Gateron Ink V2 Black $7.50 / 10

Gateron's Ink line represents the company's answer to the question: what happens when you stop using commodity housing materials and design something purpose-built? The Ink V2 uses a proprietary polymer housing — often described as a semi-transparent, flexible material that differs acoustically from both Nylon and PC. The result is a switch with a distinct, premium sound signature that has made it a staple of high-end builds.

The "Ink" designation refers to the dark, semi-opaque housing material, not any lubing process. This material dampens the sound profile in a way that produces a deep, rolling thock that many enthusiasts describe as the reference point for what an expensive linear should sound like. The Black variant at 60g actuation is the heaviest in the Ink line and the most popular for pure acoustic performance.

Stock smoothness is above average for a production switch. The light factory lube helps, and Gateron's tooling quality on the Ink line is noticeably higher than their budget switches. There is minimal scratchiness even unlubed, and after a 205g0 session the Ink V2 becomes exceptionally smooth — comparable to fully-prepared UHMWPE switches despite using a different stem material.

The Ink housing does have some quirks. Early V1 batches had cracked housings under pressure, a problem Gateron addressed in the V2 revision. The V2 housing is more durable, though it remains slightly more delicate than a standard Nylon switch and should be handled carefully when filming or lubing. Films are recommended — they tighten up the sound and reduce the minor wobble present in the V2 design.

At $7.50 per 10, Ink V2 Blacks position themselves as a premium production linear below the ultra-rare group buy switches. They are widely available, genuinely excellent, and immediately identifiable by sound in any build. For a serious board where you want a linear that impresses everyone in the room, the Ink V2 Black remains one of the best choices available.