Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Ink Black V2 is a classic favorite known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. With its low-pitched, bassy sound profile, this switch offers a mild yet polished typing experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 sets itself apart by removing the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, resulting in a crisper typing experience. However, it still maintains the hallmark feature of the North Pole lineup - a frictionless typing feel. With a polished and creamy profile, this switch is loved for its seamless glide and smoothness. So, if you are looking for a switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 may be your top choice. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches differ in their composition. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which results in a thin and higher-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, clear housings are more likely to be polycarbonate, making them ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting.
While the top and bottom housings of the two switches differ in material, they both offer similar characteristics in terms of sound profile. Both the proprietary INK blend and polycarbonate housings contribute to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, although the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing offers a slightly sharper and crisper tone. In terms of functionality, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound produced when the key is released. Thus, while there are material differences, users can expect similar results in terms of sound experience with both switches.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches feature different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, while the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper tone. However, both switches share similar characteristics, such as a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. It is important to consider these differences and similarities when selecting a switch that best suits individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ink Black V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 50 grams. This means that the Ink Black V2 requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 is also heavier at 70 grams compared to the New North Pole V2's 62.5 grams. This means that when fully pressing down the keys, the Ink Black V2 provides a slightly more substantial typing experience. However, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range of force. If someone prefers a lighter touch, the New North Pole V2 with its lower actuation and bottom out force would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Ink Black V2 offers slightly heavier forces for a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, while there are differences in actuation and bottom out forces, the results between the two switches will be fairly similar, especially considering the relatively narrow variance in force levels.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 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 Ink Black V2 or the New North Pole V2, you can expect the switch to travel 4 mm from the top to the bottom.
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 New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch offers a crisper typing experience by removing the rubber dampener. However, it still maintains the frictionless typing feel that the North Pole lineup is known for, ensuring a seamless glide and smoothness that users love.
In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, characterized by a mellow tone with a depth and richness resembling bass tones. Additionally, it has a unique chirpy sound, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2's sound is unknown, but it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Ink Black V2 and the New North Pole V2 offer a polished typing experience, thanks to their smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, allowing for a sleek and effortless typing experience. The Ink Black V2 is described as having a mild typing experience, standing in a safe middle-ground zone, while the New North Pole V2 is also described as having a creamy and frictionless typing experience, providing a silky sensation and an extremely smooth and effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Black V2 offers a mellow and bassy sound with a smooth and refined typing experience, the New North Pole V2 provides a crisper typing experience with a creamy and frictionless feel. Both switches maintain Gateron's commitment to seamless glide and smoothness. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose between the rich clack and chirpy sound of the Ink Black V2 or the unknown sound of the New North Pole V2. Additionally, both switches offer a polished typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches are excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a high-quality linear switch experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth downstroke, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its 70-gram bottom out force offers a satisfying typing experience, and its smooth downstroke ensures a rich clack sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a crisper typing experience, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch would be more suitable. With its 62.5-gram bottom out force and the removal of the rubber dampener, this switch provides a frictionless typing feel while still maintaining the seamless glide and smoothness that users love. In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 is low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy, while the New North Pole V2 does not have any specific sound characteristics mentioned. Both switches offer a polished feel, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel. Additionally, the New North Pole V2 is also described as creamy and frictionless, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. Therefore, when choosing between these two switches, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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