Gateron Ink Red vs. Jerrzi Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Jerrzi Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and the Jerrzi Orange both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Red, a linear switch, is well-known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. The switch is smooth, produces a crisp and clacky sound profile, and provides an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange, also a linear switch, stands out for its lightweight feel and clacky nature. It offers a crisp and audible feedback with each keystroke, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a responsive and vibrant typing experience. While the Ink Red is categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished, the Orange is described as feathery, easy to press, subdued, and clacky. These general pointers can help guide your decision; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Jerrzi Orange, it is clear that they both offer unique characteristics. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying, high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Orange's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While they both offer distinct sound profiles, they both excel in providing a clear and resonant sound that is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials of the two switches, the differences are more apparent. The Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing offers a similar high-pitched sound profile as its top housing, contributing to a clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Orange's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder sound. This contrast highlights the impact that the bottom housing material can have on the overall sound and feel of a switch, showcasing the importance of a well-balanced combination of materials in a switch design.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Red and Jerrzi Orange differ in material, they both play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. By understanding the qualities that each housing material brings to the table, enthusiasts can tailor their switch choices to achieve the desired typing experience, whether it be a clacky, high-pitched sound profile or a deep, round sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific sound profile that best suits individual typing needs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch to the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, it is clear that the Ink Red has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Orange's lighter 37 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Orange is unknown while the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the Ink Red requires more force to initially trigger a keystroke, the Orange may offer a lighter overall typing experience due to its unknown bottom out force. In terms of weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Jerrzi Orange for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the Gateron Ink Red to be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ink Red being slightly longer than the Orange. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Orange switch, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
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 Gateron Ink Red switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. It provides a moderate sound with a slight chirp, adding a unique touch to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch produces a more subdued sound that is dampened yet still offers a crisp and clacky feedback with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference and setup, the choice between the two switches will influence the auditory experience of typing, ranging from a slightly chirpy tone with the Ink Red to a more subdued yet percussive clack with the Orange.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and enhancing the overall smoothness of typing. It falls into the category of mild switches, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Orange switch is described as feathery, as it requires minimal exertion and offers a light actuation force for effortless typing. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and providing a low-impact typing feel. The choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, whether it be a smooth and refined experience with the Ink Red or a feathery and easy-to-press sensation with the Orange.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red and Jerrzi Orange switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Ink Red provides a neutral sound and silky smooth typing experience, the Jerrzi Orange offers a clacky sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both switches providing satisfying and responsive options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you choose the Ink Red or the Orange, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with similar levels of satisfaction and responsiveness.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Orange linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smoother typing experience with a crispy sound profile, the Ink Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and lively typing experience with a feathery feel and easy-to-press keys, the Orange switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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