Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Oreo are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The Ink Black V2 is a linear switch that is best known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. It provides a low-pitched and bassy feel, making it a favorite choice among the community. On the other hand, the Oreo is a tactile switch that offers a delightful treat for your fingertips. It features a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. These switches strike the perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience. While the Ink Black V2 offers a polished and mild experience, the Oreo provides an accented and stepped key feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch is best suited for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Everglide Oreo differ in their housing materials. The Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. In comparison, the Oreo features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent property of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
While the housing materials of the Ink Black V2 and the Oreo differ, they yield similar results in terms of sound. Both switches produce a thin, higher-pitched sound that is satisfying to the user. However, the Oreo's polycarbonate housing may result in a slightly sharper and crisper sound compared to the Ink Black V2's INK blend housing. Both switches offer a clacky sound profile, but the Oreo's polycarbonate housing provides a more distinct and resonant sound experience.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the choice of housing material for the top and bottom housings plays a significant role. The bottom housing, whether it be the INK blend in the Ink Black V2 or polycarbonate in the Oreo, influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when the key is released. Therefore, while the Ink Black V2 and the Oreo may have different housing materials for the top and bottom, the properties of each material are influential in different aspects of the switch's performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Ink Black V2 has a higher actuation force, requiring 60 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, compared to the Oreo's 45 grams. This means that the Ink Black V2 provides a slightly stronger push feel when typing. The bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 is also higher, at 70 grams, compared to the Oreo's 55 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, the Ink Black V2 offers a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Ink Black V2 can be considered as the heavier option, while the Oreo is the lighter option. However, it's important to note that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Oreo would be a suitable choice, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Ink Black V2.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience, making them suitable options for those looking for a smooth and comfortable keystroke. Whether you choose the Gateron Ink Black V2 or the Everglide Oreo, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 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 Black V2 for $7.24.
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is well-known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, providing a satisfying typing experience. Its sound profile can be described as low-pitched and bassy, with a subtle chirp that sets it apart from other switches. The feel of the Ink Black V2 is mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is designed to provide a delectable treat for your fingertips. It features a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The sound profile of the Oreo switch is described as subtly mellow and chirpy, adding a unique acoustic signature to your keystrokes.
Comparing the two switches, the Ink Black V2 offers a linear feel, while the Oreo provides a tactile experience. Both switches have their own distinct sound profiles, with the Ink Black V2 being low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy, while the Oreo switch is described as chirpy.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch excels in smoothness and rich sound, providing a satisfying typing experience. The Everglide Oreo tactile switch, on the other hand, offers a delightful tactile bump and a mellow sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities and can be suitable for different preferences. Depending on personal preference for linear or tactile switches and desired sound profiles, one can make an informed choice between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Black V2 would be a great choice. It offers a rich clack and a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force, the Everglide Oreo would be more suitable. It provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. Both switches have their own unique sound profiles, with the Ink Black V2 being low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy, while the Oreo is chirpy. In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 is mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction, while the Oreo is accented and stepped, providing a medium amount of tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on your personal preferences for key feel, bottom out force, and sound profile.
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