Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Oil King are both linear switches that offer a smooth typing experience. The Ink Black V2 is a classic choice that has been loved by the mechanical keyboard community for some time. It boasts a smooth downstroke and a satisfying clack sound. On the other hand, the Oil King is another fantastic option, providing users with a buttery smooth feel and a sound profile that's reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. Both switches share similarities in their low-pitched and bassy characteristics, and offer a polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
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
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Oil King have different housing materials for both their top and bottom parts. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing. In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2's top housing produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer plastic, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, the Ink Black V2 and the Oil King both use the proprietary INK blend material. This means that they have similar characteristics, producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. The bottom housing of a switch primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, whether you're using the Ink Black V2 or the Oil King, you can expect similar results in terms of the sound and feel experienced when pressing down on these switches.
However, the top housing of a switch has more impact on the sound when you release a key. Here is where the Ink Black V2 and the Oil King differ. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which may result in a satisfying clacky sound when you let go of a key. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Oil King produces a deeper and fuller sound. This means that when you release a key on the Oil King switch, you can expect a sound that is less sharp and more rounded compared to the Ink Black V2.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Oil King have different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a thin and clacky sound, while the Oil King's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. However, the bottom housing of these switches is the same, characterized by a pointed and high-pitched sound. When pressing down on either switch, you'll experience similar results. The main difference lies in the sound produced when you release a key, with the Ink Black V2 offering a sharper sound and the Oil King providing a rounder sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Firstly, the actuation force of the Ink Black V2 is slightly heavier at 60 grams compared to the Oil King's 55 grams. However, both switches can be categorized as medium-heavy in terms of actuation force. As for the bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 requires 70 grams of force, while the Oil King requires 65 grams. Again, both switches fall into the medium-heavy range for bottom out force. Overall, if you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force and bottom out force, the Oil King would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Ink Black V2 would be a suitable choice. Regardless of the specific force measurements, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them both viable options for individuals who prefer a medium-heavy switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance between these two switches. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying key press experience with the same travel distance, making them suitable choices for users who prefer a linear switch with a 4 mm travel distance.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Gateron Oil King linear switches share similar qualities. They are described as low-pitched and bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This means that both switches produce a mellower tone with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, the Ink Black V2 switch is also mentioned to have a chirpy characteristic, which sets it apart with a unique acoustic signature. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as mild and polished. A mild switch offers a more gentle typing experience with its middle-ground qualities, making it approachable to most users. The polished characteristic indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. These characteristics indicate that the Oil King switch offers an exceptionally smooth and buttery typing experience. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly, with each keystroke melting into the switch. The silky and buttery qualities minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing a seamlessly uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Gateron Oil King linear switches offer subjective qualities that will appeal to different preferences. In terms of sound, they share similar low-pitched and bassy characteristics, with the Ink Black V2 having a unique chirpy sound. When it comes to feel, the Ink Black V2 offers a mild and polished typing experience, while the Oil King provides a creamy, silky, and buttery sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as considering other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, then the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience that many find satisfying. In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched and bassy profile, with the added unique acoustic signature of a little squeak. When it comes to feel, this switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, then the Gateron Oil King is the switch for you. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 65 grams, it still offers a medium-heavy typing experience. The Oil King also has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, similar to the Ink Black V2. However, it doesn't have the chirpy acoustic signature.
In closing, both switches have their unique characteristics and are loved by the community. The choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Oil King ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, go for the Ink Black V2. If you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience, go for the Oil King. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer quality linear options that will enhance your typing experience.
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