Jerrzi Coral vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Ink Red are two excellent options to explore. The Coral switch is celebrated for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, offering a balanced blend of sophistication and stellar performance. In contrast, the Ink Red switch is known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. The Ink Red switch is praised for its smooth and clacky sound profile, along with being effortless to type on. While the Coral switch provides a nuanced sophistication, the Ink Red switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Ink Red switches provide unique characteristics to the sound profiles of each switch. The Coral's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. Both materials contribute to a satisfying sound profile, with the polycarbonate being more resonant and the INK blend offering a clacky sound. Despite these differences, both materials are designed to enhance the overall typing experience and are particularly suited for RGB lighting due to their distinctive properties.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Coral's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller sound that is duller and rounder compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing complements the top housing by providing a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted typing experience, whereas the INK blend offers a more pronounced and defined sound. These contrasting characteristics showcase how different housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact, it is important to note that each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch. The bottom housing typically impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities allows for a more dynamic and versatile typing experience, with the combination of different materials contributing to a more nuanced sound profile. Whether it be the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Coral or the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red, each material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch to the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, we see that the Coral has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Ink Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The Coral provides a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Ink Red offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. However, the Coral has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red, which may appeal to those who prefer a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Ink Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
The Gateron Ink Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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 Jerrzi Coral switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone with each keystroke, allowing for a more sophisticated typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch has a neutral sound profile with a hint of chirpiness, adding a unique acoustic signature to the typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth and polished feel, enhancing the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance and providing a gentle and approachable key press. The Coral switch's distinct typing feel and lower-pitched resonance create a delightful balance of sophistication and stellar performance, while the Ink Red switch's lower actuation force caters to those with a lighter typing style, offering smooth, crispy, and clacky key presses. Overall, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Coral switch may be the ideal choice, while the Ink Red switch is suited for those looking for a light and satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a touch of chirpiness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a distinctive typing experience with a lower-pitched sound profile, and an exquisite balance of sophistication and performance, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a moderate sound profile, effortless typing, and a switch that is suitable for most intents and purposes, then the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be the better option. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired typing feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure you pick the one that best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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