Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2, a linear switch, and the Bsun Olive, a tactile switch, present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Black V2 is praised for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, offering a low-pitched, bassy sound with a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive stands out for its all-POM housings that deliver a resonant, deep sound coupled with pronounced tactile feedback. The Olive switch is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

Bsun Olive Tactile

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Bsun Olive both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Ink Black V2 uses a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Olive switch utilizes a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users, with the Ink Black V2 producing a sharper sound while the Olive switch has a more subtle and muted sound.

Despite having different housing materials for the top and bottom housings, the Ink Black V2 and the Bsun Olive switches both offer a satisfying typing experience. The Ink Black V2's INK blend top housing contributes to its unique sound profile, while its bottom housing plays a vital role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Olive switch's POM top housing creates a deeper sound profile while its bottom housing adds to the overall muted feel of the switch. This split in housing materials allows for a more complex and nuanced typing experience that caters to different preferences.

Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Bsun Olive will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While the INK blend housing of the Ink Black V2 provides a more pronounced and clacky sound, the POM housing of the Olive switch offers a deeper and more muted typing experience. Both switches offer a high-quality construction that enhances the overall feel and sound of the switch, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of which switch they choose, as both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we find that the Ink Black V2 is heavier with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Olive is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Ink Black V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Olive offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Both switches offer similar results in terms of performance, but the difference in weight makes them suitable for different preferences. Those who prioritize a lighter feel may prefer the Olive, while those who prefer a heavier touch may opt for the Ink Black V2 for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Olive switch has the shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Black V2. The difference of 0.6 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience for some users. Those who prioritize a quicker response time may find the Olive switch more suitable, while others who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Ink Black V2. Both switches offer a different feel and response due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is best described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, giving off a rich and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is known for its resonant and deep sound due to the all-POM housing, providing a unique auditory experience. While the Ink Black V2 offers a more subtle and classic clack, the Olive switch delivers a pronounced and satisfying sound that sets it apart in terms of overall acoustics. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Ink Black V2 providing a low-pitched tone and the Olive offering a deeper, more resonant sound.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience, featuring a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The long pole stem of the Olive switch ensures a crisp bottom-out and a distinctive tactile bump with each key press, creating an immersive and dynamic typing sensation. While the Ink Black V2 provides a gentle and approachable typing experience, the Olive switch offers a more intense and responsive tactile feedback for those looking for a more engaging typing feel.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Black V2 provides a classic and smooth downstroke with a low-pitched sound, along with a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Olive switch delivers a deep and resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback, offering an invigorating and sharp typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Ink Black V2 appealing to those seeking a traditional linear switch experience, while the Bsun Olive is designed for users looking for a tactile switch with a rich sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.

Conclusion

Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch or the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound, then the Ink Black V2 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy pronounced tactile feedback, a resonant deep sound, and a unique typing experience, the Bsun Olive switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, so it really comes down to the sound and feel that you prefer while typing. Consider these factors carefully to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more