Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Ink Box Black, two highly sought-after linear mechanical keyboard switches. The Ink Black V2 is a classic choice amongst mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, known for its smooth and satisfying downstroke, accompanied by a rich clack. With its categorized features such as being low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished, this switch offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black stands out with its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, evoking the sensation of shaking a spray paint can. This switch features a sound signature that is characterized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, diving deeper into the specifics is essential to choose the switch that best suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Ink Box Black both feature a proprietary INK blend for their top and bottom housings. This means that both switches have a similar sound profile, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched tone that is not overly sharp. Users often describe the sound as clacky. Therefore, if you are looking for a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, you can expect similar results from both switches.
However, it's important to note that the housing materials of the top and bottom of the switch can differ between the two. If this is the case, the qualities brought by each material will be split accordingly. The bottom housing, which has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, may provide slightly different sensations between the Ink Black V2 and the Ink Box Black. On the other hand, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound released when you let go of a key. So, there might be slight variations in these aspects based on the specific housing materials used.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches offer similar sound profiles due to their shared proprietary INK blend. This ensures a clacky and satisfying thin sound. However, if the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, there may be subtle variations in the bottom-out feel and the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, it's recommended to consider the specific housing materials used in each switch to determine the exact differences between them.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is evident that both switches have identical values. Both the Ink Black V2 and the Ink Box Black have a 60 gram actuation force, which is the force required to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, both switches have a 70 gram bottom out force, indicating the force needed to press the switch all the way down. With similar actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect similar results from these switches in terms of typing experience. The medium-heavy weight of these switches makes them suitable for individuals who prefer a substantial typing experience but may not be ideal for those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ink Black V2 has a more traditional travel distance, while the Ink Box Black offers a slightly shallower experience. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black may appeal more to gamers who prioritize faster response times, as the shorter distance allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper key feel may prefer the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Ink Box 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 Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as low-pitched, bassy, and even a bit chirpy. This means that it offers a deep and mellow tone with a rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound. It produces a sharp and crisp sound similar to shaking a spray paint can. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is not solely determined by the switch itself, but is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as mild and polished. This means that it provides a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. The switch offers reduced friction and a sleek key travel, resulting in a comfortable typing feel. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is also described as silky and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Ink Box Black linear switches have different sound signatures and feels. The Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched and bassy sound with a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel. Based on the provided information, both switches seem to have smooth and refined finishes, providing a comfortable typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and the specific setup in order to choose the switch that best suits individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is the ideal choice for you. It has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience. The sound profile of the Ink Black V2 is low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy, offering a mellow and rich tone during key presses. In terms of feel, this switch falls into the mild category, meaning it provides a gentle typing experience without any extreme characteristics. Additionally, it is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black is the switch for you. It also has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. The sound profile of the Ink Box Black is clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This switch offers a unique typing experience reminiscent of a shaking spray paint can. In terms of feel, the Ink Box Black is both silky and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance.
Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preferences for sound and feel. The Gateron Ink Black V2 provides a classic linear switch experience with a mellow tone, while the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a creamy and unique clacky sound. Consider your desired typing experience and sound preference to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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