Outemu Crystal vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Crystal and the Gateron Ink Red. The Crystal is a linear switch, offering a unique typing experience with its elastic feel and medium-light weight. Typing on these switches is accompanied by a neutral sound profile, providing a satisfyingly smooth and polished experience. On the other hand, the Ink Red is also a linear switch but stands out with its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. The Ink Reds offer a crispy and clacky sound profile, and they are effortless to type on. With their silky and mild attributes, they provide a neutral and polished feel. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Outemu Crystal and Gateron Ink Red switches, namely polycarbonate and Gateron's proprietary INK blend, offer distinct differences in their sound profiles. The Crystal's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when compared to the Ink Red's INK blend top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a precise and sharp sound profile. Similarly, the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing also contributes to the same attributes, resulting in overall consistency in sound quality throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Ink Red's INK blend top housing is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. This provides a unique auditory experience that some users may find satisfyingly thin, giving a distinct personality to the keystrokes.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches utilize translucent materials in their respective top housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, making it an excellent choice for users who want to showcase vibrant lighting effects within their keyboards. On the other hand, the Ink Red's INK blend top housing, although not transparent, still offers a visually appealing design with its distinctive color and texture. Therefore, while the materials differ, both switches provide pleasing options for users who prioritize visual aesthetics.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall performance of the switch, it is important to note that these materials contribute differently to the sound and feel of the typing experience. The bottom housing, whether it is polycarbonate in the Crystal or the INK blend in the Ink Red, has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the material used in the bottom housing will greatly influence the sensation you feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when you release a key. Therefore, while the materials may vary, users can expect similar results in terms of the overall sound profile when pressing and releasing keys in both the Outemu Crystal and Gateron Ink Red switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This similarity ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience when using either switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a distinction. The Crystal switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Ink Red switch's 60-gram bottom out force. This means that the Crystal switch provides a softer and lighter typing experience when fully pressed down, while the Ink Red switch offers a slightly more substantial and heavier feel.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter feel may find the Crystal switch more suitable, as it allows for prolonged typing sessions without causing excessive fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push and desire a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Ink Red switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force. This provides a bit more resistance and feedback, appealing to users who prefer a tactile response during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that they have the same amount of distance that the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch has a unique acoustic signature. Described as "chirpy," these switches have a slight squeak to them, setting them apart from other switches. Additionally, they have a high-pitched sound profile that produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It does not have any distinct characteristics like the Crystal switch. The Ink Reds offer a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a polished typing experience. The switch has a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel enhances the overall typing experience, giving it a sleek and satisfying touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a silky typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the Ink Reds have a mild feel, making them approachable to most users. They strike a balance in terms of their characteristics, providing a safe and middle-ground experience. Like sound, the feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as materials used and factory lubing.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Crystal switch provides a unique linear typing experience with a chirpy sound profile and a polished feel. It is best suited for those who appreciate a little squeak and a higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch is perfect for users with a lighter typing style. It offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound. Its feel is silky and mild, appealing to a wide range of users. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so choosing between them would depend on personal preferences. However, if you are looking for similar results, the Crystal switch might provide a comparable experience to the Ink Red switch in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, then the Outemu Crystal linear switch is the one for you. These switches have a fairly elastic type feel, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. Additionally, the Crystal switch has a neutral sound profile, which is perfect for any environment.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a satisfyingly smooth typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force compared to the Crystal switch, the Ink Reds offer a medium typing experience. They also have a crispy and clacky sound profile, adding to the overall tactile experience.
In terms of sound, the Crystal switch has a chirpy and high-pitched sound, while the Ink Red switch has a neutral and chirpy sound. If you enjoy a unique acoustic signature with a little squeak, then either switch would be suitable.
When it comes to feel, the Crystal switch is polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch is silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance. Both switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch depends on your personal preferences. Whether you prioritize a unique typing experience with a medium-light weight or a smoother typing feel with a lighter actuation force, both switches offer their own advantages. Consider what kind of typing experience you enjoy and select the switch that best suits your preferences and typing style.
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