Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Durock Piano

Overview

Introducing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Piano, two popular mechanical keyboard switches in the linear category. The Gateron Ink Black V2 is a classic choice, beloved by the community for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack. With a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, this switch provides a mild yet polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, which creates a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Categorized as bassy, frictionless, and silky, the Piano offers a pleasant and smooth typing experience. Both switches have their unique advantages, making them excellent choices for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's now delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best switch choice for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

Durock Piano Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Piano both have proprietary blend top and bottom housings, but the descriptions provided for each housing material differ. While the Ink Black V2's INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, the Piano's POM blend top housing offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Despite these differences, both housings contribute to the overall sound when a key is released. On the other hand, the bottom housing of each switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down.

In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2's INK blend top housing is described as clacky, implying a thinner and higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the Piano's POM blend top housing remains ambiguous in terms of its exact sound characteristics. However, it is highlighted as providing a deep and satisfying noise. While the exact qualities may differ between the two, both switches are likely to deliver a satisfactory auditory experience when the keys are released.

When it comes to feel, the bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role. For the Ink Black V2, the INK blend bottom housing complements the top housing with its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Piano utilizes a POM blend bottom housing, but the exact details of this blend are unknown. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that the POM blend contributes to a unique and deep sound profile. Despite the lack of specific information, it can be inferred that both switches prioritize delivering distinct tactile sensations based on the characteristics of their respective bottom housings.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Piano offer different housing materials with distinct sound profiles. While the Ink Black V2's INK blend top housing provides a clacky, thin, and high-pitched sound, the Piano's POM blend top housing is known for a deep and satisfying noise. Although the details of the bottom housings are not disclosed, it is clear that both switches focus on creating distinct tactile experiences while typing. Despite their differences, both switches are capable of delivering impressive results in terms of sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which can be categorized as medium-heavy. On the other hand, the exact actuation force of the Piano switch is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling in the medium-heavy range. While the specific actuation force of the Piano switch is unknown, it is safe to assume that it would be relatively similar to the Ink Black V2, resulting in comparable results. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Ink Black V2, as it allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming. Conversely, the Piano switch offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force, with the Ink Black V2 being slightly heavier at the bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Piano linear switches have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel a distance of 4mm from the top to the bottom. Thus, the travel distance of the two switches is equal, providing a similar tactile experience when typing or gaming. Whether you choose the Gateron Ink Black V2 or the Durock Piano switch, you can expect a consistent travel distance, ensuring comfort and reliability in your typing or gaming sessions.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Piano switches have a bassy sound profile. This means that they offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, the Ink Black V2 has an additional descriptor of "chirpy," which means it has a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. It has a little squeak to it, adding a bit of character to the sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 switch has a mild and polished typing experience. Being mild means that it offers a gentle typing experience without any extreme characteristics. It stands in a safe, middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. The polished aspect indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is described as frictionless and silky. Being frictionless means it offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. The silky aspect enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Piano switches offer pleasant linear typing experiences. They provide smooth downstrokes and rich clacks, and they both have a bassy sound profile during key presses. The Ink Black V2 has the unique chirpy sound characteristic, while the Durock Piano is described as frictionless and silky. While there may be slight differences in sound and feel, overall, they provide similar subjective qualities for a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be a solid choice. This switch offers a mild typing experience with its safe and middle-ground characteristics. In terms of sound, it has a low-pitched and bassy profile, with the added unique feature of a chirpy sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pleasant typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound, the Durock Piano is an excellent option. It has a slightly lighter bottom out force than the Ink Black V2, at 63.5 grams. The Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It has a bassy sound profile, similar to the Ink Black V2. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock Piano would depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more