Gateron Ink Red vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Mallo 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 Mallo. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. With a smooth and satisfying feel, along with a crispy and clacky sound profile, the Ink Reds offer effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo is a tactile switch that embodies subtlety and finesse in its design. It provides a gentle tactility for feedback without being overwhelming, coupled with a medium-light typing feel. With a neutral sound signature, the Mallo is versatile for various typing environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Mallo, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles due to the differences in their top and bottom housings. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing that creates a thin, high-pitched, and clacky sound, while the Mallo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Red also uses the proprietary INK blend, resulting in a similar sound profile to the top housing. However, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting the higher-pitched sound of its polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of aesthetics, the Ink Red's clear polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the switch. On the other hand, the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing also benefits from its translucency, making it a popular choice for users who want to showcase their RGB lighting setup. The use of polycarbonate in both switches' top housings may lead to a more visually appealing experience for those who prioritize aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switches, the differences in housing materials play a crucial role. The stiffer polycarbonate used in the top housing of the Mallo contributes to a more pronounced and crisp sound when pressing down on the keys, while the softer nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and rounder sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the INK blend used in both top and bottom housings of the Ink Red offers a consistent thin and clacky sound profile throughout the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Mallo will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Ink Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mallo's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mallo requires 55 grams while the Ink Red needs 60 grams. This makes the Mallo a lighter option in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of the Mallo is not specified, but it is safe to assume that it is lighter than the Ink Red due to its lower bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Mallo, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Ink Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer the same amount of key travel from top to bottom. This means that whether you choose the Gateron Ink Red or the KTT Mallo, you can expect similar results in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. This makes them ideal choices for users who enjoy a consistent tactile experience without any noticeable differences in travel distance.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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, both the Gateron Ink Red and KTT Mallo switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for a variety of environments. The Ink Red may have a slightly chirpy sound profile, adding a unique acoustic signature to the typing experience, while the Mallo provides a more subdued sound that is dampened and subtle. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, including the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch provides a feathery and subtle typing experience, with a gentle tactility that is just noticeable enough to provide feedback without being overpowering. Both switches fall into the mild category, offering a comfortable typing experience that strikes a balanced chord between smoothness and feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Red switch is ideal for those with a lighter typing style who appreciate a smooth and slightly chirpy sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch is perfect for typists looking for a balanced and versatile tactile experience with a subtler and more subdued sound profile. While they may have some differences in sound and feel, both switches provide high-quality typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Whether you choose the Gateron Ink Red or KTT Mallo switch, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with similar results in terms of performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound profile, the Ink Red would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactility with a balanced feel and neutral sound signature, the Mallo would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
