Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Jupiter Red, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Ink Red is ideal for those with a lighter typing style, as it boasts a lower actuation force and a smooth, satisfying feel. This switch is known for its crispy and clacky sound profile, making typing a breeze. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a medium-heavy actuation with a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke thanks to its single-stage spring design. It also features high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, providing a seamless and consistent typing experience. While the Ink Red is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Jupiter Red is categorized as 'Polished', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own unique qualities, so it ultimately depends on personal preference. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Jupiter Red switches offer distinct characteristics that differentiate them in terms of sound profile and overall typing experience. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, which provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Jupiter Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material creates a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Red's bottom housing maintains similar characteristics to the top housing, offering a consistent thin and higher-pitched sound profile.
However, when comparing the bottom housing materials of the Ink Red and Jupiter Red switches, differences in sound profile become more pronounced. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to the switch's satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Jupiter Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer properties. Nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience on switches that incorporate this material in the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing feel of the switch. While both the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Jupiter Red switches offer unique characteristics in their top and bottom housing materials, the Ink Red provides a consistent sound profile throughout due to the use of the proprietary INK blend in both housings. In contrast, the Jupiter Red offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, complemented by a deeper and fuller typing experience from the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key activation and bottoming out sensation when using either of these switches. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, offering a balanced typing experience that is neither too light nor too heavy. The actuation force is important for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force is crucial for determining the tactile feedback when pressing the keys all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter weight of these switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Jupiter Red will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of the feeling of keypresses. The shorter travel distance of these switches compared to other options may appeal to those who prefer a quicker typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a similar travel distance, making them equally suitable choices for users looking for a smooth linear switch option.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 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
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its crispy and clacky sound profile, offering a unique typing experience that is both satisfying and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch provides a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke with a moderate sound profile, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. Both switches have a polished finish, guaranteeing a sleek and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Ink Red offers a silky and mild typing sensation, perfect for those who prefer a gentle typing experience, while the Jupiter Red provides a creamy and silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of each keystroke. With similar qualities in sound and feel, users can expect a consistent and high-quality typing experience with either switch, making them both excellent choices for different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a smooth, crispy sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation and a seamless typing experience with softer backlight effects, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, but the unique characteristics of each switch cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches boils down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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