Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Quinn, two topnotch mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences to enhance your typing pleasure. The Ink Black V2, a linear switch, is a long-time community favorite known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. With its low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished sound profile, it provides a satisfying and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn, a tactile switch, offers a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. Its specially designed nylon housings contribute to a rich and immersive sound with each keystroke, adding character to your typing experience. With a plethora of qualities such as being snappy, bassy, polished, bouncy, clacky, accented, buttery, creamy, low-pitched, and resonant, the Quinn promises a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Quinn differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This creates a satisfying clacky sound when typing. In contrast, the Quinn utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the Ink Black V2 provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Quinn offers a more mellow and deeper sound during typing.
In terms of feel, the bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed. This means that the qualities of the INK blend bottom housing in the Ink Black V2 will contribute to the overall experience when pressing down a key. The pointed and high-pitched sound associated with the INK blend will be felt more prominently during bottom-out. On the other hand, the top housing of the switch influences the sound when releasing a key. With the nylon top housing in the Quinn, the switch will have a significant impact on the sound produced when the key is let go.
While the housing materials of the Ink Black V2 and the Quinn differ, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience. Although they produce different sound profiles, both switches have been crafted to ensure a pleasant feel and sound with their respective housing materials. Whether you prefer the clacky and high-pitched sound of the Ink Black V2's INK blend or the deeper and fuller sound of the Quinn's nylon, you can expect similar satisfaction from both switches in terms of overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we can see that both switches have similar weights. The Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. Similarly, the Quinn has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling under the medium-heavy category. This means that both switches require a similar amount of force to trigger a keystroke and provide a satisfying typing experience. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of feel and performance when using either of these switches. Weight preference will ultimately depend on individual typing preferences - those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing may lean towards the Quinn, while those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel may opt for the Ink Black V2.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is clear that the Ink Black V2 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Quinn has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Ink Black V2 falls into the category of traditional travel distances at 4.0mm, while the Quinn is on the shallower side at 3.0mm. Gamers, who value faster response times, often prefer shorter travel distances, making the Quinn a suitable choice for them. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience may opt for the Ink Black V2 with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the preference between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is best known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, providing a satisfying typing experience. It is described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which offers a mellow and deeper auditory tone during key presses. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switch is considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. It is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Ink Black V2 switch delivers a smooth and refined typing experience with a bass-heavy sound profile.
On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch stands out for its unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. It provides a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump, enhancing the typing experience. The Quinn switch has a bassy and clacky sound, characterized by a lower frequency range and a sharp, snappy sound when pressed. It is also described as low-pitched and resonant, offering an immersive auditory experience with clean and sharp sound. In terms of feel, the Quinn switch is polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is also snappy and bouncy, offering a super responsive and lively feel while typing.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Black V2 provides a smooth and refined typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. It is best suited for those who prefer a gentle and approachable tactile experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switch offers a precise and crisp tactile bump with a deep and resonant sound profile. It is suitable for users who enjoy a light and snappy tactile feel accompanied by a lively and immersive auditory experience. While they have different characteristics, both switches offer a polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is an excellent choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience. In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy profile. As for feel, it is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn is the way to go. It has a bottom out force of 67 grams, also categorized as medium-heavy. The Quinn offers a precise, clean, and crisp tactile bump, accompanied by a rich and immersive sound with bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant characteristics. In terms of feel, the Quinn is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, providing a responsive and lively typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Quinn depends on your preferences for linear vs. tactile switches, as well as the specific sound and feel characteristics you desire. Consider your typing style, whether you prefer a smoother linear switch or a more tactile feel, and the type of sound profile that resonates with you. Both switches offer high-quality performance and can enhance your typing experience depending on your personal preferences.
Mentioned in this article
