Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Ink Red. Both switches offer a linear feel, but there are distinct differences that may sway your decision. The Ink Black V2 is a classic favorite among the community, renowned for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. On the other hand, the Ink Red stands out for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. Its smoothness and crispy, clacky sound profile have garnered praise from users. While these generalities provide a starting point, let's delve deeper into the qualities of each switch to help you make an informed decision.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Ink Red switches are essentially the same. Both switches utilize Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings. This means that the characteristics of the housing material, such as the pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, are present in both switches. The satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky, can be experienced in both the Ink Black V2 and the Ink Red switches. Therefore, in terms of sound and overall feel, users can expect similar results from both switches.

However, it is worth noting that if the top and bottom housings were different for a given switch, the qualities of each housing material would be split between the bottom and the top. In this scenario, the bottom housing would have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing would have a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Fortunately, with the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Ink Red switches, users do not have to worry about any discrepancies between the top and bottom housings, as they are made from the same INK blend material.

Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Ink Red switches are highly comparable. Both switches offer a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, characterized by a satisfying thin and clacky sound. Whether it's the bottom-out sound and feel or the sound when releasing a key, users can expect consistent performance from both switches. The similarity in their housing materials ensures that users will have a similar typing experience with either switch.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Ink Red linear switches, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Ink Black V2 is 60 grams, while the Ink Red requires a lighter 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Ink Red has a lighter touch and a more sensitive response, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 has a higher actuation force, providing a stronger push feel for users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 requires 70 grams of force to fully press down, while the Ink Red needs 60 grams. This indicates that the Ink Black V2 has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Ink Red. Overall, those who favor a lighter touch would lean towards the Gateron Ink Red, while those who prefer a heavier and more substantial typing feel would opt for the Gateron Ink Black V2.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same 4 mm travel distance, allowing for a consistent tactile feel. Whether typing or gaming, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. So, in this case, both switches provide the same level of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its low-pitched, bassy sound profile. This switch offers a more mellow and deep tone during key presses, resembling the richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 has a unique chirpy characteristic that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It offers a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use the switch at home or work. Similar to the Ink Black V2, the Ink Red also has a chirpy sound signature. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is considered to be a mild switch. It offers a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable to most users, as its qualities fall into a safe and middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. This is achieved through the use of high-quality materials and potentially factory lubrication, reducing friction and enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience similar to the Ink Black V2. It is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Ink Red switch is known for its silky smoothness, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Ink Red linear switches differ in terms of sound and their specific descriptors. The Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a chirpy characteristic, while the Ink Red provides a more neutral sound with a similar chirpy signature. In terms of feel, both switches fall into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience. They are also both polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. While there are some differences, both switches provide satisfyingly smooth typing experiences and are suitable for different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal sound and feel preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a rich "clack" sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a smooth downstroke and is a long-time community favorite. On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a switch with a lower actuation force, then the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be ideal. It provides a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. Additionally, the Ink Blacks have a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, while the Ink Reds have a neutral and chirpy sound profile. In terms of feel, the Ink Blacks are described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Ink Reds, on the other hand, are silky, mild, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more