Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch beloved for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack, making it a favorite among many enthusiasts. Its characteristics are often described as low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that may not have as much of a distinct reputation, but it offers a tactile bump and audible feedback for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. While both switches have their unique qualities and advantages, it ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style when choosing between the two. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 offers a thinner, high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Crystal Brown utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Ink Black V2's INK blend bottom housing.
While the top housings of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches differ in material and sound profile, their bottom housings also offer distinct characteristics. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 contributes to its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown produces a deeper and more rounded sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the INK blend bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience and sound of each switch.
In terms of impact on typing experience, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches play a significant role. The combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch influences the overall sound profile when typing. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether it be the sharper, high-pitched sound of the Crystal Brown or the thinner, clacky sound of the Ink Black V2, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in key feel and sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch. The Ink Black V2 requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Crystal Brown only needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, classifying it as a medium-light switch. The difference in weight between the two switches can impact the typing experience, with the heavier force of the Ink Black V2 providing a more substantial push feel, while the lighter force of the Crystal Brown allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. While both switches offer a similar travel distance, they differ in terms of their typing experience due to their respective linear and tactile characteristics. The Gateron Ink Black V2 provides a smooth and consistent typing feel, ideal for fast typists, while the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a tactile bump for added feedback during typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding typing experience.
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 Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy sound profile, providing a rich and deep tone during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is not available. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth key travel that falls in a comfortable middle ground. Conversely, details regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch are not provided in the available information. It is worth noting that a polished switch typically indicates a refined finish with reduced friction for smoother typing.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is praised for its low-pitched, bassy sound and mild, polished tactile feel, information on the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is lacking. If both switches were to share similar characteristics in sound and feel, users can expect a comparable typing experience. To make an informed decision, it is recommended to try out both switches firsthand to determine which one aligns best with your preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a smooth downstroke and rich clack sound profile, the Ink Black V2 would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a mild and polished feel, the Crystal Brown might be the better switch for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
