Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider their key differences. The Ink Black V2 is a popular linear switch, boasting a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound. Known for its low-pitched, bassy, and polished feel, this switch is favored by many in the keyboard enthusiast community. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While there is limited information available about its characteristics, tactile switches are generally preferred by those who enjoy a tactile bump and feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
N/A
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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing that provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the Outemu Milk Tea utilizes a Ly top housing that offers a bright and resonant clack. Both materials bring unique qualities to the switches, with the INK blend providing a thinner and higher-pitched sound compared to the Milk Tea's more vibrant and resonant sound signature. However, despite these differences, both top housings offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct auditory feedback.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Gateron Ink Black V2 utilizes its proprietary INK blend which contributes to the switch's pointed and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea employs a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition which absorbs more sound. While the Ink Black V2's bottom housing enhances the overall clackiness of the switch, the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing creates a rounder and duller sound, providing a more muted typing experience.
Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Outemu Milk Tea switches play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The INK blend and Ly top housings offer unique auditory feedback, while the INK blend and nylon bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. Despite their differences, both switches provide satisfying typing experiences with distinct sound signatures, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, we can see distinct differences. The Ink Black V2 has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Milk Tea's lighter 45 grams, making the Milk Tea easier to trigger a keystroke. The bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 is also heavier at 70 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. This results in a more substantial typing experience with the Ink Black V2 due to the heavier forces required. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Milk Tea more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that whether you choose the Ink Black V2 or the Milk Tea, you can expect to feel a consistent key press depth of 4 mm. This uniform travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience for users, regardless of which switch they choose. Both switches offer a standard key press depth, making them equally suitable for typing and gaming applications. In conclusion, the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Milk Tea switches is identical, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of key press depth.
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 Milk Tea 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 offers a low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy sound profile, giving a deep and rich tone to key presses. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a smooth keypress and refined finish for a sleek typing sensation. This makes it a versatile option suitable for a wide range of users. In contrast, there is no specific information provided about the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch, making it challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches in this regard.
Taking all available information into consideration, it is clear that the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for its smooth downstroke, rich clack sound, mild feel, and polished finish. While the qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are unknown based on the provided information, it is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when selecting a switch. Ultimately, both switches may offer a satisfactory typing experience, but for those looking for a proven option with specific sound and feel characteristics, the Gateron Ink Black V2 may be the preferred choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a smooth linear typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, then the Ink Black V2 may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a switch with a tactile bump for added feedback and a unique typing experience, the Milk Tea switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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