Gateron Ink Red vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options available, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular choices are the Gateron Ink Red, a linear switch, and the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch. The Gateron Ink Red is best suited for individuals with a lighter typing style, thanks to its lower actuation force. This linear switch is known for its satisfyingly smooth feel, accompanied by a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches are designed to enhance typing experiences with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These tactile switches offer a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, creating a truly immersive typing sensation. They are also lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and TKC Kiwi switches differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing, while the Kiwi utilizes a UHWMPE top housing. Although both materials contribute to a clacky sound profile, the Ink Red's top housing is characterized as having a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, whereas the Kiwi's top housing offers resonant clacks. The distinction in sound suggests that typing on the Ink Red may produce a slightly sharper and thinner sound compared to the Kiwi.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Red and Kiwi again diverge in their choices of materials. The Ink Red utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile as mentioned earlier. On the other hand, the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing. Although the specific qualities of the Kiwi's bottom housing sound are not described, it can be inferred that it would add a unique tone to the switch's bottom-out sound and feel. These differences in sound characteristics suggest that the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, as is the case with both the Ink Red and Kiwi, the qualities of each housing material are divided. When pressing down on the switch, the influence of the bottom housing material becomes more apparent, contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing material affects the sound. Therefore, despite differences in their housing materials, both the Ink Red and Kiwi offer distinct but satisfying sounds that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are several notable differences. The Gateron Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly lighter than the 43 grams required for the TKC Kiwi. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Red requires 60 grams, while the Kiwi requires a slightly heavier 67 grams. This means that the Ink Red is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Kiwi offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, those who prioritize a lighter feel should opt for the Gateron Ink Red, while those seeking a stronger push and more robust typing experience may prefer the TKC Kiwi.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Whether you choose the Ink Red or the Kiwi, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in a satisfying typing or gaming 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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red switch has a crispy and clacky sound profile, giving it a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch has a low-pitched sound profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches are considered to have a moderate sound profile overall, making them suitable for most purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It is also considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Ink Red switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch is stepped, providing a tactile feel with two stages. It is also accented, offering a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Similar to the Ink Red switch, the Kiwi switch is also polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is best suited for those with a lighter typing style, thanks to its lower actuation force. It offers a satisfyingly smooth feel and a crispy, clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is designed to enhance the typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It has a snappy sound profile and provides a tactile feel with a mild two-stage bump. Both switches are lightly factory lubed, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Therefore, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter typing style, the Ink Red switch will provide a similar smooth feel and clacky sound. If you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-strong bump, the Kiwi switch will deliver a similar immersive typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you have a lighter typing style and are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a medium actuation force and is perfect for beginners or advanced users. The Ink Reds are known for their satisfyingly smooth feel and crispy, clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a slightly heavier feel compared to the Ink Reds. The Kiwi switches have a snappy sound profile that delivers an immersive typing experience and are lightly factory lubed for a smooth feel right out of the box. Additionally, the Kiwi switches have a polished finish, which ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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