Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° are both linear switches that offer unique features for different typing experiences. The Ink Black V2 is renowned for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a favorite among the community. With its low-pitched, bassy, and polished characteristics, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° sets itself apart with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, promising unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a silent typing experience. While the Ink Black V2 focuses on a traditional linear feel, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes noise reduction and a soft, elastic typing feel. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, but diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° differ significantly in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile described as clacky. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, known for being stiffer than other plastics, leads to a clearer and more resonant sound profile than the INK blend material. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Zero Degree 0° allows for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the overall experience.
On the bottom housing side, the Gateron Ink Black V2 continues with its proprietary INK blend material, contributing to the same high-pitched and clacky sound profile as the top housing. In comparison, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink blend material. This difference in bottom housing material plays a key role in the overall sound experience of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch plays a crucial role in determining its sound profile and feel during typing. While the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° may have different top and bottom housing materials, each material brings its own unique characteristics to the switch. The combination of the INK blend and polycarbonate in the Ink Black V2 creates a more pointed and clacky sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° produces a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Ink Black V2 will require more force to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Zero Degree 0° is unknown. The difference in actuation force and bottom out force between the two switches means that the typing experience will vary for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Zero Degree 0°, while those who like a more substantial typing experience may choose the Ink Black V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Zero Degree 0° switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Black V2 switch. The Ink Black V2 switch with its 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a slightly deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° switch's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a shallower press, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance, with the shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree 0° switch catering to those seeking responsiveness, while the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 switch may be preferred by those looking for a more substantial key press.
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 Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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
When comparing the sound of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches, the Ink Black V2 is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, which offers a rich and mellow tone during key presses. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switches can have a chirpy element to them, adding a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Zero Degree 0° switch are unknown, so it is difficult to provide a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches are described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, there is not much information available about the feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard. Nonetheless, it can be assumed that both switches offer a comfortable typing experience given Gateron's reputation for producing high-quality switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Black V2 is known for its low-pitched, bassy sound and mild, polished feel, the characteristics of the Zero Degree 0° switch remain undisclosed. Despite this, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience due to Gateron's commitment to innovation and quality in switch design. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack, then the Ink Black V2 may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an innovative self-padding design, dual-rail structure for smoothness and stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise, then the Zero Degree 0° might be more suitable. Consider factors like bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences, so make sure to test them out and see which one suits you best.
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