Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself faced with two excellent linear options. The Ink Black V2 is a classic favorite among the community, known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, offering a low-pitched, bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation thanks to its all-POM construction, providing a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness. While the Ink Black V2 may appeal to those who prefer a slightly more polished typing experience, the Smoothie Silver caters to those who prioritize quick responsiveness and a feather-light touch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing that provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound when typing.
Furthermore, the bottom housings of these two switches also contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Ink Black V2's INK blend bottom housing continues the high-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing adds to the deeper and more muted sound experience. This dual housing setup allows for a more nuanced typing experience, where users can feel and hear the differences between pressing down on a key and releasing it.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. While the Ink Black V2 offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the Smoothie Silver provides a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches use quality materials in their construction to ensure a satisfying typing experience for users who prioritize sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we see a contrast in actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Black V2 has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while the Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Ink Black V2 is also heavier at 70 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown. This means that the Ink Black V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Smoothie Silver offers a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Black V2. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver could be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 known for its low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a hint of chirpiness, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts for its rich clack. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound with unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch due to its all-POM construction. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences that can be further enhanced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Ink Black V2 offers a mild and polished typing experience, striking a balance between gentle key presses and refined smoothness. These characteristics make it a versatile option suitable for a wide range of users. Meanwhile, the Smoothie Silver switch provides a short travel distance for lightning-fast actuation, but specific descriptors for its feel are not available at the moment. Ultimately, the feel of a switch can significantly impact typing comfort and overall satisfaction.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Smoothie Silver linear switches each offer distinctive sound profiles and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the low-pitched clack of the Ink Black V2 or the thocky smoothness of the Smoothie Silver, both switches ensure a satisfying typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing style, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either of these high-quality Gateron switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, the Ink Black V2 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force, lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features and characteristics resonate with you the most.
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