying. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Vintage Citrus would be the better option, while the Silent Ink Black caters to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile 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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, it’s clear they inhabit different auditory realms. The Silent Ink Black excels in delivering an understated experience, designed specifically for quieter environments. Its sound profile is muted, with minimal audio feedback, creating a peaceful typing atmosphere ideal for shared spaces or situated next to others. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch produces a bright and clacky sound that is crisp and percussive. This sharp auditory feedback caters to gamers who savor the distinct sound of their commands, allowing for a more engaging and immersive experience. Therefore, if you prefer a quieter setup, the Silent Ink Black will be your go-to, while for a lively clacky ambiance, the Vintage Citrus shines.
When it comes to feel, the differences again are pronounced. The Silent Ink Black is revered for its silky smooth operation, providing an exceptionally gentle touch that minimizes resistance while typing. This "pillow-like" experience allows for a relaxed typing session, reducing fatigue over prolonged use. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus boasts a snappy and invigorating feedback, highlighted by an extremely low actuation force. Its rapid actuation enhances responsiveness, catering specifically to gamers who thrive on quick inputs. The more pronounced feedback and lively feel of the Vintage Citrus create an engaging typing experience, making every keystroke feel significant and dynamic. Thus, while the Silent Ink Black offers a smooth and cushioned typing experience, the Vintage Citrus presents a more interactive and responsive feel.
In conclusion, both switches present unique sound and feel characteristics that can accommodate varying preferences and needs. The Gateron Silent Ink Black is ideal for those seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience, while the HMX Vintage Citrus serves gamers looking for a sharp, responsive, and engaging auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your specific requirements—whether you value tranquility and smoothness or prefer a lively and engaging typing interaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches ultimately depends on your intended use and personal preferences. If you find yourself in a quieter environment or need to minimize noise—such as in an office setting or shared living space—the Silent Ink Black would be your ideal option. With its medium-heavy 70-gram actuation force and silky smooth feel, you'll enjoy a cushy typing experience without disturbing others around you. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or someone who needs quick and responsive keystrokes, the Vintage Citrus switch shines with its medium-light 53-gram actuation force and clacky sound profile. The quick 1mm actuation and invigorating feel make it perfect for fast-paced gaming sessions or instances where rapid-fire inputs are essential. Ultimately, consider your typical usage and environment when deciding; whether you value quieter typing or a more responsive and auditory experience will guide you toward the right switch for your needs.
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