Gateron Ink Red vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Laurel, both of which are linear switches. The Ink Red is best known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. With a satisfyingly smooth feel and a crispy, clacky sound profile, the Ink Red provides an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel is known for its medium-light weight and offers a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. Equipped with a full POM housing, short travel, and a long pole design, this switch provides users with a subtly low-pitched sound profile. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can ultimately decide which switch suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Laurel, we can see that they offer different sound profiles. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as being clacky. On the other hand, the Laurel's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. This means that if you prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound, the Ink Red with its INK blend top housing might be the better option for you. But if you prefer a deeper and more subdued sound, the Laurel with its POM top housing would be more suitable.
When it comes to the bottom housing, we see a similar contrast. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing provides a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, similar to its top housing. In comparison, the Laurel's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. This means that the Ink Red switch as a whole, with its INK blend material in both the top and bottom housings, will offer a clacky and higher-pitched sound throughout. The Laurel, on the other hand, with its POM bottom housing, will provide a uniform deeper and more muted sound.
In terms of functionality, the distinction between the top and bottom housings becomes important. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the key. This means that the Ink Red switch, with its INK blend bottom housing, will provide a more pronounced and tactile keystroke experience. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. So, if you prioritize the sound when releasing keys, the Ink Red switch would be a better choice with its INK blend top housing. However, if you value the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the Laurel switch with its POM bottom housing would be more suitable. Ultimately, understanding the different characteristics of the housing materials allows you to choose the switch that aligns with your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Laurel has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke, making them suitable for those who prefer quick and effortless typing.
In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Red requires a slightly heavier force of 60 grams, whereas the Laurel only requires 50 grams. This means that the Ink Red provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, as it requires a firmer press to fully engage the switch. On the other hand, the Laurel offers a lighter bottom out force, which might be preferred by those who value extended typing sessions and reduced finger fatigue.
It is worth noting that while the forces required for actuation and bottom out differ between the Ink Red and Laurel switches, both options fall within the light to medium category. This means that regardless of the specific force required, users can expect a relatively light touch for both actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences - those seeking a slightly heavier typing feel may opt for the Ink Red, while those favoring a lighter touch may find the Laurel more suitable.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Ink Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Laurel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Ink Red's travel distance of 4 mm falls into the more traditional range, while the Laurel's 3.5 mm travel distance is on the shallower side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times often prefer shorter travel distances, making the Laurel a suitable choice for them. On the other hand, those who enjoy deeper keystrokes may find the Ink Red more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness during typing or gaming activities.
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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 and KTT Laurel switches offer distinct qualities. The Ink Red switch is known for its crispy and clacky sound profile, giving it a satisfying and unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Laurel switch has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, creating a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Ink Red switch is considered chirpy, with a slight squeak, the Laurel switch provides a more neutral and low-pitched sound experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ink Red and Laurel switches also offer different experiences. The Ink Red switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It is also considered mild, providing a gentle typing feel that most people find approachable and comfortable. Additionally, the Ink Red switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Laurel switch is described as snappy, which means it is super responsive and gives a lively typing experience. The snappiness of the Laurel switch is often achieved through the use of longer or dual-staged springs.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Red and KTT Laurel switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Ink Red switch offers a crispy and clacky sound profile, ideal for those with a lighter typing style. It provides a silky and polished typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Laurel switch has a subtly low-pitched sound profile, giving a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Its longer or dual-staged springs result in a snappy and responsive typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a lighter actuation force and quieter sound, the Ink Red switch would be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light actuation force and a more unique sound profile, the Laurel switch would be a great choice. Overall, both switches offer different qualities and it is important to consider your personal preferences when making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a switch with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a great choice. It offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience and has a crispy and clacky sound profile. Additionally, it provides effortless typing due to its lower actuation force of 60 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 50 grams, and value a switch that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel linear switch would be a suitable option. Its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design contribute to its smooth typing feel, while its subtly low-pitched sound profile sets it apart. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Red and KTT Laurel switches will depend on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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