Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Lime. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch that has earned a reputation for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack. With its low-pitched, bassy sound and mild and polished feel, it has been a favorite among the community for a long time. On the other hand, the Lime switch stands out for its unique characteristics. These switches are lightweight, offer a gentle tactility, and are also silenced. For tactile enthusiasts seeking a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility, the Lime switches are the perfect choice. Their neutral, mild, and polished attributes make them a great option for those who prefer subtle feedback. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your keyboard switch preference.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Lime switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Lime's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both materials have their unique characteristics, they offer distinct auditory experiences when typing.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the two switches also contribute to their sound profiles. The proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 shares similar qualities with its top housing, providing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound when pressed. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Lime switch, being a softer material, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during bottom-out. Therefore, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the sound and feel of these switches when pressed.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials may vary depending on whether it is the top or bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing's characteristics become more noticeable, affecting the sound produced. Although there are differences between the Ink Black V2 and the Lime switches' housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles depending on the stage of typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, one noticeable difference is their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Black V2 has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Lime's lighter 35 grams. This means that the Ink Black V2 requires more force to trigger a keystroke, providing a stronger push feel during typing. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 is higher at 70 grams, while the Lime has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Ink Black V2 switch requires more force to fully depress the key compared to the Lime switch.
In terms of weight, the Ink Black V2 is generally considered to be medium-heavy due to its actuation and bottom out forces. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, providing a satisfying resistance to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Lime switch make it a lighter option, ideal for individuals who prioritize typing comfort over a stronger push feel. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Ink Black V2 offering a heavier and more resistant typing experience, while the Lime provides a lighter and gentler touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that the Ink Black V2 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Lime's 3.3 mm. The Ink Black V2 falls into the traditional range of travel distances at 4.0 mm, while the Lime is on the shallower side at 3.3 mm. This difference in travel distance can influence the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Lime with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the Ink Black V2 and its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences and desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is renowned for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. It offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile during key presses, which gives it a deep and mellow tone. Additionally, this switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch stands out for its lightweight and approachable tactility. It is a silenced switch, making it perfect for tactile enthusiasts who desire a feathery light typing experience with a touch of tactility. The Lime switch is described as having a neutral sound profile and being muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches.
In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 and the Lime switches differ in their characteristics. The Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, while the Lime has a neutral and muted sound profile. Depending on personal preference, both switches can provide satisfying sound results, albeit with different tones and levels of noise.
In relation to feel, both the Ink Black V2 and the Lime switches share similar qualities. They are both described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Lime switch also adds the descriptors of feathery and subtle. The feathery characteristic indicates that it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion, reducing finger fatigue. The subtle characteristic means it has a gentle resistance without being too light, suitable for shared spaces.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Black V2 delivers a low-pitched, bassy sound and offers a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime switch provides a neutral and muted sound with a lightweight, feathery, and subtle typing feel. Depending on individual preferences, both switches offer unique options for users seeking different sound profiles and tactile experiences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is an excellent choice for those who prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. This switch is highly regarded for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack sound. In terms of sound, it offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, with a unique chirpy characteristic. As for feel, the Ink Black V2 provides a mild, polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is a great option for individuals seeking a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This switch stands out for its lightweight nature, approachable tactility, and silence. It is particularly suitable for tactile fans who desire a feathery light typing experience with just a hint of tactility. In terms of sound, the Lime switch produces a more neutral and muted sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
Overall, if you prioritize a heavier bottom out force and a unique, bassy sound profile, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more neutral, quieter sound, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be a better fit. Consider your preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel to make an informed decision between these two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
