Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. KTT Purple Click

Overview

Introducing the Gateron Ink Black V2, a beloved linear switch renowned for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack. This classic switch offers a low-pitched sound that exudes a sense of sophistication while still providing a subtle bassy undertone. Categorized as 'Mild' and 'Polished,' the Ink Black V2 delivers a typing experience that is both refined and pleasant. On the other hand, we have the KTT Purple Click, also known as the Purple Sauce switch. This clicky switch stands out with its high-pitched, satisfying click that adds an invigorating crunch to each keystroke. The Purple Click strikes the perfect balance between lightness and tactility, providing an enjoyable typing experience without overwhelming your senses. Categorized as 'Resonant' and 'Stepped,' this switch offers a distinct and memorable feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the KTT Purple Click each feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The top housing of the Ink Black V2 is made of a proprietary INK blend, which creates a pointed and high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound. Similarly, the Purple Click utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials offer a satisfying clacky sound, but the polycarbonate top housing of the Purple Click is particularly advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Black V2 retains its proprietary INK blend, contributing to its characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Purple Click incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This ultimately creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Black V2's sharper and higher-pitched sound.

With the top and bottom housings being different for each switch, pressing down on either switch will allow you to experience the qualities of the respective housing materials. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the Ink Black V2's proprietary blend and the Purple Click's nylon bottom housing will significantly influence these aspects. Conversely, the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while the Ink Black V2 and the Purple Click offer similar clacky sounds, their different housing materials result in variations in sharpness and pitch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The actuation force for the Ink Black V2 is 60 grams, while the Purple Click requires only 40 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 is heavier at 70 grams compared to the 55 grams of the Purple Click.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Purple Click would be the better option as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. This can be advantageous for individuals who engage in prolonged typing sessions or intensive gaming sessions, as the lighter weight reduces fatigue over time. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Ink Black V2 provides a heavier actuation and bottom out force, offering a more tactile and robust typing experience.

In summary, the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and KTT Purple Click switches differ significantly. The Ink Black V2 is heavier in both aspects, providing a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Purple Click is lighter, resulting in a medium-light typing experience. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired intensity of typing feedback.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is best known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched and bassy profile. The sound it produces is more mellow and deeper, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It also has a unique chirpy characteristic that sets it apart from other switches.

On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is known for its fairly high-pitched and satisfying click. The keystrokes are light and offer a pronounced tactility without being overwhelming. In terms of sound, the Purple Click switch has a crunchy profile, similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It also offers a clean and sharp resonant sound profile, contributing to an immersive auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle typing sensation with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Contrastingly, the Purple Click switch offers an invigorating typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy and reactive feel. It requires a moderate to firm actuation force, and it falls under the category of stepped switches. This means that it has a mild feel, allowing the user to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel during keystrokes.

To summarize, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and KTT Purple Click switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Black V2 offers a smooth downstroke, rich clack, low-pitched sound, mild feel, and a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Click provides a satisfying click, light keystrokes, pronounced tactility, crunchy sound, invigorating feel, and falls under the category of stepped switches. Depending on the desired typing experience, users can choose between these switches to achieve similar or different results in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is the way to go. It offers a mild and polished feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of sound, it has a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a satisfying high-pitched click, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is the better choice. It provides an invigorating and stepped feel, with pronounced feedback and a snappy typing sensation. Its sound profile is described as crunchy and resonant, giving you an immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your preferred bottom out force, desired typing feel, and sound preference.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more