Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie represent two distinct yet complementary choices for enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience. The Ink Black V2 has earned its reputation as a classic linear switch, celebrated for its smooth downstroke and rich, pronounced clack, making it a long-time favorite within the mechanical keyboard community. Its low-pitched, bassy sound gives a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight all-POM composition that strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability, delivering a thocky sound profile that's equally delightful and inviting. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, the nuances in feel and sound they provide set them apart, giving users unique experiences tailored to their preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches are constructed with different materials for their housings, which notably affects their sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 uses a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings. This unique material is characterized by a sound profile that is high-pitched and thin, producing a satisfying "clacky" sound. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, which lends to a deeper and more muted sound profile. The bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie also utilizes POM, reinforcing the same deeper acoustic qualities. Thus, while both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable auditory experience, their choice of materials results in distinctly different sound characteristics.
When comparing the bottom housings of the Ink Black V2 and the Sea Salt Smoothie, the differences in material have pronounced effects on their sound and feel. The Ink blend of the Ink Black V2 produces a more pronounced high-pitched sound during bottoming out, which can be perceived as sharper and more impactful. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a softer and more muted bottom-out noise, creating a more subdued tactile experience. Therefore, a user will notice that while both switches offer unique auditory feedback, the Ink Black V2 may feel more lively and pronounced, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a smoother and quieter response.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in both top and bottom housings of these switches create distinct personality traits in their sound profiles. Gateron’s use of the INK blend in the Ink Black V2 positions it as a switch for those seeking an engaging and lively acoustic experience, while the POM housings of the Sea Salt Smoothie appeal to users who favor a deeper, more muted sound. Despite these contrasts, both switches can still achieve a satisfying experience; for instance, using either switch in a keyboard without damping materials may lead to similar results in terms of overall feel. However, users will appreciate the nuances in sound and tactile feedback, which arise directly from the differences in the housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, influencing their overall typing experience. The Ink Black V2 features a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a significantly lighter actuation force of 48 grams, which could lead to less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving a degree of uncertainty about how it feels when fully pressed down. Overall, the Ink Black V2 offers a heavier feel ideal for those who enjoy a firmer switch, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to users seeking a lighter touch, though the lack of information regarding its bottom out force means its full tactile response cannot be entirely assessed.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Ink Black V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie features a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you prioritize deeper keystrokes and a more substantial feel, the Ink Black V2 would be the better choice. On the other hand, gamers or those seeking quicker response times may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie due to its shorter travel distance, which facilitates faster actuation. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding responsiveness and key depth, as the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 offers a more traditional typing experience compared to the slightly more abrupt feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 profile of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, bassy tone that provides a rich auditory experience with a gentle chirpiness that adds a unique layer of acoustic texture during key presses. This combination creates a mellow, deep sound reminiscent of bass frequencies, which many users find appealing for both typing and gaming. In contrast, there is no specific sound characterization available for the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch at this time; thus, a direct comparison on auditory qualities is not possible. However, it’s worth noting that sound can be heavily influenced by the keyboard's build, keycaps, and various other factors.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Ink Black V2 shines with its mild and polished nature, offering a gentle typing experience that balances approachability with a smooth, refined finish. This implies reduced friction and an overall sleek typing experience, making it appealing for those who appreciate a more reserved tactile sensation. The Sea Salt Smoothie, however, does not have any detailed descriptions related to its feel qualities available at this moment, making it impossible to draw direct comparisons to the Ink Black V2 in terms of texture and user experience while typing.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a well-documented sound and feel quality that many in the mechanical keyboard community cherish, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie lacks sufficient information to assess its auditory and tactile characteristics. The Ink Black V2 is favored for its unique low-pitched, rich sound and gentle, polished feel, creating a comfortable experience for users. For those considering either switch, it’s essential to recognize that personal preferences will play a significant role, and the availability of further information on the Sea Salt Smoothie might influence final decisions once known.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie should align with your typing preferences and desired sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers a polished, smooth downstroke along with a low-pitched and bassy sound, the Ink Black V2 is likely the better option for you. Its combination of a rich clack and mild feel provides a satisfying typing experience, particularly suited for those who enjoy a deeper acoustic signature. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes exceptional smoothness and offers a unique thocky sound profile at a more accessible price, the Sea Salt Smoothie might be your ideal pick. This medium-weight switch is crafted to provide a refined yet affordable option, perfect if you're seeking an enjoyable typing experience that balances quality without breaking the bank. Ultimately, your personal preference in tactile feedback, sound, and typing force will guide your choice between these two excellent switches.
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