Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Light Tactile, two mechanical switches that offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch, highly regarded within the community for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack. With its low-pitched, bassy, and mild characteristics, it provides a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a welcome contrast to sharper tactile switches. Typing on them provides an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. Categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, this switch brings a refined typing experience. However, let's dive beyond these generalities to explore the intricacies of each switch, so you can decide which one best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Light Tactile switches differ in their housing materials, specifically in their top and bottom housings. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Both of these materials contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The INK blend of the Gateron Ink Black V2 produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, both materials offer transparency, making them suitable for switches with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Black V2 continues to employ its proprietary INK blend, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This can be attributed to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the nylon bottom housing of the Light Tactile creates a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the Ink Black V2's bottom housing.
It is important to note that the properties of the top and bottom housings influence different aspects of the switch's sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Durock Light Tactile may have different housing materials, they provide distinct sound profiles due to the characteristics of their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing and contrasting the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Ink Black V2 requires an actuation force of 60 grams, whereas the Light Tactile requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 requires 70 grams, while the Light Tactile requires 67 grams. While there is a difference in the actuation force, both switches provide a similar medium-heavy typing experience when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Light Tactile would be the suitable choice, allowing for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if a more substantial and stronger push feel is desired, the Ink Black V2 would provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback and offer a smooth typing experience. Whether you choose the Gateron Ink Black V2 or the Durock Light Tactile switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile during key presses. These switches have a more mellow and deeper tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, they have a unique chirpy characteristic that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. It doesn't have any distinct tonal characteristics and is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced keyboard user, or if you plan to use it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch provide a mild and gentle typing experience. These switches offer a more approachable feel to most users with their qualities residing in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This smoothness and reduced friction can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing, ensuring smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. While the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a low-pitched, bassy sound with a unique chirpy characteristic, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a neutral sound profile suitable for various user preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual sound and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother downstroke and a rich clack sound, the Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch that offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler and more jelly-like tactility with an angelic sound signature, the Light Tactile switch from Durock is a great option with a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches offer a mild and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. However, it's important to note that the Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, while the Light Tactile has a neutral sound profile. Overall, consider your desired typing experience and sound preferences when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
