Gateron Ink Box Black vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Light Cloud V2 both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Black is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. It is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 is known for its silent operation and refined typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a delicate and nuanced typing experience. It is categorized as 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Feathery'. While these general descriptions provide a good overview of each switch, diving deeper into their individual characteristics is essential to determining the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Light Cloud V2, one key difference is the material used for the top housing. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Light Cloud V2 differ in material. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing maintains the same high-pitched and clacky sound profile as the top housing. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2's nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. This difference in bottom housing material can affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the TTC Light Cloud V2, both switches offer a unique typing experience. While the Ink Box Black provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile with its proprietary INK blend housing, the Light Cloud V2 offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing. However, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the choice between them ultimately depending on personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, we see that the Light Cloud V2 is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Ink Box Black is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Light Cloud V2, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. Both switches provide a medium level of force, offering a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The difference of 0.1 mm may not be significant for most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper feel may lean towards the Gateron switch. In contrast, those who prioritize a quicker and shallower keypress may opt for the TTC switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that caters to individuals seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
The TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a sharp and crisp spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile, ensuring a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for various settings. Depending on your preference and environmental considerations, the sound signature of these switches will vary, influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch boasts a silky and polished typing experience, offering exceptional smoothness and refined key travel. Conversely, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch features a mild, easy-to-press, and feathery feel, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance and light actuation force requirements. These qualities contribute to different tactile sensations and levels of feedback, catering to users with varying preferences for typing feel and finger fatigue reduction.
Considering the information provided, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Black exudes a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky and polished typing feel, the Light Cloud V2 presents a muted, neutral sound with a mild, easy-to-press, and feathery feel. Choosing between these switches will depend on your specific preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, ensuring that you achieve the desired level of comfort and satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, providing a diverse range of options for enhancing your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is important to consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a silky and polished feel, alongside a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a mild and easy-to-press feel, accompanied by a muted and neutral sound profile, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing style and preferences.
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