Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Smoothie, both linear switches. The Ink Black V2 is loved for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature and exceptional smoothness. While the Ink Black V2 is known for its low-pitched and bassy feel, the Smoothie is prized for its buttery and creamy actuation. 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
40g
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
3.60 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 Gateron Ink Black V2 and Gateron Smoothie both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which results in a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Smoothie utilizes POM housing for both the top and bottom, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the Ink Black V2 provides a sharp and pointed sound, the Smoothie offers a smoother and deeper typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing sound that is sure to please mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
One key difference between the two housing materials is the impact they have on the overall sound profile of the switches. The INK blend housing of the Ink Black V2 is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound, which is primarily influenced by the top housing. In contrast, the POM housing of the Gateron Smoothie creates a deeper and more muted sound, affecting both the top and bottom housing equally. This results in a more balanced sound profile for the Smoothie, while the Ink Black V2 tends to focus more on the top housing for its distinct sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
While the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Gateron Smoothie may have different housing materials, they both offer a unique typing experience that will satisfy keyboard enthusiasts. The Ink Black V2's INK blend housing provides a sharp and pointed sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM housing offers a deeper and more muted typing experience. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in achieving a desired sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when a key is released. Whether you prefer a clacky and sharp sound or a smoother and deeper typing experience, both switches offer a high-quality build that will elevate your mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Black V2 is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie is the lighter choice with an actuation force of 40 grams, but lacks information on its bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Smoothie may be more suitable as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, for individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel, the Ink Black V2 would be the better option due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the weight of the switch plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience, with lighter switches being ideal for prolonged use and heavier switches offering a more robust feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Smoothie has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Black V2. This means that the Smoothie may offer a slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 with its longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and deliberate feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, offering a deep and rich sound profile with a subtle chirpiness. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is celebrated for its thocky and subdued sound, providing a deep and satisfying thud-like sound with a more muted tone. While both switches exhibit low-pitched sound qualities, the Ink Black V2 leans towards a richer and bass-heavy tone, while the Smoothie offers a more dampened and subdued sound experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel with a smooth and refined finish. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and effortless. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Ink Black V2 leans towards a milder and more polished feel, while the Smoothie provides a more luxurious and ultra-smooth sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Smoothie linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Black V2 is characterized by its low-pitched and bassy sound with a mild and polished typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a richer sound and a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out with its thocky and subdued sound, coupled with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel that provides a more luxurious and ultra-smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that users will get different yet satisfying results based on their selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Smoothie linear switches, you should consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth downstroke with a rich clack sound, then the Ink Black V2 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force, a thocky sound signature, and a lightweight touch, the Smoothie might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so take into account what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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