KTT Cream Yellow vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available. Two popular choices that stand out are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Ink Black V2, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Cream Yellow switch is designed to deliver a distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. Additionally, its lengthened spring contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a long-standing community favorite known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. It offers a low-pitched, bassy sound, along with a mild and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches have distinct differences. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While it is also clacky, it is not overly sharp and provides a satisfying thinner sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon material, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the contrary, the Ink Black V2 employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which produces a similar pointed and relatively high-pitched sound as its top housing. It too is described as clacky, offering a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound.
When comparing the two switches, it is evident that they have different housing materials. While the Cream Yellow has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the Ink Black V2 incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This results in distinct sound profiles for each switch. Pressing down on a switch will primarily reflect the qualities of its bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Cream Yellow and the Ink Black V2 have differing housing materials, they offer similar results in terms of their clacky and high-pitched sound profiles, albeit with slight variations in sharpness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Cream Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires a slightly heavier force of 60 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires 70 grams. This makes the Ink Black V2 switch slightly heavier in both aspects.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be a better choice. Its lower actuation force allows for a smoother and more effortless typing experience, reducing fatigue during longer sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ink Black V2 switch. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more satisfying tactile feedback, enhancing the typing sensation.
Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, making them suitable for individuals who value a balance between lightness and feedback. Despite the differences, each switch offers its unique benefits. Therefore, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Ink Black V2 is longer than the Cream Yellow. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.5 mm is slightly shorter. Shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers for faster response times, making the Cream Yellow a potential choice for those seeking greater responsiveness. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt and prefer a switch with more depth. In such cases, the longer travel distance of 4 mm offered by the Ink Black V2 would be a suitable option. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 Cream Yellow switch is best known for its clacky sound. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switch has a unique chirpy characteristic that sets it apart from other switches. Overall, if you prefer a sharper and more percussive sound, the Cream Yellow switch would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a little squeak, the Ink Black V2 switch would be more suitable.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow switch provides a uniquely bouncy typing experience. It offers a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch offers a more mild and gentle typing experience. It falls in the safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its characteristics, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switch is polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Ink Black V2 switch provides a comfortable typing feel. If you prefer a bouncy and lively typing experience, the Cream Yellow switch would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more gentle and polished feel, the Ink Black V2 switch would be more suitable.
Overall, the Cream Yellow and Ink Black V2 switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch is best known for its clacky and bouncy characteristics, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a lively typing feel. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound with a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose the switch that aligns with the sound and feel you desire. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a switch with a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem contribute to its resonant audio feedback, making it perfect for those who enjoy a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when typing. Additionally, the Cream Yellow offers a lively and spring-like feel, giving you a satisfying rebound with each key press.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be a great option. With its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, it offers a more mellow and deep sound profile, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Ink Black V2 also provides a mild and polished typing experience, making it approachable to most users and ensuring smooth key travel with reduced friction.
Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Cream Yellow and the Gateron Ink Black V2 depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a distinctive clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel or a smooth and polished typing experience with a rich clack, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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