Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Matcha are both popular mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch, known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. With a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, this switch provides a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Matcha is a tactile switch that offers a comfortable and snappy tactility while typing. It produces a distinctly clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. Categorized as stepped, snappy, accented, clacky, feathery, and subtle, the Matcha offers a different typing experience compared to the Ink Black V2. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Matcha differ in their housing materials. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Matcha utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that is especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, the Ink Black V2's INK blend and the Matcha's polycarbonate share similar characteristics. Both materials produce a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, giving a clacky feel. However, while the Ink Black V2's bottom housing is proprietary, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha offers a clear and resonant sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This stiffer plastic leads to a more distinct and vibrant sound when bottoming out a key.
When comparing the impact on sound and feel, the difference in housing materials becomes more pronounced. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. In this regard, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha would contribute to a sharper and crisper experience. Conversely, the top housing, regardless of whether it is the INK blend or polycarbonate, plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key.
In summary, while the Ink Black V2 and the Matcha share similarities in their bottom housing materials, they differ in their top housing composition. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 provides a more clacky sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Matcha creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, we can observe some distinct differences. The Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams, which is heavier compared to the 40 grams actuation force of the Matcha. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 is 70 grams, while the Matcha has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Ink Black V2 provides a medium-heavy typing experience, requiring more force to trigger keystrokes and potentially offering a more substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the Matcha offers a lighter touch, making it more suitable for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. However, both switches operate on the same principle, with actuation force determining the trigger of keystrokes and the bottom out force measuring the pressure required for fully pressing the keys. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose the lighter Matcha for a comfortable and effortless typing experience, or opt for the heavier Ink Black V2 for a more responsive and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a similar tactile feedback and typing experience 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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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. These switches have a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 has a unique acoustic signature known as a "chirpy" sound, which adds a subtle squeak to the switch's sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as clacky. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, characterized by its crisp, bright, and percussive nature. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Ink Black V2 and Matcha switches have different sound characteristics, the actual sound experienced may vary depending on additional factors.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. As a mild switch, it provides a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, suitable for most users. The Ink Black V2 switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This gives the switch a sleek and refined feel while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is described as stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. A stepped switch refers to a tactile switch with two stages, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during typing. The Matcha switch is also snappy, meaning it is super responsive and feels lively due to longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the Matcha switch provides a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, described as accented. It also has a feathery feel, requiring little exertion to press and reducing finger fatigue. Finally, it has a subtle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. The KTT Matcha switch offers a range of tactile qualities that contribute to its overall feel.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is best known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. It offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, as well as a mild and polished feel during typing. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is known for its comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a distinctly clean bottom-out sound. It has a clacky sound profile and a range of feel qualities, including being stepped, snappy, accented, feathery, and subtle. While the Ink Black V2 and Matcha switches have different characteristics, they both provide enjoyable experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a linear switch with a smooth downstroke or a tactile switch with a comfortable tactility, you can achieve similar levels of satisfaction depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a heavier switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack, the Ink Black V2 is an excellent choice. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, if you enjoy a lower-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Ink Black V2 is a great option.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a comfortable and snappy tactility, the KTT Matcha is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a light and feathery typing feel that reduces finger fatigue. The Matcha also provides a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem, making it pleasant to listen to while typing.
Consider your preferences for typing force, sound, and feel when making a decision. If you value a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction, the polished Ink Black V2 would be a good fit. If you prefer a slightly stepped tactile feel or a more responsive typing experience, the Matcha switch offers an accented or snappy option respectively.
Overall, both switches have their unique qualities and advantages. Whether you choose the Ink Black V2 or the Matcha, you can expect a high-quality keyboard switch experience. Happy typing!
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