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Gateron Ink Black V2 Keyboard Switch Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Nov 06, 2023 at 12:55 pm
Gateron Ink Black V2 Picture
  1. Updated Nov 06, 2023: Review published.

Compared To Other Keyboard Switches

Gateron Oil King

Gateron Ink Black V2 and Gateron Oil King switches are both linear switches. Both switches come pre-lubed from the factory and are well-known for their smoothness and low-pitched sound profiles out of the box. The Ink Black V2 switches have a slightly rounder, more resonant sound. The Oil Kings have a sharper sound and a marginally more lightweight actuation, but the difference is too small to be very noticeable. Note that both switches have dark housings, which significantly limits the brightness of any RGB lighting. However, the Ink Black V2 housings have a smokey finish, making them a bit better for letting out light than the Oil Kings, which are opaque.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
N/A
Design
Compatibility
Cherry MX PCB Pinout
Locked
Pin Count
Locked
Keycap Mount
Locked
N/A
Design
Illumination
Upper Housing Color
Locked
Upper Housing Finish
Locked
Performance
Performance
Keystrokes
Feel
Linear
Operating Force
54 gf
Actuation Force
Lock gf
Pre-Travel Distance
2.4 mm
Total Travel Distance
Lock mm
N/A
Performance
Factory Smoothness
- SAMPLE -
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Gateron Ink Black V2 Smoothness Sample Sample
Scratchy Factor
Lock
Mid Actuation Peak Noise
Lock dB
Mid Actuation Peak Frequency
Lock Hz
N/A
Performance
Latency
Press Average
Lock ms
Press Std Dev
±Lock ms
Release Average
Lock ms
Release Std Dev
±Lock ms