Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Everglide Sakura Pink

Overview

Introducing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Everglide Sakura Pink, two popular choices in the world of mechanical keyboard switches. The Ink Black V2, a linear switch, is well-regarded for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack. With its low-pitched, bassy characteristics, this switch offers a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink, also a linear switch, stands out with its feather-light 35g actuation force, making it ideal for those with a delicate typing style. Known for its buttery, creamy feel and easy-to-press nature, the Sakura Pink provides a frictionless operation, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, it produces a delightfully poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap, adding a playful touch to your keyboarding sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision when choosing your perfect switch.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches differ in terms of their composition. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Sakura Pink utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sakura Pink creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, particularly ideal for use with RGB lighting.

In terms of aesthetics, the difference lies in the translucency of the top housing. The polycarbonate material used in the Sakura Pink's top housing allows for the transmission of light, enhancing the visual appeal of RGB lighting effects. However, the Ink Black V2's INK blend top housing does not possess this translucency, impacting the overall visual experience. Both switches offer unique visual aspects, depending on individual preferences.

When it comes to the feel and sound of the switches, the bottom housing plays a crucial role. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Sakura Pink contribute to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. While the Ink Black V2 is known for its satisfying thin and higher-pitched clacky sound, the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a more clear and resonant sound profile. Therefore, the choice of housing material for the bottom housing can significantly impact the overall typing experience.

Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Ink Black V2's INK blend and the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate share similar traits, such as their high-pitched sound profiles. Both switches offer a distinct sound and feel, allowing users to choose according to their individual preferences. However, the choice between these switches ultimately depends on factors such as desired aesthetics and sound qualities.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Gateron Ink Black V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Sakura Pink's 35 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 is 70 grams, while the Sakura Pink requires a lighter 45 grams to bottom out.

These variances in force result in different typing experiences. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Sakura Pink provides a more effortless actuation and bottoming out, making it ideal for extended typing periods and gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 offers a stronger push feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience. These higher forces may be favored by individuals who prefer a tactile and robust feedback while typing.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Black V2 presents a medium-heavy weight switch, while the Everglide Sakura Pink offers a lighter option. Depending on one's personal preference for key sensitivity and typing experience, each switch presents its unique advantages.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent tactile experience in terms of travel distance, allowing for precise and efficient typing or gaming. Whether you choose the Ink Black V2 or the Sakura Pink, you can expect similar results and a satisfying key press feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics. This switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, it has a unique chirpy sound, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink has a muted sound. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. While the Ink Black V2 provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the Sakura Pink offers a more subtle and gentle sound.

In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 is described as mild and polished. It provides a safe and approachable typing experience, standing in a middle-ground zone between different switch characteristics. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink is buttery, creamy, and easy-to-press. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The switch feels smooth and fluid, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease. The light actuation force and frictionless operation make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Everglide Sakura Pink switches offer different subjective qualities. The Ink Black V2 provides a smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, with a mild and polished feel. It offers a more bass-heavy sound profile and stands in a safe middle-ground zone when it comes to feel. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink is super light with a feather-light actuation force. It produces a delightfully poppy sound reminiscent of popping bubble wrap and provides a smooth and effortless typing experience. While the Ink Black V2 leans towards a deeper and richer sound with a safe and middle-ground feel, the Sakura Pink offers a quieter sound and a smoother typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences, both switches have their own merits. If you enjoy a deeper and bass-heavy sound and prefer a mild and polished feel, the Ink Black V2 may be the right choice. However, if you prefer a quieter sound and a seamless, fluid typing experience, the Sakura Pink would be a great option.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth downstroke with a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a gliding type feel with a frictionless operation, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch would be the better option. In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy tone, while the Sakura Pink produces a muted and quieter sound. When it comes to feel, the Ink Black V2 provides a mild and polished typing experience, while the Sakura Pink delivers a buttery, creamy, easy-to-press, and frictionless sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sakura Pink Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more