TTC Flaming Pink vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Ink Black V2 are two popular linear options that cater to different user preferences. The Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth and responsive feel, coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound that provides a premium typing experience suitable for both gaming and everyday use. Its bright sound profile strikes a balance, being pleasing without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a long-time fan favorite within the community, known for its smooth downstroke complemented by a rich clack that offers a unique auditory experience. While the Flaming Pink focuses on a more refined sound profile, the Ink Black V2 embraces a low-pitched, bassy tone that many users find appealing. Both switches deliver excellent performance, but your choice may ultimately depend on your priorities, whether they be sound, feel, or usage context. 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
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches display distinct differences in their housing materials, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Flaming Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its stiffness and clarity, contributing to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This makes the Flaming Pink a suitable choice for users seeking a bright and defined auditory feedback, especially when RGB lighting is utilized, as the clear nature of polycarbonate enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing. While it too is characterized by a pronounced and relatively high-pitched sound, it does not present the same level of sharpness as polycarbonate, offering instead a clackier and more textured auditory experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the two switches present a contrasting profile, contributing differently to their overall sound characteristics. The Flaming Pink employs a nylon bottom housing, which is revered for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller profile. This essentially balances the sharper top housing, creating a more rounded and pleasant auditory feedback when typing. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Black V2’s proprietary INK blend bottom housing, similar to its top, leans towards a pointed high-pitched sound but lacks the depth provided by nylon. This creates a consistent clacky sound across both sections of the switch, leading to a distinctive auditory signature that some users may prefer for its consistent character.
Overall, while the Flaming Pink and the Ink Black V2 differ in their housing materials—polycarbonate versus the INK blend for the tops and nylon versus INK for the bottoms—they allow for a variety of auditory experiences. Users seeking a sharper sound profile might favor the Flaming Pink due to its polycarbonate top, while those looking for a clackier and consistent auditory feedback may enjoy the Ink Black V2. However, if users appreciate both designs, they can achieve similar results through careful typing technique and switch placement, ensuring they maximize the unique properties each material offers. Ultimately, the interplay between the stiffer materials in the Flaming Pink and the proprietary compositions in the Ink Black V2 creates a rich landscape for enthusiasts to explore in the realm of keyboard experiences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, notable differences in both actuation force and bottom-out force emerge. The Flaming Pink switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, coupled with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a significantly heavier experience with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom-out force of 70 grams, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. This distinction means that users of the Flaming Pink can enjoy a softer, less fatiguing typing experience, while users of the Ink Black may appreciate the firm push, which can enhance tactile feedback. Overall, the Flaming Pink is the lighter option, while the Ink Black V2 is distinctly heavier, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, we see a clear difference. The Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Black V2 features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Flaming Pink switch offers a shorter actuation distance, which can lead to quicker response times, making it particularly suitable for gamers seeking speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 can provide a more deliberate and satisfying tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize a snappier, more responsive feel or a more substantial, satisfying depth when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch offers a bright yet not overly loud experience, making it suitable for both gaming and regular typing scenarios. Its sound profile is designed to be satisfying at the bottom-out, delivering a premium auditory experience without overwhelming noise levels. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 produces a low-pitched, bassy sound, characterized by a richer auditory profile that has depth and warmth. There’s a chirpy element to the Ink Black V2, adding a unique acoustic signature that differentiates it from other linear switches, though this can be influenced by factors such as keycap and board choice. While both switches deliver satisfying auditory feedback, they cater to different preferences, with the Flaming Pink leaning towards a balanced sound and the Ink Black V2 favoring a deeper, more resonant tone.
In terms of feel, the TTC Flaming Pink switch is recognized for its smooth and responsive performance, making it ideal for those who appreciate fluid key travel during both typing and gaming. The switch's design caters to a responsive action, though specific descriptors are absent. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is described as offering a mild typing experience, making it approachable for most users. The polished nature of this switch ensures a refined feel with reduced friction, reinforcing smooth travel and consistent responsiveness. While the Flaming Pink may excel in overall responsiveness, the Ink Black V2 provides a gentle and pleasant typing experience that appeals to a broader audience.
In summary, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches have their unique audio and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Flaming Pink excels in delivering a satisfying, balanced sound with a responsive feel, making it suitable for an optimal typing and gaming experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 stands out with its rich, lower-pitched sound and polished, mild feel, appealing to those who appreciate a smoother, bassy auditory experience. While they share a common ground as linear switches, the distinct qualities of each make them suitable for different types of users, depending on their individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter switch that offers a responsive feel and a satisfying sound profile, the Flaming Pink is likely your best option. With its 50 grams of bottom-out force, it provides a smooth and quick typing experience that can enhance both gaming and daily tasks, making it suitable for those who enjoy rapid keystrokes and a more lively feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a richer sound and a more deliberate typing experience, the Ink Black V2 might be the better choice. This switch, with its 70 grams of bottom-out force, delivers a polished and mild feel, along with a low-pitched, bassy sound that adds depth to your typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
