Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options worth considering are the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch that has long been favored by the keyboard community. Known for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack, this switch offers a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches, with their Creamsicle-colored appearance, offer a unique and captivating sound profile reminiscent of colliding mahjong tiles. With a rich, bassy sound and medium weight, they are suitable for a wide range of users. The POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, and the combination of a short travel distance and long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$3.09 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow both have different housing materials that contribute to unique sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This creates a clacky and satisfying thin sound when typing. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, which generates a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both switches produce pleasing sounds, the Ink Black V2 leans towards a sharper and higher-pitched note, while the Sunset Yellow offers a deeper and mellower sound.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Black V2 employs the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing. As a result, it shares the same qualities of being pointed, high-pitched, and clacky when bottoming out. Similarly, the Sunset Yellow uses a POM bottom housing, contributing to a deeper sound and a relatively more muted feel during keypresses. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, although the Ink Black V2's bottom housing may provide a slightly sharper and more pronounced sound compared to the Sunset Yellow's.

Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in terms of sound profiles. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend imparts a pointed and higher-pitched clackiness to both its top and bottom housings. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow utilizes POM housings that result in a deeper, mellower sound. While they may offer different sonic characteristics, both switches guarantee an enjoyable typing experience and provide unique auditory feedback when pressing and releasing keys.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Ink Black V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, falling into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, placing it in the medium-light category.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sunset Yellow switch is a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for individuals who type for longer periods of time, as it reduces strain and fatigue on the fingers and wrists. It is especially ideal for those who use their keyboards for work or engage in extensive gaming sessions.

On the contrary, some users may prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. These individuals would benefit from the heavier actuation and bottom out forces offered by the Ink Black V2 switch. Although it requires more force to activate, this switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback and a noticeable resistance that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.

Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches ultimately depends on personal preference. Those seeking a lighter touch and extended typing sessions may lean towards the Sunset Yellow, while those desiring a heavier and more pronounced keystroke experience may favor the Ink Black V2. Regardless of the choice, both switches offer a consistent linear feel, ensuring that users can achieve similar results in terms of smooth keystrokes and responsiveness.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. This means that the Ink Black V2 has a longer travel distance compared to the Sunset Yellow switch. A travel distance of 4.0mm is more traditional, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch with its 3.2mm travel distance is shallower and preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer satisfying and rich profiles. The Ink Black V2 is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound, giving it a smooth and mellow tone. Additionally, it has a unique chirpy characteristic that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch produces a deep and rich sound, described as thocky, which resembles a deep thud or soft knock when pressed and released. While they have some overlap in their sound profiles, the Ink Black V2 has a slightly higher-pitched chirpy element, while the Sunset Yellow focuses more on the satisfying thocky sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, both switches offer smooth and refined experiences. The Gateron Ink Black V2 is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone of characteristics. Its polished finish contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience. The creamy sensation comes from either factory lubrication or specific materials, allowing for a silky glide across the keys. The frictionless attribute ensures effortless and fluid key travel. Both switches share the polished characteristic, which enhances the sleek typing experience. So, while they may have slight variations in terms of the specific qualities, the overall feel of these switches will be similar in terms of smoothness and refinement.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer distinct yet equally satisfying experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Ink Black V2 provides a low-pitched and bassy sound with a unique chirp, while also offering a mild and polished feel for comfortable typing. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch impresses with its deep thocky sound and a creamy, frictionless feel for buttery keystrokes. While they may have slight differences, both switches deliver enjoyable experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, selecting between them will depend on the individual's desired sound and feel, knowing that they can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and satisfaction.

Conclusion

In summary, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be a great choice. It provides a low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile during key presses. Additionally, it offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and sleek typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, then the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would suit you well. It offers a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, giving typing an indulgent experience. The Sunset Yellow switch has a bassy and thocky sound profile during key presses. When it comes to feel, it offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience due to factory lube and specific materials used. Similar to the Ink Black V2, it also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch depends on your personal preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Consider your desired typing experience and the specific qualities mentioned above to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more