Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the TTC Silent Red. The Ink Black V2 is best known for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack. With a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, this switch offers a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is perfect for those seeking a quiet typing experience. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Red provides a smooth and seamless typing experience with a consistent feel from top to bottom, ensuring maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the TTC Silent Red switches differ significantly. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Silent Red has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing.

In terms of sound profile, the Ink Black V2's INK blend top and bottom housings create a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile.

Aesthetically, the Ink Black V2's top housing has a solid color without any translucency, while the Silent Red's top housing is clear due to its polycarbonate material. The translucent nature of the Silent Red's top housing makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through.

When it comes to the overall feel of the switch, the bottom housing plays a significant role. The Ink Black V2's bottom housing contributes to the thin and clacky feel when pressing down on the switch. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red creates a softer and more rounded feel. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.

In conclusion, while both switches provide a high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and TTC Silent Red differ in their housing materials. The Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a clacky sound. The Silent Red, on the other hand, features a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique qualities and can deliver satisfactory results for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it becomes evident that there are some noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Black V2 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Silent Red requires a lighter force of 45 grams. This means that the Ink Black V2 offers a slightly firmer push feel, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In comparison, the Silent Red provides a lighter actuation force, making it easier and quicker to trigger a keystroke.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 requires 70 grams, while the force required for the Silent Red is 63.5 grams. Both switches can be considered medium-heavy in terms of bottom out force, as they provide a decent amount of resistance when fully pressed down. This ensures that users have a satisfying typing experience without the switch feeling too light or too heavy.

In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of the Silent Red switch may be preferred by individuals who need to type for extended periods of time, such as during work or long gaming sessions. The lower actuation force reduces the strain on the fingers, allowing for more comfortable and prolonged use. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger and more substantial push feel may lean towards the Ink Black V2's heavier actuation force. This can provide a greater level of tactile feedback and may be preferred by users looking for a more pronounced typing experience.

In conclusion, while there are differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and TTC Silent Red linear switches, both options fall within the medium-heavy range. The Ink Black V2 offers a firmer push feel with its heavier actuation force, while the Silent Red provides a lighter and quicker keystroke. Choosing between the two would largely depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Ink Black V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, both switches fall within the expected range. However, if you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red may be more preferable. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper key press, the Ink Black V2 with its longer travel distance may be a better fit. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more substantial key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches have a deeper and richer tone during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switches have a unique acoustic signature that can be characterized as chirpy, with a slight squeak to them. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is known for its muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces where noise reduction is important. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.

In terms of feel, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and TTC Silent Red switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a more gentle and approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches fall into a safe middle-ground zone, where the sound and feel will be comfortable for most users. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a buttery and uniform typing sensation, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience.

Considering all the available information, it's clear that both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and TTC Silent Red linear switches have their own set of subjective qualities. If you prefer a switch with a deeper, richer, and slightly chirpy sound profile, the Ink Black V2 would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a softer and quieter typing experience, the Silent Red switches would be the perfect fit. However, it's important to consider personal preference and other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps when making a decision. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, ensuring a smooth and comfortable typing sensation. Therefore, regardless of the switch chosen, you can expect similar results in terms of feel, while the sound profile will differ based on your preference.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you're looking for a classic linear switch that offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, this switch provides a medium-heavy feel that many enthusiasts enjoy. Its low-pitched and bassy sound profile sets it apart and gives it a unique acoustic signature. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 has a mild and polished feel, resulting in a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, especially in office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red would be the perfect choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, this switch offers a medium-heavy feel similar to the Ink Black V2. However, its main highlight is its muted sound profile, which minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Silent Red also provides a mild and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing sensation.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the TTC Silent Red comes down to your personal preferences. If you value the classic feel and rich sound of a switch, the Ink Black V2 is the way to go. However, if a quieter typing experience is your priority, the Silent Red is the ideal choice. Consider your environment, desired sound profile, and typing preferences when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more