Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Cherry MX Brown, two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences. The Ink Black V2, a linear switch, is a classic choice with a smooth downstroke and a satisfying clack. It is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound, giving a sense of richness to every keystroke. On the other hand, the MX Brown, a tactile switch, embraces subtlety with its light typing experience and gentle tactility. It offers a more subdued audio feedback, characterized by a textured feel and a low-pitched sound. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Cherry MX Brown switches differ significantly, resulting in distinct typing experiences. The Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary blend of plastic for both the top and bottom housings. This blend creates a pointed and higher-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound profile, often described as clacky. On the other hand, the MX Brown adopts nylon for its top and bottom housings, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. Therefore, the Ink Black V2 produces a thin and higher-pitched sound, while the MX Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound with a duller quality.
In terms of the bottom housings, the differential characteristics persist. The Ink Black V2's proprietary blend of plastic adds to the switch's pointed and higher-pitched sound profile, echoing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the MX Brown's nylon bottom housing contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muffled sound when bottoming out the keys. Consequently, the bottom housings of both switches contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel, but with differing effects.
Conversely, the impact of the top housing becomes apparent when releasing a key. The Ink Black V2's proprietary blend of plastic contributes to the switch's satisfying thin and clacky sound when a key is released. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the MX Brown generates a softer and fuller sound when letting go of a key. Although the materials are different, both switches provide a distinct sound upon key release, albeit with varying qualities.
In conclusion, the housing materials utilized in the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Cherry MX Brown switches create distinct typing experiences. While the Ink Black V2's proprietary blend of plastic generates a thin and clacky sound throughout, the MX Brown's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the bottom housings play a significant role in the overall typing experience, with the Ink Black V2 emphasizing its pointed and higher-pitched sound profile, and the MX Brown delivering a rounder and more muffled sound. Though the top housing materials differ, both switches offer satisfying sound profiles when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The actuation force of the Ink Black V2 is 60 grams, while the MX Brown requires only 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the MX Brown has a lighter actuation force, which can be more preferable for those who require a lighter touch when typing for extended periods. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 is 70 grams, while the MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams. In this aspect, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier force compared to the MX Brown. This heavier force can provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience. However, it is worth mentioning that despite the differences in force, both switches offer a similar result in terms of actuation and bottom out, albeit with varying degrees of lightness and heaviness.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. However, it is important to note that the Ink Black V2 and MX Brown switches differ in terms of their switch types (linear and tactile) and actuation force. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke, while the MX Brown is a tactile switch, offering a slight bump to indicate actuation. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile during key presses. These switches have a more mellow tone with a deeper and richer sound resembling bass tones. Additionally, these switches have a unique chirpy characteristic that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch also provides a bassy sound profile but with a relatively lighter and more subtle audio feedback. The MX Brown switches have a lower frequency range, resulting in a more gentle and subdued sound during typing. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. These switches provide a more gentle and approachable feel, making them suitable for most users. They have a safe and middle-ground quality that is not too pronounced. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is described as textured or scratchy. This means that these switches have noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. However, there are also users who prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience, which may not be provided by the MX Brown switches.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Black V2 switches provide a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile along with a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches offer a bassy sound profile with a relatively lighter and more subtle audio feedback, along with a textured feel. While both switches have their unique characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a smoother and refined typing experience with reduced friction, the Ink Black V2 switches would be a good choice. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with more noticeable friction, the MX Brown switches would be more suitable. However, it is important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are in search of a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience. In terms of sound, it has a low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy sound profile. As for feel, it provides a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle tactile experience, the Cherry MX Brown is the switch for you. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a medium-light typing experience. It is best known for its subtlety, providing a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. In terms of sound, it has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. However, it is important to note that some users may find it slightly textured or scratchy.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Cherry MX Brown depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth linear switch with a heavier typing experience, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a great option. However, if you prefer a more subtle tactile experience with a lighter typing feel, the Cherry MX Brown is a suitable choice. Consider your typing style and sound preferences to make an informed decision.
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