Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing preferences, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Mars offer two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts of linear switches. The Ink Black V2 is celebrated for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a long-time favorite within the community. Its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, complemented by a mild and polished feel, caters to users who seek a solid tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars presents an innovative design, boasting a unique POK stem combined with a nylon and POM housing, which may enhance durability and performance for gamers and typists alike. While the Ink Black V2 is characterized by its classic feel and satisfying acoustic feedback, the Mars focuses on futuristic materials and design that can offer a different typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Mars, there are notable distinctions that affect their overall sound profiles and tactile qualities. The Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Users often describe this sound as clacky, providing a unique auditory experience that is distinctively sharp without being irritating. In contrast, the Mars features a nylon top housing, known for its deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and round sound that differs significantly from the more pronounced acoustics of the Ink Black V2.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrast between the two switches. The Ink Black V2 employs a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, contributing to its already high-pitched sound profile and enhancing the clacky nature of the switch. On the other hand, the Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, known for producing a more muted sound. The POM material lends a deeper acoustic quality, offsetting the crispness of the top housing and creating a balanced auditory experience. This difference in materials means that while the Ink Black V2 thrives on higher-pitched, sharper sounds, the Mars delivers a consistent depth and roundedness that can appeal to those seeking a more subdued typing experience.
In conclusion, the differences in the housing materials of the Ink Black V2 and the Mars create distinct auditory profiles, with the Ink Black V2 favoring a sharp, clacky sound, and the Mars leaning towards a deeper, fuller tone. However, if one were to isolate certain components or apply similar sound-dampening techniques, such as adding O-rings or switching to a higher dampening keycap material, the resultant sound profiles could converge somewhat. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will largely depend on the user's preference for sound and tactile feedback, where the contrasting properties of the housing materials serve to enhance the unique characteristics of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch present contrasting characteristics in their actuation forces. The Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, which provides a more substantial typing experience that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Mars switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it a more comfortable choice for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to achieve a keystroke. The bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, while the Ink Black V2 has a defined bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that while the Ink Black V2 offers a consistent tactile feel up to its bottoming point, the Mars may provide a different user experience that cannot be fully assessed without the bottom out metric. Overall, while the Ink Black V2 caters to those who prefer a heavier feel, the Mars is better suited for those seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the key difference lies in their travel distances. The Ink Black V2 features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option. In contrast, the Mars has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, positioning it as the shorter switch. This distinction can significantly impact the typing experience; while the Ink Black V2 provides a more pronounced and hearty depth, the Mars's shorter travel distance allows for quicker response times, appealing to gamers and those who prefer a more brisk feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize depth and a traditional feel (Ink Black V2) or responsiveness and speed (Mars).
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 produces a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which gives it a deeper, richer auditory quality when pressed. This switch is noted for its unique chirpy characteristic, adding a subtle squeak to the key presses that can make typing more engaging, depending on the setup. The Ink Black V2’s sound can be influenced by factors like the type of keyboard it’s mounted on and the keycaps used, but generally, it’s regarded as a satisfying choice for those who prefer a warm audio experience. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Mars linear switch are not defined in the provided information, leaving that aspect unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Ink Black V2 offers a mild typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users due to its approachable nature. Its polished finish contributes to a smooth key travel, creating a refined typing sensation that reduces friction. This combination of qualities ensures that key presses are both gentle and satisfying, making it ideal for those looking for a comfortable daily driver. The feel of the Mars switch is also unspecified, which means we cannot draw any comparisons or conclusions in this regard.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch excels in both sound and feel, providing a rich acoustics experience along with a smooth, mild tactile sensation, the Gateron Mars linear switch does not have sufficient information available to make a complete comparison. If you choose the Ink Black V2, you'll benefit from its deep sound profile and refined feel, while the Mars remains an unknown variable in those aspects.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you favor a more tactile experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, the Ink Black V2 is your go-to option. It's well-regarded for its smooth downstroke and rich, low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a deeper and more mellow key press. The chirpy element adds an intriguing acoustic dimension, which can be enjoyable for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more innovative design and potentially a different tactile experience, the Gateron Mars switches might intrigue you, especially given their unique POK stem and nylon-POM housing blend. Though their exact bottom out force isn't specified, the Mars switches could cater to those who prefer a lighter touch or are curious about experimenting with a new type of mechanical switch. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a reliable, classic typing experience with the Ink Black V2 or the novelty and characteristics of the Mars switches.
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