Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the TKC Kiwi. If you're in the market for a smooth, linear switch, the Ink Black V2 is a classic choice. Known for its satisfying downstroke and rich clack, this switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience, the TKC Kiwi is the way to go. With a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, it enhances your typing experience and delivers a snappy sound profile. Additionally, these switches come lightly factory lubed for a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the TKC Kiwi have slightly different housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. Similarly, the Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE material for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. So, in terms of sound, both switches offer a similar experience with their respective housing materials.
However, when comparing the individual components, the top and bottom housings of each switch can have distinct effects. In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. It enhances the satisfying thin and higher-pitched clacky sound profile when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing also adds to the resonant clacks, giving it a distinct sound when typing.
The impact of the housing materials on the sound when letting go of a key is more influenced by the top housing. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top housing maintains its pointed and high-pitched sound, enhancing the sound profile as you release a key. Similarly, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing contributes to the bright sound signature and resonant clacks when you let go of a key, providing a consistent experience in terms of sound quality.
In summary, while the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and TKC Kiwi switches differ slightly, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound profile. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend and the Kiwi's UHWMPE material both contribute to satisfying clacky sound profiles. The variations in sound are more noticeable between the top and bottom housings of each switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches deliver a unique typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams, while the Kiwi has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Kiwi requires less force to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 has a slightly heavier force of 70 grams compared to the Kiwi's 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy range for bottom out force.
When it comes to weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing sessions, making the Kiwi a favorable option for extended use during work or gaming. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ink Black V2 due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Despite these differences, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out, providing a satisfying tactile experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is crucial in determining the overall typing experience, and here we will compare and contrast the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch. Both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm, ensuring a consistent feeling when pressing down on the keys. This similar travel distance means that users can expect comparable feedback and key travel when using either switch. Whether opting for the Gateron Ink Black V2 or the TKC Kiwi, the typing experience will offer the same level of key travel, allowing for comfortable and responsive typing.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 is best described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. This means that the switches produce a deep and rich tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switches have a unique chirpy sound, adding a little squeak to the overall acoustic signature. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, similar to the Ink Black V2. However, the Kiwi switches are described as having a more neutral sound, which means they have a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic means that these switches provide a more gentle and approachable typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The polished aspect indicates that the Ink Black V2 switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the TKC Kiwi switches also have a polished feature, providing a sleek typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are described as having an accented tactile feel. This means that they provide a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Kiwi switches also have a stepped feel, which refers to a tactile switch that feels like it has two stages, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches are best known for their smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, providing a low-pitched and bassy tone with a unique chirpy characteristic. They also offer a mild and polished typing experience, suitable for most users. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switches enhance the typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. They have a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, with a low-pitched and neutral tone. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring smooth and effortless typing right out of the box. Their feel is accented and stepped, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming and with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation. Overall, the Ink Black V2 and Kiwi switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their preferences. However, if a user is looking for a low-pitched sound and a polished feel, both switches can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
If you prioritize a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound profile, the Ink Black V2 would be an excellent choice. It offers a satisfying typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. Additionally, if you prefer switches with a low-pitched and bassy sound, the Ink Black V2 would be a great fit.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a tactile switch that enhances your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, the TKC Kiwi would be a better option. It has a slightly lower bottom out force of 67 grams, which can provide a comfortable typing experience for many users. Moreover, the Kiwi offers a snappy sound profile and comes lightly factory lubed for a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box.
Ultimately, your decision should also consider your personal preference for the feel of the switch. The Ink Black V2 offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a safe middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. The Kiwi, on the other hand, provides an accented and polished feel, with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
In closing, whether you prioritize a smooth linear switch with a rich clack sound or a tactile switch with a medium-strong bump, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the TKC Kiwi offer their own unique advantages. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as the typing experience you desire, to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
