Gateron Ink Red vs. Gazzew LT

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the Gateron Ink Red and the Gazzew LT. Both switches fall under the category of linear switches, offering a smooth typing experience without any tactile bump. The Ink Red is best known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. With a satisfyingly smooth feel and a crispy and clacky sound profile, typing on the Ink Reds is effortless. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT stands out with its enticing lilac hue and its auditory symphony of deep, resonant thockiness. These switches provide a seamless glide with every keystroke, giving a highly satisfying tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Gazzew LT Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Red and Gazzew LT switches both have proprietary housing materials that contribute unique qualities to their overall performance. The Gateron Ink Red's top housing, made with the proprietary INK blend, creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This sound is described as clacky, giving users a satisfying and distinctive auditory experience. In contrast, the Gazzew LT's top housing is made with a proprietary Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic." This material delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, creating a more mellow and resonant tone.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Red and Gazzew LT again feature different proprietary blends that contribute to their overall performance. The Gateron Ink Red's bottom housing, also made with the proprietary INK blend, maintains the same pointed and high-pitched sound profile as the top housing. This consistency ensures a cohesive sound and feel throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT's bottom housing, made with the Gazzew blend, provides a softer feel and sound. This "boba plastic" material adds a unique tactile experience, offering a more cushioned bottom-out sound and feeling.

While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Ink Red and Gazzew LT switches differ in terms of their proprietary blends, both switches offer a distinct and enjoyable typing experience. The Gateron Ink Red's INK blend housing brings a clacky and higher-pitched sound, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback. Similarly, the Gazzew LT's Gazzew blend housing delivers a deep and resonant sound, offering a different but equally satisfying experience. Although the specific qualities may vary, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by incorporating their unique housing materials, ensuring that users can expect similar results in terms of improved sound profiles and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is clear that both switches have a medium force required for actuation. The Ink Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the LT switch's actuation force is unavailable. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the LT switch is slightly heavier with a force of 65 grams compared to the Ink Red's 60 grams.

Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch like the Ink Red as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This lighter actuation force is particularly suitable for those who need a keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier force, like the LT switch. The LT switch's slightly higher bottom out force can provide a stronger push feel, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing.

However, it is important to note that despite the differences in their bottom out forces, both switches offer a similar actuation force experience with a medium force requirement. So, if a user is accustomed to or prefers the actuation feel of the Ink Red switch, they are likely to achieve similar results with the LT switch as well. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience one wishes to achieve.

Travel distance

When it comes to travel distance, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a slightly longer distance compared to the Gazzew LT linear switch. The Ink Red has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Generally, a travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.2 mm is on the shorter side. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Gazzew LT switch may be the better choice for you. However, some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial and satisfying depth when pressing down on a key, the Gateron Ink Red switch with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and typing/gaming style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red and Gazzew LT linear switches offer distinct profiles. The Ink Reds are known for their neutral sound, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work. Additionally, the Ink Reds have a crispy and clacky sound profile, which sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the LTs provide a deep and resonant "thockiness" during key presses, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This provides a satisfying auditory experience, especially considering the seamless glide that the LTs offer with every keystroke.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Red switches are described as silky, mild, and polished. This means that they provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhance overall smoothness, and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The mild characteristics of the Ink Reds ensure that the typing experience remains gentle and approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches contributes to a sleek typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.

Unfortunately, there is no available information about the subjective qualities of the Gazzew LT switches in terms of feel. However, based on their satisfying auditory symphony of "thockiness" and the seamless glide mentioned earlier, it is possible to infer that the LT switches also provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. However, without specific descriptors, it is difficult to compare them directly to the silky, mild, and polished qualities of the Ink Reds. It is recommended to try out the LT switches firsthand or seek user reviews for more insights into their feel.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron Ink Red and Gazzew LT linear switches offer differing subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Reds provide a neutral sound profile with a crispy and clacky sound, while the LTs offer a deep and resonant "thockiness." In terms of feel, the Ink Reds are silky, mild, and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. While information about the LT switches' feel is unknown, their sound profile and seamless glide suggest that they may provide a similar level of smoothness and enjoyment. Ultimately, personal preference and experimentation are key when choosing between these two switches.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when considering the choice between Gateron Ink Red linear switches and Gazzew LT linear switches, there are a few key factors to consider. If you have a lighter typing style and prefer a lower actuation force, the Ink Red switches with their 60-gram bottom out force are the ideal choice. These switches provide a satisfyingly smooth typing experience and have a crispy and clacky sound profile. Additionally, the Ink Reds are known for their neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and skill levels. On the other hand, if you value a unique auditory experience, the Gazzew LT switches offer an enticing lilac hue and a deep, resonant thockiness during key presses. Although there is no specific description of the LT's feel, their "linear thock" designation suggests a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches boils down to personal preference, typing style, and the desired auditory experience. Whether you choose the Ink Red for its light and smooth typing feel or the LT for its deep thockiness, both switches are quality options that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew LT Linear

$6.50 per 10

Learn more