Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. HMX KD200

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX KD200, both notable linear options that cater to distinct preferences. The Ink Black V2 is celebrated for its smooth downstroke and rich, multifaceted sound profile, embodying a long-standing community favorite with its low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy characteristics. This switch is an ideal choice for those who appreciate a more polished typing experience, allowing for both comfort during long sessions and an enjoyable auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, offering a unique auditory element that can enhance the user's typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound with each keystroke. While both switches provide a linear feel that appeals to gamers and typists alike, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. 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 Ink Black V2 Linear

HMX KD200 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and HMX KD200 switches present contrasting material properties that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, a material that produces a pointed and high-pitched sound characteristic of clackiness. Gateron’s choice of this specialized blend contributes to a more reactive typing experience that is both satisfying and bright. In contrast, the KD200 features nylon for its housing material, commonly known for its softer texture, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This absorption of sound results from nylon's inherent properties, which tend to dampen the noise generated upon a keypress, leading to a rounder auditory experience.

When considering the impact of these materials on the overall sound profile, the distinctions become even more pronounced. With the Gateron Ink Black V2, both the top and bottom housings are designed to produce a similar high-pitched acoustic response, ensuring that both the bottom-out and release sounds follow this characteristic profile. In essence, this uniformity in design contributes to a cohesive auditory experience that emphasizes brightness and clarity. On the other hand, the KD200's separated properties of nylon for both the top and bottom housings lead to a divergence in sound characteristics. The top housing from nylon contributes to a softer release, while the bottom housing simultaneously provides that fuller sound when keys bottom out.

Ultimately, the differences in housing materials directly impact the feel and sound of the typing experience. With the Ink Black V2's INK blend offering a unique high-pitched, clacky feedback suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response, the KD200 switch caters to a preference for a more muted and fuller sound through its nylon construction. However, if both housing sets were to share properties, you'd likely encounter a mixing of those sound profiles, creating a potentially unique combination that could appeal to a broader audience by melding the sharpness of the INK blend with the fullness of nylon. In either case, the material choices are at the heart of what each switch delivers in terms of acoustic and tactile experiences, making them uniquely appealing depending on user preference.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, we see a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the KD200 is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, placing it in the light category. This difference in weight means that the Ink Black V2 will provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for its tactile feedback, while the KD200's lighter forces make it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, where less effort is required to actuate keys. Therefore, users seeking a more robust feel might gravitate towards the Ink Black V2, while those valuing endurance and ease of use might opt for the KD200.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX KD200 linear switches, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Ink Black V2 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced feel during keypresses, offering a traditional and hearty depth. In contrast, the HMX KD200 has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to users who favor quicker response times, especially beneficial for gamers who require speed and agility in their keystrokes. Therefore, if you prefer a more tactile experience with greater depth, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be the better choice, whereas the HMX KD200 offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Ink Black V2 is characterized by its low-pitched, bassy notes, offering a deeper and more mellow auditory experience during key presses. The rich clack of this switch creates a satisfying sound that resonates well with typists who appreciate a more subdued acoustic signature, complemented by an occasional chirp that adds a unique flair to each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX KD200 is noted as the clackiest of the HMX Film switch family, suggesting it produces a brighter, sharper sound profile. While no specific descriptions of the KD200's sound characteristics are provided, one can anticipate a more pronounced and potentially higher-pitched clack compared to the deep tones of the Ink Black V2.

When it comes to tactile experience, the Ink Black V2 is praised for its mild feel, which delivers a gentle typing experience that is accessible to a wide range of users. The polished quality of these switches adds to the smoothness, allowing for effortless key travel and reduced friction, resulting in a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 lacks detailed descriptions of its feel, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the differences in design philosophies between the two may result in distinct tactile impressions, with the KD200 potentially offering a different, yet unknown, level of smoothness or resistance.

In summary, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 boasts a rich, low-pitched sound and a polished, mild feel ideal for casual and prolonged typing, the HMX KD200 is geared more towards producing a clacky sound that caters to users seeking more auditory feedback. Despite the KD200 lacking detailed descriptions, its reputation within the HMX Film switch family suggests it may offer a unique auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying linear typing experience, but your preferences in sound and feel will guide your choice between the two.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the HMX KD200 linear switches, your preferences for weight, sound, and typing experience should guide your choice. If you favor a firmer feel with a medium-heavy actuation force and are drawn to a smooth downstroke combined with a rich, low-pitched, and somewhat chirpy sound profile, the Ink Black V2 would be an excellent fit for you. This switch is particularly suited to typists who appreciate a depth in sound and a polished typing experience, making it ideal for long sessions of writing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel with a quick actuation, the KD200’s 50-gram bottom-out force might suit your typing style better. Additionally, if you are looking for a switch that offers a distinctly clacky sound, the KD200 stands out as the clackiest in the HMX Film family, providing an engaging auditory feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you prioritize sound characteristics or the tactile feel of the switches, leading to a more personalized and satisfying keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

HMX KD200 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more