Gateron Ink Red vs. Durock Light Tactile

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Red, a linear switch, and the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch. The Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, making it a great choice for those with a lighter typing style. With its satisfyingly smooth feel and crispy, clacky sound profile, typing on the Ink Reds is effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a gentler tactility compared to other tactile switches on the market. It provides an angelic tactility and a unique jelly-like sound signature. Both switches fall under the neutral and mild categories, offering a polished typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Durock Light Tactile differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, creating a pointed and relatively high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. This blend offers a clacky sound that is satisfying to many typists. In contrast, the Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffer plastic composition. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for the housing to be translucent, making it ideal for those who want to use RGB lighting.

On the bottom housing front, the Ink Red and the Light Tactile also differ in their materials. The Ink Red uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend, which contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. In comparison, the Light Tactile employs a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic switch housing material. The use of nylon brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to the Light Tactile. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

When comparing the sound and feel of these switches, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the INK blend of the Ink Red and the polycarbonate of the Light Tactile have distinct characteristics, they both contribute to a satisfying sound experience that is appreciated by keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the clacky sound of the INK blend or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer a range of options to suit different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Ink Red requires a lighter touch at 45 grams, while the Light Tactile requires a slightly stronger push at 52 grams. This means that the Ink Red is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force.

When it comes to the bottom out force, the Ink Red again proves to be lighter at 60 grams, while the Light Tactile is slightly heavier at 67 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force, providing a satisfying feedback upon pressing all the way down. The heavier bottom out force of the Light Tactile can cater to users who prefer a more pronounced sensation when typing.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch. Those looking for a smoother, lightweight typing experience for extended periods might find the Ink Red more suitable, while the Light Tactile caters to individuals who prefer a slightly stronger push and a more substantial typing feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is 4 mm. Both switches require the same amount of travel distance, meaning that pressing down on the keys with these switches will result in a similar experience. The distance the switch travels from top to bottom is identical for both switches, providing the same tactile feedback and key response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red and the Durock Light Tactile switches share a similar quality. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, which means they produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. However, the Ink Red switch has an additional descriptor of "chirpy," indicating that it has a unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch is said to have a jelly-like sound signature, which contrasts with the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound, although the Ink Red may offer a bit more distinctiveness with its chirpy characteristic.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red and Durock Light Tactile switches exhibit different qualities. The Ink Red switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It falls under the category of mild switches, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience suitable for most users. Additionally, the Ink Red switch is considered polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch also falls under the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize smoothness and a comfortable typing feel, making them ideal choices for users who prefer a softer tactile experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Red switch presents a crispy and clacky sound profile with a slight chirp, making it stand out in terms of sound. It also provides a silky and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a gentle and jelly-like sound signature along with a mild and polished feel. Both switches cater to users who prefer a lighter typing style and prioritize a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, depending on individual preferences, one can achieve similar results with either switch, experiencing satisfying sound and a pleasant tactile feel during typing sessions.

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 is the ideal choice for you. These switches are satisfyingly smooth, have a crispy and clacky sound profile, and offer an effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Ink Red switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, they are described as silky, mild, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle tactile experience, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch would be a great option. These switches offer a gentle tactility that differs from the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on them provides an angelic tactility along with a jelly-like sound signature. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Light Tactile switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile. They are described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between Gateron Ink Red and Durock Light Tactile will depend on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, typing style, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, so it's important to consider your individual needs before making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more