Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Mountain Top. The Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch that is favored for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a top choice for those who enjoy a low-pitched and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch is designed for office settings, offering a quiet yet responsive typing experience that is ideal for professional environments. While the Ink Black V2 provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Mountain Top switch focuses on discretion and subtle keypresses. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Mountain Top differ in their housing materials, with the Ink Black V2 featuring a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing while the Mountain Top utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housings. The INK blend top housing is known for its thin and higher-pitched sound profile, creating a clacky typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and results in a rounder sound profile. These differences in housing materials contribute to distinct typing experiences for users of each switch.
While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they also share similarities in their bottom housing design. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 and the nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. The qualities of the bottom housing have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on either switch. This shared aspect of their housing materials ensures that users can expect a similar tactile experience regardless of whether they are using the Ink Black V2 or the Mountain Top.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Mountain Top ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 provides a sharp and clacky sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize their bottom housing materials to enhance the typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying and tactile feel when pressing down on the keys. Whether you prefer a higher-pitched sound or a deeper tone, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more comfortable choice for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. The difference in force between the two switches is quite significant, with the Ink Black V2 being medium-heavy and the Mountain Top being light. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the key presses.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 switch may provide a more substantial keypress feel for those who prefer deeper key travel. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Ink Black V2 providing a slightly longer distance for keypresses compared to the Mountain Top. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, offering a more mellow and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch boasts a more neutral sound, suitable for office environments where a quiet typing experience is preferred. When comparing the two switches, the Ink Black V2 will provide a deeper and more resonant sound, while the Mountain Top switch offers a more discreet and subdued sound signature. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as mild and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Mountain Top linear switch, on the other hand, is characterized by its bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle feel, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with minimal force required to activate the keys. While both switches offer a gentle typing experience, the Ink Black V2 may feel slightly smoother and more refined due to its polished finish, whereas the Mountain Top switch offers a more lively and responsive typing feel.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it's important to note that they cater to different preferences and environments. The Ink Black V2 excels in providing a rich and bass-heavy sound with a polished and mild feel, making it suitable for enthusiasts who enjoy a more refined typing experience. Conversely, the Mountain Top switch prioritizes a quiet and easy-to-press feel for professional settings, with a more neutral sound profile to ensure a discreet typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Ink Black V2 would be a great choice for a smooth typing experience with a rich clack. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and need a switch designed for office settings with a neutral sound profile, the Mountain Top switch would be more suitable for discreet typing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities and features that align with your typing style and workspace requirements.
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