Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Ink Black V2 stands out as a long-time community favorite, appreciated for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, providing a tactile experience that many users find satisfying. With its low-pitched and bassy tones, it delivers a unique auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth type feel with a neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing performance. Both switches are linear, ensuring a consistent actuation with no tactile bump, which is ideal for those focused on swift typing and gaming. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Haimu Orange Sea, noticeable distinctions arise in both their construction and the resulting sound profiles they produce. The Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is designed to create a relatively high-pitched and pointed sound characteristic. This material contributes to a satisfying clack when typing, providing users with an auditory experience that is sharp yet not overly harsh. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing that also delivers a high-pitched sound but leans towards a crisper and clearer auditory profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The translucency of polycarbonate additionally enhances its appeal for RGB lighting setups, allowing the glow to shine through effectively while maintaining its sonic properties.
On the bottom housing front, the differences become even more pronounced between the two switches. The Ink Black V2's bottom housing, crafted from the same proprietary INK blend as the top, complements its upper counterpart by maintaining the overall pointed and clacky sound profile. This consistent material choice ensures that the unique auditory signature continues through the entire switch. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in material properties means that the Orange Sea’s bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience. As such, the choice of bottom housing significantly influences the final sound and feel when bottoming out.
In essence, the combination of different housing materials in both switches leads to unique auditory experiences, influenced by the way each component interacts. With the Ink Black V2 having a consistent INK blend throughout both housings, it provides a uniform sound signature that emphasizes sharpness and clarity. In contrast, the mixed materials of the Haimu Orange Sea—with a softer nylon bottom housing paired with a stiffer polycarbonate top—results in a sound profile that features both depth and clarity but may not be as sharply pronounced as that of the Ink Black V2. If a typist appreciates the pronounced clackiness of the Ink Black V2 but desires a richer sound from the Orange Sea, these differences in materials can provide distinct yet complementary tactile and auditory results when used in a keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch to the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Black V2 has a substantially heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and resistance while gaming or typing for extended periods. In contrast, the Orange Sea switch features a lighter actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which allows for quicker keystrokes and less finger fatigue during long sessions, appealing to users favoring a lighter touch. Consequently, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is considered the heavier option, while the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter alternative. As a result, users can expect a more demanding typing experience with the Ink Black V2, while the Orange Sea offers a breezier and easier keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we see a notable difference: the Ink Black V2 features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ink Black V2 the longer option, offering a more traditional and deeper keystroke, which some users may prefer for a fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and faster actuation during gameplay, though some may find the abruptness of the shorter travel less satisfying. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch produces a distinct sound profile characterized as low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy. The low-pitched quality offers a deeper, mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches, creating a rich audio experience that many users find enjoyable. The bassy tone enhances this depth, making every key press feel substantial. The added chirp provides a unique auditory signature, lending a slight squeak that can set it apart from other linear switches. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea's sound characteristics are not provided, leaving a gap in comparison for this aspect. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound may vary based on different keyboard builds and keycap choices, potentially resulting in similar audible effects between both switches depending on those external factors.
When it comes to feel, the Ink Black V2 is noted for its mild and polished characteristics. The mild nature of the switch translates to a gentle typing experience that doesn’t overwhelm, making it accessible for a broad range of users. The polished finish implies a smooth action, reducing friction during key presses, which is especially beneficial for extended typing sessions. The refined feel enhances overall comfort and precision. On the other hand, there is currently no information available regarding the feel of the Haimu Orange Sea, which limits direct comparison.
In summary, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 showcases a rich and varied sound, along with a refined and gentle typing feel, the Haimu Orange Sea’s attributes remain unspecified, leaving an open question about its performance in these areas. If you prefer a switch with a nuanced auditory experience and a finely tuned feel, the Ink Black V2 may best meet those criteria, while the Orange Sea remains an intriguing option whose qualities may reveal themselves through personal experience or further research. Thus, to make an informed decision, hands-on testing of both may be the most enlightening approach.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more robust typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams, the Ink Black V2 is an excellent choice, especially for those who enjoy a deeper, bassy sound profile and a smooth downstroke that enhances the typing rhythm. This switch is particularly appealing if you appreciate slight feedback, as its mild characteristics provide a balanced feel without overwhelming pronounced features. On the other hand, if you lean toward lighter keystrokes with a softer actuation force of 45 grams, the Orange Sea switch caters to those who favor an effortlessly smooth typing experience, allowing for quick and tactile movements across the keyboard without fatigue. While it may lack the distinctive acoustic traits of the Ink Black V2, its neutral sound signature ensures an unobtrusive environment, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. In essence, your choice should align with whether you prefer a heavier, more tactile response or a lighter, fluid motion, both of which can greatly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
