Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, both of which are linear switches. The Ink Black V2 is a classic choice in the keyboard community, offering a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound. Known for its low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished characteristics, this switch is a favorite among users seeking a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch from Outemu boasts a silent operation without any specific standout characteristics. Each switch has its own unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, it is evident that they both prioritize a unique sound profile. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While the INK blend is known for its clacky sound, the polycarbonate housing is favored for its clear and resonant profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Despite their differences, both materials excel in enhancing the overall typing experience by delivering distinct auditory feedback.
The contrasting bottom housings further highlight the differences between the two switches. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a clacky typing experience. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This variance in bottom housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
While the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean utilize different housing materials, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through unique sound profiles. The INK blend material of the Ink Black V2 provides a satisfyingly clacky sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Dustproof Silent Ocean produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the INK blend bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and feedback, ensuring an enjoyable and tactile typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Black V2 has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Dustproof Silent Ocean's lighter 45 grams, making the Ink Black V2 require a stronger push to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 at 70 grams is also heavier than the 65 grams of the Dustproof Silent Ocean. This difference in weight can cater to different preferences - the Ink Black V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Dustproof Silent Ocean make it a more suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the heavier forces of the Ink Black V2 cater to individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 switch may be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key press with a greater sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 Dustproof Silent Ocean 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which can provide a deep and rich typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch's sound qualities are unknown. Both switches may offer a quiet typing experience due to being linear switches, but without further information, it is difficult to compare their sound accurately.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience. This means that the switch offers a gentle and smooth keypress, with reduced friction and a refined finish for a sleek typing feel. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch's feel qualities remain unknown. While both switches are linear, which typically offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, additional details would be needed to make a direct comparison on their feel characteristics.
Overall, based on the available information, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch seems to offer a smooth downstroke, rich clack sound profile, and a mild, polished typing feel. In contrast, details on the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch are lacking, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison. If the sound and feel qualities of the switches are indeed similar, users could expect to get comparable results in terms of the typing experience they provide.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy, and sometimes chirpy sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel, then the Gateron Ink Black V2 may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and prioritize a silent typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean might be more suited for your needs. Consider these factors carefully to ensure that you choose the switch that best fits your preferences and typing style.
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