The Gateron Ink Black V2 is a linear mechanical switch designed for smooth and quiet keystrokes. It’s known for its heavier actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a more controlled typing experience. With its POM stem and nylon housing, this switch delivers durability and stability.
In this Gateron Ink Black V2: Review & Comparison with Top Switches | 2025, we’ll break down its performance, sound profile, and how it compares to other popular switches like Cherry MX Black and Gateron Red. We’ll also look at its typing experience, lubing options, and much more to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your keyboard build.
Key Takeaways
The Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer excellent performance for those who like heavy switches. They feature a 60g switch actuation force and a 70g bottom-out force, which results in a controlled typing experience.
These switches are known for their smoothness and quiet sound, making them ideal for those who want a silent keyboard. When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 to other mechanical keyboard switches.
Read More: Full-Size Keyboards: A Comprehensive Overview
It holds its own with a linear feel and a thocky sound profile. It’s also compatible with a variety of keyboard mods like lubing and filming, which further enhances its performance.
Gateron Ink Black Switch Specs
The Gateron Ink Black V2 features a few unique specifications that set it apart. These switches have a POM stem and Nylon housing, which contribute to their smooth feel and durability.
With a pre-travel distance of 2mm and a total travel distance of 4mm, they provide a balanced typing experience. The switch is compatible with 5-pin PCBs, making it suitable for a variety of keyboard builds.
The switch lifespan is rated at around 50 million keystrokes, which is standard for most Gateron switches.
| Feature | Gateron Ink Black V2 |
| Actuation Force | 60g |
| Bottom-Out Force | 70g |
| Pre-Travel Distance | 2mm |
| Total Travel Distance | 4mm |
| Housing Material | Nylon |
| Stem Material | POM |
| Lifespan | 50 Million Keystrokes |
Typing Experience
When you type on the Gateron Ink Black V2, you’ll notice how smooth the keystrokes feel. The 60g actuation force means the keys don’t require too much effort, yet they offer enough resistance to avoid accidental presses.
This is especially important for those who do a lot of typing or work with heavy switches. Compared to lighter switches like Gateron Yellow or Gateron Red, the Ink Black V2 feels more controlled.
It doesn’t bottom out too quickly, so you have more feedback with each keystroke. Whether you’re typing fast or slow, these switches offer consistent performance.
The linear switches don’t have tactile bumps or clicks, which makes them very quiet. If you’re looking for a silent keyboard experience, this switch is perfect.
There’s no audible click, but you can still feel the switch bottoming out. It’s ideal for those who want a clean, smooth typing experience without the noise often found in clicky switches.
Spring Weight
One of the notable features of the Gateron Ink Black V2 is its spring weight. At 60g for actuation and 70g for bottom-out, these switches offer a satisfying level of resistance.
The heavier spring helps prevent accidental key presses, which is great for typists who want to maintain control while typing or gaming. It also provides a certain level of precision.
On the other hand, lighter switches like the Gateron Red or Yellow switches offer less resistance, which can be beneficial for fast typists but might lead to more mistakes. If you prefer a heavier switch feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a great choice.
Sound Test
The Gateron Ink Black V2 produces a thocky sound, which is deep and muted. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a quiet keyboard experience.
The sound profile is much quieter than tactile or clicky switches, making it a favorite among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who need a quieter setup for office work or late-night gaming.
The combination of the POM stem and Nylon housing contributes to the sound dampening. While the sound isn’t entirely silent, it’s significantly softer than many other mechanical keyboard switches on the market.
Appearance
Visually, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is sleek and modern. It features a smokey-transparent housing, which looks great when paired with RGB lighting. The transparency helps the light shine through the switch, adding to the aesthetics of your keyboard.
The black stem gives it a minimalist look that’s perfect for custom keyboard builds. Dark housing can sometimes make the RGB lights less vibrant, but it still looks attractive when lit up. Whether you are focused on keyboard aesthetics or RGB compatibility, these switches offer a clean and modern design.
Gateron Ink Black Price
At around $0.75 to $1.00 per switch, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers excellent value. It’s affordable compared to some premium switches like Cherry MX Black, which can cost more per switch.
The price makes it a great option for anyone looking to build a custom mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank. When compared to similar switches, like the Gateron Yellow or Gateron Red, the Ink Black V2 offers competitive pricing for a high-quality linear switch.
Gateron Ink Box Black vs Ink Black V2
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black with the Gateron Ink Black V2, the key differences come down to the construction and overall feel. The Ink Box Black has a box design, which offers a more stable stem and reduced switch wobble.
On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is more affordable and offers a slightly smoother feel. If you’re looking for stability, the Ink Box Black might be the better choice. However, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a quieter sound, the Ink Black V2 is a solid pick.
Gateron Ink Black vs Ink Black V2
Comparing the original Gateron Ink Black with the Ink Black V2, the V2 offers slight improvements in smoothness and sound. The V2 has an improved spring coating, which results in smoother actuation and reduced switch wobble.
The Ink Black V2 also has a more refined sound profile, offering a softer, more thocky sound compared to the original. While both switches perform well, the V2 is generally considered the better option for keyboard building and mechanical keyboard mods due to its enhanced performance.
Gateron Ink Black vs Red/Yellow
The Gateron Ink Black V2 is a heavier switch compared to the Gateron Red or Yellow switches. Red and Yellow switches are lighter, with an actuation force of 45g, which makes them more responsive and quicker to press.
The Ink Black V2’s heavier spring makes it better for precise typing and less prone to accidental presses. For those who prefer smooth switches with a more deliberate feel, the Ink Black V2 is the way to go. If you’re looking for speed and lighter keypresses, then Gateron Red or Yellow might suit you better.
Where Can You Find Gateron Ink Black Switches?
You can easily find Gateron Ink Black V2 switches on popular websites like Amazon, Keychron, and KBDFans. These platforms offer competitive pricing and fast shipping options.
Many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts purchase their switches in bulk for custom keyboard builds, and these stores provide a range of products to fit various needs.
Lubing and Filming Gateron Ink Black
Lubing and filming Gateron Ink Black V2 switches can significantly improve their switch actuation smoothness. Lubing switches with products like Krytox 205g0 lubricant reduces friction, making the keystrokes even smoother.
Switch filming also helps by stabilizing the switch and reducing wobble. The extra work of lubing and filming can make a noticeable difference, especially in terms of typing experience and performance. If you want to enhance your keyboard’s feel, this is an essential step for many DIY keyboard builders.
Conclusion
The Gateron Ink Black V2 switches are an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth, quiet, and controlled typing experience. With their heavier actuation force and silent operation, they’re perfect for both typing and gaming without causing distractions.
These switches are also highly customizable with lubing and filming to improve performance. Whether you’re a keyboard enthusiast or just someone looking for a great linear switch, the Ink Black V2 offers great value for any mechanical keyboard build.
FAQs
What is Gateron Black Ink?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 is a linear switch designed for smooth, quiet typing. It features a POM stem and Nylon housing for durability and performance.
Should you lube Gateron black inks?
Lubing Gateron Ink Black V2 switches can reduce friction, making them smoother and quieter. Lubing switches enhances overall performance.
Are Gateron Black Inks good for typing?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 switches provide a smooth and controlled typing experience, making them a great choice for typists who prefer heavy switches.
Lily Watkins is an experienced tech writer specializing in the latest trends and innovations. She is passionate about making complex technology accessible and shares her insights on TechThingPro.com.