Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

Introducing the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the SP-Star Yanyu, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch that has become a community favorite for its smooth downstroke and satisfying clack sound. Known for its low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy characteristics, this switch provides a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is perfect for those seeking a delicate typing experience or typing for long periods. With a material blend that creates a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu offers a neutral, mild, and thocky typing experience that is often described as feathery and subtle. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you choose the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer distinct differences. Starting with the top housing, the Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It is described as clacky and thin, offering a satisfying, yet not overly sharp sound. In contrast, the Yanyu switch utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, which provides a pleasant sound profile on the brighter side. Despite these variations, both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Ink Black V2 leaning towards a clacky sound and the Yanyu switch being slightly brighter.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the two switches again exhibit contrasting materials. The Ink Black V2 uses the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. The bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall clacky experience of the switch. In contrast, the Yanyu switch employs a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. This unique blend offers a sound profile that is described as pleasant and not particularly sharp, adding a different dimension to the typing experience.

Although the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the SP-Star Yanyu differ, both switches provide distinct qualities depending on the specific housing used. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The proprietary INK blend in the bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 contributes to its clacky nature, while the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Yanyu switch offers a more pleasant and slightly brighter experience. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Yanyu's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 43 grams, making it a lighter option.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Yanyu switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower bottom out force allows for a quicker and easier keystroke, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 switch, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a more substantial push feel. This can be appealing to users who appreciate a firmer keystroke for added precision or prefer a tactile feedback.

It is important to note that while the specific actuation force for the Yanyu switch is not provided, combining its lighter bottom out force with the fact that it is a linear switch suggests a potentially lighter actuation force as well. Therefore, for individuals seeking similar results to the Ink Black V2 but with a lighter touch, the Yanyu switch may still be a viable option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is 4 mm, which is the same as the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch. Both switches have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Whether you choose the Gateron Ink Black V2 or the SP-Star Yanyu, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics. These switches offer a deep and mellow tone with a rich clack during key presses. Additionally, they have a unique chirpy sound that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches have a more neutral sound profile. They are described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound similar to a thud or soft knock. Both switches have different sound qualities, but both can provide a pleasant auditory experience depending on personal preference and the keyboard configuration.

When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and SP-Star Yanyu switches are described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience. The Ink Black V2 provides a smoother and more refined feel, thanks to its polished finish. This switch has reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Yanyu switches also have a polished finish, providing the same level of smoothness and refined feel. In addition, the Yanyu switches offer a feathery feel, requiring little exertion from the fingers and reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. They also have a subtle resistance, which is not as light as a feather but still maintains a comfortable typing feel. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their mild characteristics and smooth key travel.

Considering all the available information, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and SP-Star Yanyu switches have unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Black V2 is known for its low-pitched, bassy, and chirpy sound profile, along with a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches offer a more neutral sound profile, characterized by a thocky sound, while providing a mild, feathery, and subtle feel with a polished finish. It is important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard design and choice of keycaps. Ultimately, whether the preference is for a deeper and richer sound experience or a more delicate and subtle typing feel, both switches can provide satisfactory results.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, the Ink Black V2 is the better choice for you. It offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound, which gives a low-pitched, bassy, and sometimes chirpy sound profile. The Ink Black V2 also provides a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, the SP-Star Yanyu is the ideal switch for you. It is perfect for those looking for a delicate typing experience or typing for long periods of time. The Yanyu offers a crisp sound profile, described as neutral and thocky. The switch provides a mild and polished feel as well, but with the added descriptors of feathery and subtle. This means it requires little exertion from your fingers, reduces finger fatigue, and has a gentle typing feel suitable for shared spaces.

Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the SP-Star Yanyu should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. Consider how heavy or light you want the switch to feel when typing, the specific sound profile you desire, and the level of refinement and smoothness you expect from the typing experience. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision and find the mechanical keyboard switch that suits you best.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more