Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock White Lotus. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch that has garnered a strong following within the keyboard community. Known for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack sound, this switch offers a classic feel that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed with the discerning typist in mind. With a delicate tactility, it strikes the perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, further enhancing the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock White Lotus have different housing materials, which ultimately result in distinct sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which gives it a thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. In contrast, the White Lotus has a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel. This means that while the Ink Black V2 may have a sharper sound, the White Lotus offers a more refined and satisfying typing experience.
Additionally, the bottom housings of the two switches also differ. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend bottom housing amplifies the higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, contributing to its overall sound. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that the White Lotus will have a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Black V2.
When using a switch, the qualities of the bottom and top housings will be felt and heard in different ways. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials may vary, both the Ink Black V2 and White Lotus can still provide similar results in terms of the overall typing experience and satisfying sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Ink Black V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a lighter actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, which falls into the medium-light category. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. If one prefers a lighter typing experience, the White Lotus would be a suitable choice, as the lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of typing without fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Ink Black V2's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a satisfying tactile feedback. Overall, while the White Lotus offers a lighter option, the Ink Black V2 provides a heavier and more substantial feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the feeling and feedback provided by both switches.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Durock White Lotus switches are described as low-pitched. This means they offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Ink Black V2 is also described as bassy, with a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. In contrast, the White Lotus is described as having a neutral sound profile, which indicates a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps. While the two switches may have slightly different sound characteristics, both will provide similar low-pitched tones, offering a pleasant auditory experience for the user.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is described as mild and polished. The mild characteristic indicates a more gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. The polished aspect refers to a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. The easy-to-press characteristic means it offers gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to activate, which enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similar to the Ink Black V2, the White Lotus also has a mild typing experience, providing smooth and approachable qualities. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. While both switches offer a satisfying typing feel, the White Lotus may provide a slightly lighter and more comfortable typing experience due to its easy-to-press characteristic.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Black V2 provides a smooth downstroke with a rich clack sound, while the White Lotus offers a delicate tactility that strikes a balance for work and extended typing sessions. The Ink Black V2 has a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction, while the White Lotus boasts an easy-to-press feel, enhancing typing comfort and reducing finger fatigue. Both switches are suitable options depending on individual preference and typing requirements. It is important to consider other variables, such as keyboard and keycap choices, to further personalize the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when making a decision between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and desire a smooth downstroke with a rich clack, then the Ink Black V2 would be an excellent choice for you. It offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, accompanied by a mild and polished feel. These qualities make it an ideal switch for those who prefer a more robust and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a delicate tactility in your switches, the White Lotus is the switch for you. With its medium-light bottom out force and exquisite light tactile feedback, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and responsiveness. It produces a low-pitched and neutral sound, while offering an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle feel. Moreover, the removable light column allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding an extra touch of aesthetic appeal to your keyboard setup.
In summary, if you prioritize a smooth downstroke and rich clack, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch would be your go-to choice. However, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, delicate tactility, and the option for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the one to consider. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique features and advantages, and the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing preferences.
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