Gateron Ink Yellow vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Light Cloud V2 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Ink Yellow is known for its shorter travel distance, offering a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard. It is praised for its smoothness and clackiness, making it appealing to those looking for a satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 is recognized for its silent operation and refined typing feel. With a lightweight design, it provides a delicate and nuanced typing experience that is easy on the fingers. Although both switches have their unique advantages, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Yellow stands out for its proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 features a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Ink Yellow's top housing offers a more sharp and thin sound, the Light Cloud V2 provides a rounder and duller sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Light Cloud V2 offer unique qualities. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its high-pitched and satisfying sound profile, while the Light Cloud V2's nylon bottom housing adds to its deep and full sound experience. Both switches differ in the sound and feel they produce, with the Ink Yellow showcasing a clacky sound and the Light Cloud V2 presenting a rounder sound due to the different bottom housing materials used.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the TTC Light Cloud V2, it is clear that each switch offers a distinct sound profile based on the material used in both housings. The split between the top and bottom housing impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. While the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend offers a sharp and thin sound, the Light Cloud V2's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, showcasing the unique qualities of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Light Cloud V2 is the lighter option. The Ink Yellow has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Light Cloud V2's 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Yellow is 67 grams, while the Light Cloud V2 requires 58 grams for bottoming out. This means that the Ink Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy force, whereas the Light Cloud V2 offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Yellow and TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. Since the travel distance is identical for both switches, users can expect to receive the same results when using either the Gateron Ink Yellow or TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing purposes. It also provides a clacky sound with a sharp and snappy characteristic when pressed, giving a crisp and bright overall typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience. It also falls under the category of a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for different typing needs. Both switches offer different sound qualities, with the Ink Yellow being more clacky and the Light Cloud V2 providing a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a safe middle-ground zone for sound and feel. It is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined finish for sleek key travel. In contrast, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch also offers a mild typing experience, with an easy-to-press characteristic that requires minimal force to activate the keys. It is described as feathery, making it exceptionally light to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, with the Ink Yellow focusing on smoothness and the Light Cloud V2 on ease of pressing.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch highlights a clacky sound and polished feel, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch emphasizes a muted sound and easy-to-press feathery feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, you can choose between the sharper sound profile of the Ink Yellow or the quieter typing experience of the Light Cloud V2. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, providing a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch or the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you desire a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more clacky typing sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more muted typing sound, the TTC Light Cloud V2 could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable to you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choosing between them will depend on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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