Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Ink Black is ideal for those looking for a quieter typing experience, thanks to its cushiony feel and minimal audio feedback. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out with its distinctive acoustics profile and crisp, higher-pitched sound, offering a blend of sophistication and performance. While the Silent Ink Black is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Xinhai is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. 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
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the HMX Xinhai differ significantly in terms of their sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. On the other hand, the Xinhai utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials result in a clear and resonant sound, the Silent Ink Black tends to have a slightly softer sound compared to the Xinhai's more distinct and pronounced sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Silent Ink Black continues to use the proprietary INK blend, which maintains its characteristic pointed and high-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Xinhai features a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs more sound than the harder plastic of the INK blend, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both bottom housings offer unique sound profiles, the nylon housing of the Xinhai creates a more subdued sound compared to the crisper sound of the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both switches plays a significant role in determining the sound characteristics of each. While the Silent Ink Black and the Xinhai each offer their own distinct sound profiles, they both excel in producing clear and resonant sound. The use of proprietary INK blend and polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharp and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether opting for the Silent Ink Black or the Xinhai, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with unique sound qualities determined by the choice of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there is a notable difference in weight. The Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams, resulting in a lighter feel while typing. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Ink Black, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may opt for the Xinhai. Both switches offer unique benefits based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we can see that the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Xinhai has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. If you prefer a faster response time and a more responsive feel, the Xinhai would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Silent Ink Black with its longer travel distance would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preferences and typing/gaming style.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai 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
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is renowned for its muted sound profile, designed to provide a quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a clacky sound characterized by sharp, snappy key presses that produce a distinctively crisp and bright resonance. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal sound preference, with the Silent Ink Black offering a softer, quieter typing experience while the Xinhai delivers a more percussive and lively sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is described as silky and polished, emphasizing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai offers a bouncy and creamy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a buttery smooth typing experience that effortlessly glides across the keys. Both switches offer a unique tactile sensation, with the Silent Ink Black focusing on smoothness and polish, while the Xinhai prioritizes a lively and creamy typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Ink Black excels in providing a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. In comparison, the HMX Xinhai stands out with its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem combination, offering a softer acoustics profile and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance for a precise yet sophisticated typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that both options provide high-quality performance tailored to different user needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the environment and your personal typing preferences. If you need a quieter typing experience with a cushiony feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a softer acoustics profile, distinctively crisp sound, and a lighter bottom out force, the Xinhai might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize quietness and cushioned typing or prefer a unique acoustics profile and lower bottom out force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and environmental requirements.
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