Gateron Ink Black V2
LinearThe premium linear that defined an era of custom builds. Gateron's translucent smoky "Ink" housing blend gives it a unique deep-but-clacky voice and an exceptionally smooth 60 g stroke.
Sound & feel
Ink Black V2 is built around Gateron's proprietary translucent housing plastic, the smoky-blue material that gives the Ink line both its look and its famous acoustic signature. The sound is hard to place on the usual thock-to-clack axis: deep in body yet crisp at the attack, and instantly recognizable to enthusiasts.
The 60 g weight and long-spring feel make the stroke smooth and substantial. V2 ships with light factory lube (the V2 Pro revision adds a fuller application), though many builders still hand-tune Inks out of tradition.
From roughly 2019 through 2022 an Ink Black build was practically a rite of passage in the custom scene. Newer switches have caught up on stock smoothness per dollar, but the Ink voice remains unduplicated.
Sound on this page is synthesized from the switch's published specs and community-documented character: an honest simulation, not a recording. We're progressively replacing simulations with our own studio recordings. How our sounds are made
Compare it
- Gateron Ink Black V2 vs Gateron Oil King , or jump to Gateron Oil King
- Gateron Ink Black V2 vs Durock (JWK for PrimeKB) Alpaca , or jump to Durock (JWK for PrimeKB) Alpaca
- Gateron Ink Black V2 vs NovelKeys NK Cream , or jump to NovelKeys NK Cream
- Gateron Ink Black V2 vs Gateron Ink Yellow V2 , or jump to Gateron Ink Yellow V2
- Gateron Ink Black V2 vs Cherry MX Black MX2A , or jump to Cherry MX Black MX2A
Frequently asked questions
What does the Gateron Ink Black V2 sound like?
signature deep-yet-clacky Ink voice; smooth and resonant. Use the player on this page to hear simulated press and release sounds derived from its real specifications.
Is the Gateron Ink Black V2 good for gaming or typing?
As a linear switch with 60g actuation force and 2mm pre-travel, it suits fast, repeated presses, which is why linears are a common gaming pick. It types perfectly well too if you like a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke.
How heavy is the Gateron Ink Black V2?
60g actuation, 70g bottom-out (our estimate). Note that Gateron officially rates actuation force and publishes no bottom-out, so the bottom-out above is our derivation. Brands differ, so check the basis when comparing switches.