Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Phalaenopsis, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences to enhance your typing journey. The Ink Black V2, a linear switch, is a long-time favorite in the keyboard community, renowned for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. Its low-pitched, bassy sound profile offers a pleasant typing experience that feels mild yet polished. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis, a tactile switch, introduces the beautiful and translucent Phalaenopsis switches. With a light actuation force of 37g, typing becomes effortless and finger fatigue is minimized, even during prolonged typing sessions. The 50g tactile force provides a satisfying and discernible tactile bump, creating a delightful experience with every keystroke. Categorized as bassy, stepped, and thocky, the Phalaenopsis offers a unique sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Phalaenopsis, specifically the top housing, have distinct differences. The Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary INK blend, which results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis employs a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting.
Similarly, when comparing the bottom housings of the Ink Black V2 and Phalaenopsis switches, notable distinctions arise. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its overall sound profile, described as pointed and relatively high-pitched but not overly sharp. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. As with the top housing, the polycarbonate material enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Notably, the bottom housing tends to have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed.
Although the specific housing materials differ between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Phalaenopsis, they both prioritize creating a high-pitched and crisp sound profile. The Ink Black V2 achieves this through its proprietary INK blend, while the Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings. Both materials offer a satisfying thin sound that is often described as clacky. Furthermore, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate housing in the Phalaenopsis makes it an excellent choice for those who plan to use RGB lighting. While there are slight variations in how the two switches achieve these sound profiles, they ultimately provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch with the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ink Black V2 has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis' 37 grams, making the former require more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 again takes the lead with 70 grams, while the Phalaenopsis has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams.
The difference in weight between these switches offers distinct typing experiences. The Ink Black V2's medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. This could be preferred by individuals who enjoy a greater tactile response and a sense of more resistance during typing.
On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force. This lighter weight provides a smoother typing experience, allowing users to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This could be advantageous for those who require extended periods of typing, such as office workers or avid gamers.
In summary, while the Ink Black V2 linear switch requires heavier force for actuation and bottom out, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is lighter in both respects. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their equal travel distance. Therefore, users can expect similar results when typing on either switch, as both have the same distance from the top to the bottom.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, they have a unique chirpy characteristic, adding a subtle squeak to the sound during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches also have a bassy sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. They are described as thocky, meaning they produce a deep, satisfying sound similar to a "thud" or a soft "knock." It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also affected by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer a mild and polished typing experience. They fall into the middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The switches are described as having a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can be attributed to the materials used and/or factory lubing. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches have a stepped feel. Stepped switches exhibit a two-stage tactile feel, where there is some noticeable pre-travel and post-travel during key presses. This gives a more mild tactile feedback compared to switches with a larger bump, such as hypertactile switches.
Based on the available information, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and KTT Phalaenopsis switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Black V2 offers a more low-pitched, bassy, and even slightly chirpy sound, while the Phalaenopsis provides a bassy sound with a thocky profile. In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 has a mild and polished typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis has a stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. However, if a similar sound or feel is desired, one can choose the Ink Black V2 for a low-pitched and bassy sound, or the Phalaenopsis for a thocky feel.
Conclusion
In summary, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth downstroke with a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is a great choice for you. This classic switch has been a favorite in the community for a long time and offers a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter bottom out force and a tactile bump for each keystroke, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the way to go. With its beautiful translucent design and light actuation force, typing becomes effortless and finger fatigue is minimized even during prolonged sessions. Additionally, the Phalaenopsis provides a discernible tactile bump for a delightful typing experience.
When it comes to sound, both switches offer a bassy profile, but the Ink Black V2 also has a low-pitched and chirpy characteristic. The Phalaenopsis, on the other hand, produces a thocky sound when pressed and released.
In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 provides a mild and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Phalaenopsis, on the other hand, offers a stepped feel with a more mild tactile experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch depends on your preferences for bottom out force, typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Consider the characteristics that matter most to you and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences.
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