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Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)

An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade). The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch that has garnered a strong following in the keyboard enthusiast community. Renowned for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack, this switch offers a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is a tactile switch that boasts a unique blend of PBT housing, making it a premium option. With a strong and sharp tactile bump on the downstroke, it provides a satisfying feel. However, what truly sets it apart is the even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a truly hypertactile sensation. Additionally, these switches offer a distinctive and impactful typing experience with their medium-heavy feel and accentuated bottom-out. Both switches have their strengths and appealing qualities, so let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

60g

Actuation force

50g

Bottom-out force

70g

Bottom-out force

67g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 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

PBT

Bottom housing material

Proprietary INK blend

Bottom housing material

PBT

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Color coated

Spring

Gold-plated

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) have different housing materials, which contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. On the other hand, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has PBT housing for both its top and bottom. PBT is known for offering a neutral sound profile, neither overly crisp nor dull.

While the materials used for the top and bottom housing differ between the two switches, they both impact the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable. In the case of the Ink Black V2, the INK blend bottom housing adds to the thin and higher-pitched clackiness. With the Moyu Black (Dark Jade), the PBT bottom housing contributes to the overall neutral sound profile.

However, when it comes to the sound when releasing a key, the top housing plays a more significant role. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound upon key release. Similarly, the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) also influences the sound when letting go of a key, offering a neutral sound experience.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in their proprietary INK blend and PBT housing materials, both switches provide unique sound profiles. The INK blend of the Ink Black V2 brings a pointed and clacky sound, while the PBT housing of the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a neutral sound. Whether it's the bottom-out sound and feel or the sound upon key release, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall experience, resulting in distinct characteristics for each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Firstly, the Ink Black V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Moyu Black's 50 grams. This means that the Ink Black V2 requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Ink Black V2 at 70 grams and the Moyu Black at 67 grams. This implies that both switches offer a more substantial typing experience with a noticeable resistance when pressed all the way down.

Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may favor the Moyu Black with its lower actuation force. The lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more robust and tactile feel may prefer the Ink Black V2 with its slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force. This additional resistance provides a more satisfying push during typing.

In summary, the Ink Black V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the Moyu Black, while both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force. The choice between the two would depend on the individual's preference for lighter or stronger push feel during typing.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key outfitted with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.

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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.

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

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone during key presses. These switches have a more mellow and deeper sound profile that resembles the richness and depth associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch has a resonant sound profile with a higher pitch. Typing on these switches will provide a clean and sharp sound experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. So, depending on your choice of components, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound with either switch.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. These switches provide a gentle typing feel that most people will find approachable, as they have qualities that fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is described as accented and sharp. These switches offer a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The tactile bump in these switches is strong, crisp, and can be distinctly felt with each keypress. By using lubed switches and high-quality keycaps, you can achieve a similar smooth and refined feel with either switch.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch each have their own unique qualities. The Ink Black V2 provides a smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a sharp and impactful typing experience with its distinct upstroke bump and resonant sound. Both switches offer a premium typing experience and can be customized to achieve similar results in sound and feel depending on the choice of keyboard components. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be a great choice. It offers a rich clack sound and a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is a standout option. It provides a sharp and strong tactile feel, creating a unique and impactful typing experience. In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 provides a mild and polished typing experience, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) offers an accented and sharp tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the specific sound and feel you desire.

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