Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two popular options within the Gateron lineup are the Ink Black V2 and the Weightlessness. The Ink Black V2 is celebrated for its smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound that has made it a long-time favorite among enthusiasts. This linear switch is a great choice for those who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke, providing a low-pitched, bassy sound profile that some users find satisfying when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a more tactile experience, characterized by a subtle to moderate tactile bump that provides feedback with each keypress. This switch’s balanced sound profile complements its tactile feel, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a more interactive typing sensation. Both switches have their unique merits: the Ink Black V2 for its smoothness and quiet operation, and the Weightlessness for its tactile feedback and balanced acoustics. 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
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Weightlessness switches present a fascinating comparison in terms of their housing materials, offering enthusiasts distinctive typing experiences shaped by these elements. The Ink Black V2 features Gateron’s proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housings, which is designed to create a keen and lively sound profile that many describe as clacky. This design choice suggests that both the top and bottom housings contribute equally to the switch's tonal characteristics, resulting in a unified, high-pitched auditory feedback upon activation and release. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which are known to absorb sound owing to their softer texture. This results in a more muted, deeper sound profile that leans towards a rounder auditory experience, underscoring the inherent differences in sound production and user feedback between the two switches.
When examining the impact of housing materials on the performance of these switches, the differences are accentuated by the unique sound profiles each material generates. For the Ink Black V2, the INK blend allows for a sharper acoustic response that is particularly prominent during the release of the key, as the top housing enhances that high-pitched, clacky sound. Alternatively, the Weightlessness switches derived from nylon exhibit a sound that is deeper and fuller, resulting in a more subdued experience during both the actuation and release phases. This reflects how the material choices involve not only tactile response but also significantly influence the overall sound signature one can expect from each switch.
Despite these contrasts, it’s noteworthy that both switches can deliver satisfying typing experiences albeit through different acoustic and tactile properties. Users looking for a sharp, resonant feedback may prefer the Ink Black V2, while those who appreciate a softer, more rounded sound may gravitate towards the Weightlessness. Ultimately, while the housing materials of each switch diverge significantly in terms of composition—INK blend versus nylon—the result remains a spectrum of auditory experiences effectively tailored to different preferences. Those interested in varied sound profiles can, therefore, derive pleasure from both switches in terms of how their respective materials enhance or dampen sound during use.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct typing experiences. The Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that requires a firmer push to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, catering to users who prefer a gentler touch while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is currently unknown, which leaves a gap in our ability to fully compare that aspect with the Ink Black V2's bottom out force of 70 grams. As such, while both switches offer different feel and resistance, the Ink Black V2 is considered the heavier option, suitable for those who appreciate a more robust typing experience, whereas the Weightlessness switch is better suited for users seeking a lighter feel, potentially allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Ink Black V2 measuring 4 mm and the Weightlessness at 3.4 mm. This makes the Ink Black V2 the longer option, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, which can enhance typing experiences for those who appreciate depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Weightlessness features a shorter travel distance, making it a better choice for gamers seeking quick response times, as the shallower depth can facilitate faster actuation. While both switches cater to different preferences, the comparison clearly highlights that the Ink Black V2 provides a more pronounced travel experience, while the Weightlessness offers a more responsive, quick-action feel.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a low-pitched, bassy resonance that provides a rich auditory experience during key presses. This depth can give a more satisfying sound profile, contributing to an overall immersive typing session. The Ink Black V2 also features a chirpy quality, introducing a slight squeak that sets it apart from other switches. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch is not specified, leaving its acoustic characteristics somewhat of a mystery. It is essential to remember that sound is influenced by external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so these variables will also play a crucial role in the overall auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Ink Black V2 is characterized by a mild and polished sensation. The mild nature of the switch ensures a gentle typing experience, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The polished finish contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing overall comfort during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the tactile features of the Gateron Weightlessness are described as subtle to moderate, which suggests they provide a noticeable but not overwhelming tactile feedback. However, since specific descriptors for its feel are lacking, it's difficult to provide a direct comparison to the Ink Black V2.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Black V2 delivers a robust sound experience and a smooth typing feel, making it an appealing choice for many users. While the intricate sound qualities of the Weightlessness switch remain unspecified, its subtle to moderate tactile characteristics suggest it could offer a different typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your preferences for sound and feel, with the Ink Black V2 being a well-rounded option for those who enjoy deep bass tones and smooth performance. The recommendations for sound and feel will help guide newcomers in their journey into mechanical keyboards, providing a solid foundation for their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth keystroke with a robust, low-pitched sound profile, the Ink Black V2 is likely the better choice for you; its medium-heavy actuation force requires a bit of muscle, which can enhance your typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more deliberate and substantial feel when typing. This switch is great for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a rich auditory feedback and a polished experience. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more nuanced feedback without a heavy bottoming out, the Weightlessness tactile switch, with its subtle to moderate tactile feel, might suit you better. Its balanced sound profile makes it an excellent option for a quieter workspace while still providing a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether that’s a strong auditory response and heavy actuation or a gentler touch with tactile feedback—to make the choice that’s right for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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