Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Huano Strawberry Latte both offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences, despite being linear switches. The Ink Black V2 has long been celebrated in the keyboard community for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, characterized by a low-pitched, bassy sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte is crafted with the latest molds from Huano, delivering a super smooth experience and a balanced sound profile that strikes a perfect middle ground—not too quiet, yet not overly resonant. While the Ink Black V2 appeals to those who enjoy a deeper, more pronounced sound with its polished feel, the Strawberry Latte caters to users who prefer a smoother typing experience with just the right amount of acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Huano Strawberry Latte, notable distinctions and similarities emerge that bear upon their auditory profiles and tactile feedback. The Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which contributes to a pointed, high-pitched sound characterized as clacky and satisfying. This sound profile is specifically enhanced by the properties of Gateron's blend, which allows for a bright, resonant conclusion upon key release. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte employs POK material for its top housing, which is celebrated for its smoothness and durability, offering a similar clacky auditory experience. Although the two blends come from different manufacturers and exhibit different technical properties, both aim for an engaging sound that pleases typists seeking a lively keystroke.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Black V2's INK blend features a design that maintains the high-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a cohesive auditory experience throughout the key press. While the Ink Black V2's top housing accentuates the sound upon release, its bottom housing reinforces the importance of tactile feedback and bottom-out experience. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte's nylon bottom housing lends a distinctly deeper and fuller sound character to the switch, absorbing more sound due to its relatively softer nature. This property can yield a unique contrast against the POK top, resulting in a more rounded auditory signature paired with a smoother feel during key presses.

Ultimately, the interplay between materials significantly influences user experience, with each switch showcasing its unique qualities. While the Ink Black V2 offers a consistent high-pitched experience across both housings, the Strawberry Latte provides a more complex auditory palette through the combination of its POK top and nylon bottom. Despite their differences, the clacky and smooth sound profiles that both switches deliver could serve similar end-user preferences for tactile feedback and sound. Ultimately, whether a typist leans towards the sharper responses of the Ink Black V2 or the rounded, softer sounds of the Strawberry Latte, the resulting satisfaction lies in the nuances provided by their respective housing materials and structures, allowing for versatile preferences in the mechanical switch landscape.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces can be observed. The Ink Black V2 features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who value comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming. The significant disparity in these force measurements indicates that the Ink Black V2 is heavier overall, providing a firmer push, while the Strawberry Latte's lighter touch allows for quicker and easier actuation. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch that facilitates prolonged usage without fatigue, the Strawberry Latte would be the preferable choice, whereas the Ink Black V2 would suit those looking for a more robust feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is 4 mm, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch comes in with a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm suggests that the Ink Black V2, with its longer travel, may provide a more substantial feel when typing, which some users appreciate for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte could appeal to gamers or those seeking faster response times, allowing for quicker key presses and potentially enhanced performance in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, if you appreciate a more pronounced keystroke, the Ink Black V2 might be your choice, while the Strawberry Latte is better suited for those who favor swift actions and a snappier typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch delivers a rich acoustic profile characterized by its low-pitched, bassy tones. Typing on these switches produces a mellow, deep sound that many users find satisfying, enhanced by a unique chirp that adds a distinctive character to the overall experience. This combination allows for an engaging auditory feedback during use, although it’s worth noting that the ultimate sound can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and keycap choices. In comparison, the sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte remains unspecified, so it’s difficult to directly assess how it measures up against the Ink Black V2 in terms of auditory experience.

In the realm of feel, the Ink Black V2 excels with its mild, polished characteristics. It offers a gentle typing experience that is accessible to a wide range of users, making it an approachable choice for both new and seasoned typists. The polished nature of the switch results in smooth key travel with minimal friction, contributing to a more refined typing sensation. Unfortunately, the tactile qualities of the Huano Strawberry Latte are not detailed, leaving an unanswered question regarding its feel in comparison to the Ink Black V2's smooth and gentle experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch stands out with its deep, rich sound and smooth, mild feel, making it a reliable choice for many keyboard enthusiasts. While it offers a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience, the lack of detailed information on the Huano Strawberry Latte's sound and feel makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, it's clear that both switches cater to a preference for linear performance, so if you are seeking a satisfying linear switch experience, you may find both options yielding similarly smooth performance, albeit with different acoustic signatures.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, it largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a heavier actuation force that provides a tactile response and a more substantial feel during use, the Ink Black V2 may be your go-to choice. Its medium-heavy actuation at 70 grams serves well for those who enjoy a richer, bassy sound profile along with a polished and smooth typing experience. This switch is particularly appealing if you appreciate a low-pitched acoustic signature that adds depth to your typing without being overly intrusive, making it suitable for both gaming and prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a nimble feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte is likely a better fit. With a bottom out force of only 45 grams, this switch is perfect for quick key presses and fast-paced gaming, while its balanced sound profile ensures it's neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you seek a heavier, more substantial experience with the Ink Black V2 or a light, agile feel with the Strawberry Latte.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more