Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Purple offer distinct typing experiences. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch that is well-loved within the community for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack. Known for its low-pitched, bassy sound profile, this switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that offers a different feel with its tactile bump upon actuation. While it may lack a distinct description, this switch provides feedback that some typists prefer. When deciding between the two, it's important to consider whether you prioritize a smooth linear typing experience or a tactile feedback. 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
50g
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
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 Purple both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. While the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, the Purple comes with a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound. Despite these differences, both materials offer a satisfying sound experience, with the INK blend providing a clacky sound while the polycarbonate delivers a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Ink Black V2 boasts the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a consistent high-pitched and satisfying sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple uses a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the INK blend. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how different plastics can influence the overall sound and feel of a switch, with nylon lending a rounder sound compared to the sharper sound of the INK blend.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Outemu Purple will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the INK blend top housing offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple provides a sharper and crisper sound that is especially enhanced with RGB lighting. Additionally, the contrast between the INK blend and nylon bottom housings highlights the impact of different plastics on the overall sound profile of a switch. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch. With an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, the Gateron switch offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, but its bottom out force is unspecified. Those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Outemu Purple, while those seeking a more tactile typing experience may opt for the Gateron Ink Black V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it can be said that the travel distance for both would provide a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. This means that whether you choose the Ink Black V2 or the Purple switch, you can expect a consistent typing feel with the same amount of key travel. Overall, the travel distance of 4mm for both switches offers a comfortable and familiar typing experience for users.
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 Purple 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, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, offering a rich and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound qualities is not available. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined key press with reduced friction and a gentle typing feel. Unfortunately, no information is provided about the feel of the Outemu Purple tactile switch. Both switches fall within the linear and tactile categories respectively, so while the specific qualities may differ, users can expect similar results in terms of general typing experience within their respective categories.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is praised for its smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, along with a mild and polished feel for a comfortable typing experience. Unfortunately, specific information about the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound and feel qualities is not available. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. It's recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your preferences as a mechanical keyboard user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch or the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it's important to take into account your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth downstroke with a rich clack sound, the Ink Black V2 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force and value a gentle typing experience with a polished finish, the Outemu Purple could be the right choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will ultimately come down to your individual preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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