Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a linear switch mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Gateron North Pole V2 are two exceptional options to consider. The Ink Black V2 is a classic in the community, renowned for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. With a low-pitched, bassy sound profile and a mild yet polished feel, this switch offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is best described as gummy, providing a deep and muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel. Its creamy and subdued characteristics contribute to a bouncy and polished typing experience. However, let's explore these switches further to help you determine the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron North Pole V2 differ in their housing materials, resulting in variations in sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 incorporates polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. While both switches offer satisfying thin and higher-pitched sounds, the North Pole V2 with its polycarbonate housing is likely to deliver a more striking and defined sound experience.
However, if a switch features different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material will be divided between the two parts. When pressing down on the switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the sound and feel of the key bottoming out. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. It is important to consider this distinction when comparing the Ink Black V2 and North Pole V2, as their separate top and bottom housings will influence different aspects of their overall sound profiles and tactile feedback.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron North Pole V2 play a significant role in their respective sound profiles. The proprietary INK blend used in the Ink Black V2 produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the North Pole V2 creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Furthermore, the transparent nature of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal when paired with RGB lighting effects. However, it is important to note that the impact of the housing materials is split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Overall, while both switches offer similar thin and higher-pitched sounds, the North Pole V2 is likely to deliver a more striking and defined sound experience due to its polycarbonate housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, some differences can be observed. The Ink Black V2 has a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 is 70 grams, while the North Pole V2 requires 65 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, which indicates a substantial typing experience.
Considering the weight aspect, those preferring a lighter switch will find the North Pole V2 more suitable, as its actuation and bottom out forces are comparatively lower. This lighter force allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel may opt for the Ink Black V2. It offers a slightly higher actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience.
In summary, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches have similar weight categories, with both being medium-heavy, the Ink Black V2 requires slightly more force for actuation and bottoming out. However, those looking for a lighter option can still achieve similar results with the North Pole V2, given its slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same 4mm distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer 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 Gateron 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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics. These switches produce a deep and rich sound profile during key presses, reminiscent of the depth and richness of bass tones. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 has a unique chirpy quality, giving it a distinct acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 offers a more subdued sound. While not completely silent, these switches produce a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound profile compared to most switches. 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 chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. These switches offer a gentle typing sensation and a middle-ground zone in terms of characteristics. The Ink Black V2 also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 offers a unique gummy and creamy typing experience. Bottoming out on these switches feels like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, providing a plush and cushioned feeling. The North Pole V2 also offers a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. Similar to the Ink Black V2, the North Pole V2 also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Black V2 provides a smooth downstroke and a rich, clacky sound profile, while the North Pole V2 offers a deep and muted sound. When it comes to feel, the Ink Black V2 provides a mild and polished typing experience, while the North Pole V2 offers a gummy and creamy feel, along with a bouncy and polished sensation. While they differ in certain aspects, both switches have qualities that make them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow sound or a unique gummy and creamy feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, it provides a comfortable typing experience. In terms of sound, it offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, with a unique chirpy characteristic. As for feel, the Ink Black V2 is mild and polished, resulting in a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more gummy typing feel and a deep, muted sound profile, the Gateron North Pole V2 is the switch for you. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams, it still provides a satisfying tactile feedback. The North Pole V2 has a subdued sound signature, producing a dampened sound when pressed. In terms of feel, it offers a gummy and creamy sensation, like bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, the North Pole V2 provides a bouncy feedback sensation, giving you rebound when pressing the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron North Pole V2 depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prioritize a classic linear switch with a rich clack or a gummy typing feel with a deep sound profile, both switches offer unique features and can enhance your typing experience.
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