The Gateron Ink Black V2 earned the top spot in the largest test we found. RTINGS ran 153 switches through standardized force-curve and sound measurements and named it Best Linear. The proprietary smoky Ink housing is the reason: it glides with a glassy smoothness most switches only reach after hand-lubing.
The 60g spring gives it a deeper, more deliberate keystroke than light gaming linears. Eneba called it the Best Heavy Linear for players who rest their hands on the keys, and the Ink housing turns each press into a fuller, lower-pitched sound that builders chase.
It costs about $0.69 a switch, roughly three times a budget linear. For the smoothness and sound you get with no modding, the enthusiast consensus says it earns the jump. This is the linear other linears get measured against.
What It Won't Do
The weight is divisive. At 60g actuation and close to 70g at bottom-out, it tires hands that prefer a feather-light press, and fast-twitch gamers often reach for something lighter. The 5-pin design also assumes a hotswap or solder board, so it is not the pick for a bare-bones case.
Smoothness usually costs money. The Gateron G Pro Yellow ignores that rule. RTINGS named it Best Budget Linear and MKB Guide put it first among budget switches, both pointing to factory pre-lubing that makes it feel smoother than a stock Cherry MX Red that costs more.
At about $0.29 a switch you can fill a full-size board for the price of a single premium 35-pack. Keychron tagged it the Best Linear for Gamers for its light, fast 50g press. For a first build or a big keyboard, the math is hard to beat.
But the depth is where it gives ground. It will not match an Ink housing, and the higher-pitched sound hints at the price. The gap in feel stays far smaller than the gap in cost, which is the whole point of a value pick.
What It Won't Do
The 3-pin plate mount is the catch. Some PCB-mount boards need you to clip the plastic legs first, a small but annoying step. The sound is also thinner and higher than premium switches, and under close inspection the stem feel is a notch less refined.
Who Should Buy Which
Gateron Ink Black V2
RTINGS' best linear: the smoky-housing switch enthusiasts treat as the benchmark.
- You want the benchmark linear feel and sound
- You build on a hotswap or solder board
- You prefer a heavier, deliberate keystroke
- Smoothness with no lubing is your priority
- You don't mind paying a premium per switch
Gateron G Pro Yellow
The pre-lubed budget king that out-smooths switches twice its price.
- You're filling a full-size board on a budget
- First-time builders testing linear switches
- You want a light, fast 50g press for gaming
- Pre-lubed smoothness without the premium price
- You'd rather spend the savings on the case or keycaps