Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. KTT Mint

Overview

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Mint are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique qualities for different typing preferences. Best known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, the Ink Black V2 has been a long-time community favorite. With its low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished characteristics, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint switch is loved for its smoothness and poppy thockiness, thanks to its long pole stem. It offers a light and fleeting typing feel, accompanied by a low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished sound profile. Both switches bring their own distinct features to the table, making it difficult to choose between them at first glance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

KTT Mint Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$2.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Mint differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top housing is characterized as having a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Mint's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. If you are someone who prefers a thinner and higher-pitched sound, the Ink Black V2 would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the Mint with its polycarbonate top housing would be more suitable.

In terms of bottom housing, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend is again described as having a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This is similar to its top housing, creating a consistent auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Mint utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. If you enjoy a deeper and fuller sound with a bit more resonance, the Mint's nylon bottom housing would be a better fit for you. However, if you prefer a more pointed and high-pitched sound, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend bottom housing would be more suitable.

Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Mint will depend on your personal preference for sound profiles. Both switches offer distinct characteristics in their housing materials that can enhance your typing experience. If you prioritize a clacky and higher-pitched sound, the Ink Black V2 with its proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with a deeper and fuller tone, the KTT Mint with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing would provide a more suitable auditory experience. It is important to consider how the housing materials impact the sound and choose accordingly based on your preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, compared to the Mint's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Mint requires less force to register a keystroke, providing a lighter and more effortless typing experience. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 is heavier at 70 grams, while the Mint requires less force at 53 grams. This indicates that the Mint will have a softer and gentler bottoming out sensation, which may be preferred by typists who desire a lighter touch. However, it's worth mentioning that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. This means that regardless of the difference in numbers, users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience, with the Mint switch being slightly lighter and the Ink Black V2 switch providing a slightly more substantial typing feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Whether you choose the Gateron Ink Black V2 or the KTT Mint, you can expect the switch to travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Thus, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between these two switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Mint switches offer a low-pitched profile. This means that they produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 has a "bassy" sound, which adds depth and richness to the sound profile, while the Mint is described as having a more neutral sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you are looking for a low-pitched sound with some added bass, the Ink Black V2 will deliver, while the Mint provides a more neutral sound experience.

In terms of feel, both the Ink Black V2 and the Mint switches are described as providing a mild typing experience. This means that they offer a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Ink Black V2 is further described as having a polished feel, which indicates a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Mint also boasts a polished feel, ensuring a sleek typing experience. With both switches falling into the mild and polished category, they offer a comfortable and smooth typing experience overall.

Taking all the available information into account, it's clear that both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and KTT Mint switches share some similarities in terms of sound and feel. They both deliver a low-pitched sound profile, with the Ink Black V2 offering a bassier sound and the Mint having a more neutral sound. In terms of feel, both switches provide a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a comfortable and smooth keystroke. Therefore, if you are looking for a smooth and satisfying linear switch, either option would be suitable, depending on your preference for sound. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of these switches can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth downstroke with a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be the ideal choice for you. This switch offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses, giving it a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 provides a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfyingly smooth feel, the KTT Mint would be the better option. These switches offer a poppy thockiness due to their long pole stem, resulting in a light and fleeting typing feel. In terms of sound, the Mint produces a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various needs and environments. Moreover, like the Ink Black V2, the Mint provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering reduced friction and a sleek key travel sensation.

Ultimately, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and KTT Mint switches have their unique qualities and advantages. Your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider whether you prioritize a medium-heavy or medium-light switch, a low-pitched or neutral sound, and the overall experience of a mildly and polished switch. By understanding these differences and aligning them with your needs, you can confidently choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more