Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing options that cater to their unique preferences and typing styles. The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Huano Sakura are two popular linear switches, each bringing distinct characteristics to the table. The Ink Black V2 is celebrated for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, providing a satisfying auditory experience that many users love. With its low-pitched, bassy, and polished feel, it's an excellent choice for those who enjoy a robust typing experience and appreciate the sound of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch is designed for a feather-light touch, making it perfect for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Its medium acoustics offer a more subtle sound profile, appealing to users who favor quieter environments while still enjoying a linear switch. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them based on personal typing preferences and habits. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Huano Sakura switches, the materials used in their top housings showcase both similarities and key differences that influence the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, noted for producing a high-pitched and somewhat clacky sound profile. This resonates well with typists looking for a lively auditory feedback experience. In contrast, the Sakura features a POK top housing, crafted from polyketone, which is recognized for its smoothness due to a low coefficient of friction and enhanced durability. While both top housings can create a satisfying sound during gameplay or typing, the difference in material composition leads to distinct acoustic profiles—INK offering a sharper sound, while POK provides a smoother, rounded experience.
The bottom housing materials further highlight the unique characteristics of each switch. The Ink Black V2 employs the same INK blend found in its top housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile that emphasizes brightness and clarity during bottom-out moments. Conversely, the Huano Sakura incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic material known for its deeper sound profile. The softness of nylon helps absorb sound, resulting in a fuller, less piercing auditory experience compared to the sharper tones produced by the Ink Black V2. This differentiation indicates that while both switches deliver satisfying feedback, the Ink Black V2 gives users a more pronounced and higher-pitched sound, while the Sakura yields a more muted, rounded sound.
Ultimately, the performance of each switch reflects the interplay between their top and bottom housings. The Ink Black V2's high-pitched sound from the INK blend becomes more prominent during key releases, contributing to a more vibrant typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sakura's combination of POK and nylon facilitates a smooth feel with a warm sound, particularly noticeable during bottoming out. This means that users can achieve somewhat similar results in terms of clackiness and smoothness with both switches, but the character of the sound and the overall tactile experience will distinctly vary based on the unique material properties of each housing. Understanding these nuances can help enthusiasts select the switch that best suits their personal preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Ink Black V2 features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, classifying it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Sakura offers a significantly lighter feel with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Sakura, while those who enjoy a more substantial push and feedback might find the heavier Ink Black V2 more satisfying. As a result, the Ink Black V2 is the heavier option, whereas the Sakura is on the lighter side, providing a distinct choice based on individual typing styles and comfort levels.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch have differing travel distances, with the Ink Black V2 measuring 4 mm and the Sakura measuring 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Ink Black V2 provides a longer travel experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Sakura aligns with the growing trend among gamers who favor quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Consequently, those who prioritize rapid feedback may gravitate towards the Sakura switch, while individuals who appreciate a deeper, more traditional keystroke might prefer the Ink Black V2. Thus, for those seeking a balance between depth and speed in their typing experience, the choice of switch between these two would vary based on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Huano Sakura switches differ significantly. The Ink Black V2 features a low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy sound, providing a rich auditory experience during key presses. This deep and mellow tone enhances the typing experience, especially when combined with the right keyboard and keycaps. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Huano Sakura switch are not explicitly defined, which leaves a gap in comparisons regarding its acoustic qualities. Therefore, if you prioritize sound in your typing experience, the Ink Black V2 may offer a more satisfying audio feedback, while the Sakura’s sound remains an unknown variable.
When it comes to feel, the Ink Black V2 boasts a mild and polished typing experience. The mild nature allows for a gentle touch, making it approachable for many users, while the polished finish ensures smooth key travel with minimal friction. This refined sensation can be particularly appreciated during long typing sessions. Details on the feel of the Huano Sakura switch are absent, which makes it challenging to draw a direct comparison. Thus, for those seeking a smooth and polished feel, the Ink Black V2 stands out, whereas the tactile feedback of the Sakura remains undetermined.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a rich, low-pitched sound profile combined with a mild and polished feel, appealing to users who enjoy an engaging auditory and tactile experience. The Huano Sakura’s sound and feel characteristics remain undefined, making it difficult to assess its performance in comparison. If you are looking to prioritize sound and feel in your mechanical keyboard experience, the Ink Black V2 is the clear option with its established qualities, while further insights are needed to evaluate the Sakura switch fully.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and overall usage requirements. If you favor a heavier feel and enjoy a more bass-heavy sound experience, the Ink Black V2 is your go-to option. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams provides a satisfying resistance that many long-time mechanical keyboard enthusiasts appreciate, perfect for those who want a switch that gives solid feedback during intense typing sessions. Its polished and mild feel allows for a smooth key press while offering a rich, low-pitched audio profile that enhances the typing experience with a unique chirpy character. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch that helps you type for extended periods without fatigue, the Huano Sakura switch would be more suitable. With its feather-light 45-gram actuation force, the Sakura caters to users who appreciate a swift and effortless typing experience, inspiring a more fluid and less strenuous approach to your work. It excels in delivering a pleasant and gentle interaction for daily use, making it ideal for those who might find heavier switches cumbersome over time. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound consistency or light actuation and ease of use during long typing sessions.
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