Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one seeks. The Gateron Silent Ink Black is an excellent option for those who prioritize a quieter typing environment, thanks to its silenced design that delivers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. This makes it a favored choice for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is vital. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch is tailored for users who appreciate a bit more heft in their keypresses, featuring a unique PA12 top housing that softens acoustic feedback and a POM stem for a higher-pitched resonance, offering a blend of sophistication and precise performance. While both switches are linear, catering to users who enjoy a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, they serve distinct purposes in terms of sound profile and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Silent Ink Black and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches exhibit distinct differences in housing materials that significantly affect their auditory characteristics. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, designed to produce a relatively high-pitched sound profile that many users describe as "clacky." This sound is marked by a pointed quality which may appeal to those looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes nylon for its housing material, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a more subdued auditory experience that is described as rounder and less sharp.

When examining the impact of the different housings on typing experience, it’s clear that each material plays a crucial role in sound perception. In the Silent Ink Black, the combination of the INK blend in both the top and bottom housings results in a sound that is consistently high-pitched throughout the typing experience. Users will feel the crispness of the material when bottoming out keys, as both the top and bottom contribute to the overall clackiness of the switch. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Xinhai (Heavy) emphasizes a softer sound characteristic, where the bottom housing contributes a full-bodied thump upon release, while the top housing provides a smoother transition with less of a pronounced click or clack.

However, the differences in material properties also mean that users looking for specific sound and feel attributes will favor one option over the other. While both switches offer a distinct auditory signature, those who prefer a clear and sharp typing sound may lean towards the Silent Ink Black, while users who appreciate a more subdued and rounded sound profile may opt for the HMX Xinhai (Heavy). Ultimately, while both switches are designed for optimal typing experiences, their contrasting housing materials create unique and individual auditory profiles, leading to varied user preferences that reflect personal typing style and requirements.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ink Black features a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) has a lower actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, placing it in the medium range. This means the Xinhai is the lighter option, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a heftier feel, which may be more satisfying for those who favor a stronger push in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for force—a lighter touch with the Xinhai or a more robust response with the Silent Ink Black.

Travel distance

The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial press, providing a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy), with its 3.4 mm distance, caters to those who favor a quicker response, making it potentially more suitable for gaming or fast-paced activities where rapid key presses are essential. Thus, if responsiveness is a priority, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black may appeal to users who appreciate the more pronounced feedback that comes with a longer key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch stands out with its muted profile, specifically designed for quieter environments. This switch minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard noise, which can be a significant benefit for users who need to type in shared spaces or during sensitive hours. Its silenced design significantly reduces the sound produced during key presses while still maintaining a satisfactory level of feedback during use. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch does not have a specific acoustic profile described, leaving its sound characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, it is important to note that sound perception can vary greatly based on the keyboard's overall build, including the materials used for the case and keycaps, which may alter the noise levels of either switch.

Regarding feel, the Silent Ink Black delivers a notably smooth and luxurious typing experience with its silky and polished characteristics. These traits contribute to an exceptionally well-refined typing sensation, appealing to users who enjoy a cushiony, plush bottom-out feel without excessive resistance. This can lead to a more enjoyable typing experience, especially during long sessions. The Xinhai (Heavy) does not provide specific descriptors for its feel, which makes it difficult to compare directly in this aspect. Nonetheless, the use of a PA12 top housing and a POM stem hints at a different tactile feedback that could cater to preferences for a firmer typing experience.

In summary, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch excels in delivering a quiet, silky feel that is both polished and considerate of the acoustics in quieter environments. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers an undefined sound profile and may provide a different tactile experience, though specifics on its feel have not been provided. For users who prioritize silence and smoothness, the Silent Ink Black will likely be the better choice. Meanwhile, those who may prefer a heavier switch should explore the Xinhai (Heavy) further once additional feel characteristics are made known. Overall, each switch has its unique strengths, catering to different typing preferences and environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you find yourself in a quieter environment where minimizing sound is a priority, such as an office setting or shared workspace, the Silent Ink Black will serve you well with its muted acoustics and cushy, silky feel. This switch is designed for a serene typing experience, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel for added resistance while typing and appreciate a bit more character in your key presses, the Xinhai (Heavy) would be a more suitable selection. With its unique PA12 top housing providing a softer acoustic profile and a notable crispness from the POM stem, it balances performance and subtle sophistication, making it ideal for those who enjoy the art of typing as much as the practicality. By weighing these considerations, you can confidently choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more