TTC Light Cloud V2 vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique qualities worth exploring. The Light Cloud V2 is praised for its silent operation and refined typing feel, making it a great choice for those seeking a delicate and nuanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black stands out for its silenced design, providing a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal noise. While the Light Cloud V2 is described as 'Mild,' 'Muted,' 'Neutral,' 'Easy-to-press,' and 'Feathery,' the Silent Ink Black is categorized as 'Silky,' 'Muted,' and 'Polished.' Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both utilize unique housing materials to achieve distinct sound profiles. While the Light Cloud V2 features nylon top and bottom housings, which create a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound, the Silent Ink Black boasts a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, clacky sound. These differences in housing materials result in contrasting typing experiences - the Light Cloud V2 offering a duller and rounder sound, while the Silent Ink Black delivers a thin and higher-pitched sound.
Despite their varying housing materials, both the Light Cloud V2 and the Silent Ink Black prioritize sound quality by utilizing materials that enhance the overall typing experience. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Light Cloud V2 work together to create a consistent and deep sound profile, making typing on these switches a satisfying experience. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing complement each other to produce a pointed and clacky sound that is both distinct and enjoyable. In this aspect, both switches offer users a premium typing experience that is tailored to their sound preferences.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Light Cloud V2 and the Silent Ink Black, it is important to consider how each housing material contributes to the overall sound of the switch. While the bottom housing of a switch affects the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings highlights the attention to detail that both the Light Cloud V2 and the Silent Ink Black have put into creating a well-rounded typing experience for users. Ultimately, whether it's the nylon housing of the Light Cloud V2 or the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black, both switches offer unique and satisfying sound profiles that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Light Cloud V2 requires 58 grams, while the Silent Ink Black needs 70 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, but the Silent Ink Black leans towards the medium-heavy side. The Light Cloud V2 would be favored by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, while the Silent Ink Black would appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke with a bit more weight behind it. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the TTC Light Cloud V2. The Light Cloud V2 offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a slightly deeper feel when pressed, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Silent Ink 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 Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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, both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are considered muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes them both suitable for environments where noise may be a concern, such as shared workspaces or quiet home settings. However, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard chassis and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
In terms of feel, the Light Cloud V2 provides a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with a feathery touch that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing feel, enhancing smoothness and reducing resistance for a more refined typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and low-impact typing feel, catering to users who prioritize both comfort and performance in their mechanical keyboards.
Overall, both the TTC Light Cloud V2 and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches offer excellent options for those seeking a silent and smooth typing experience. While they may differ slightly in sound and feel characteristics, both switches are designed to provide a refined and comfortable typing experience for users in various settings. Whether you choose the Light Cloud V2 for its lightweight and nuanced feel or the Silent Ink Black for its cushiony bottom-out and minimal audio feedback, you can expect similar results in terms of quiet operation and comfortable typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you seek in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you would want to choose the Light Cloud V2 if you prefer a lighter actuation force, a muted sound profile, and a mild, easy-to-press typing feel. This switch is ideal for those looking for a delicate and refined typing experience. On the other hand, you would opt for the Silent Ink Black if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, a muted sound profile, and a silky, polished typing feel. This switch is great for environments where quiet typing is necessary and offers a smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches would depend on your personal preference for actuation force, sound level, and typing feel.
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