Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Mars offer distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The Ink Red, known for its lower actuation force, delivers a satisfyingly smooth experience that caters to those who favor a lighter typing style. Its crisp, clacky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to one’s typing sessions, making it a great option for both gamers and typists who appreciate a responsive feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches stand out with their innovative design, featuring a unique POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM in the housing, which may appeal to users looking for durability and a slightly different tactile experience. Although both switches fall into the linear category, they offer unique characteristics that can influence your overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Mars switches, we see significant differences that affect their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housings, which is designed to produce a higher-pitched, clacky sound. This unique formulation aims to deliver a pointed and crisp auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Mars switch utilizes nylon for the top housing, a material known for its softer characteristics. This softness contributes to a deeper, fuller sound that is more muted due to its ability to absorb sound vibrations, making the auditory experience distinctly different from that of the Ink Red, which is characterized by a sharper, more clattering sound.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further distinctions. The Ink Red maintains its proprietary INK blend, which reinforces its characteristic high-end sound signature. Conversely, the Mars utilizes POM for its bottom housing, known for producing a unique, deeper sound that is more subdued. The presence of these varying materials means that when typing on the Ink Red, you will experience a more pronounced noise when bottoming out the key, while the Mars will provide a softer and rounder sound as a result of its POM bottom. These differences create a divergence in feel and sound, influencing how each switch performs during use.
However, despite their differences in materials, both switches will offer their own distinct tactile experiences that can appeal to different users. If a typist prioritizes a sharper, more pronounced sound, the Ink Red's combination of INK blend materials will deliver that effectively. On the other hand, those looking for a deeper, more rounded auditory feedback will find satisfaction in the Mars switch's nylon and POM composition. Ultimately, while the housing materials differ, both switches will result in unique typing experiences—allowing users to choose according to their sound preferences and tactile desires.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates a similar level of resistance required to register a keystroke. This means that both switches provide a similarly light typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force differs between the two: the Ink Red features a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium, providing a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown. This uncertainty means we cannot definitively compare how the overall typing experience might differ at that stage for the Mars switch. Consequently, users seeking a lighter and potentially quicker response will find both options similar in terms of actuation, but the Ink Red offers a heavier bottom out force for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback upon key presses.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mars linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ink Red the longer option, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. In contrast, the Mars, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to users who prefer a quicker response time, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster actuation. This shorter distance can create a snappier experience, but some may find it less satisfying due to the lack of depth. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you value a more pronounced keypress or a more responsive action.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Mars linear switches, the Ink Red clearly stands out. It is characterized by a satisfying, crispy, and clacky sound, which appeals to those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing. The tonal qualities are described as chirpy, suggesting a light, squeaky note that adds a unique character to the overall sound experience. In contrast, the sound profile of the Mars is currently unspecified, but it’s worth noting that the sound a switch produces can vary depending on the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, which means you might achieve a different auditory result with the Mars depending on those factors.
In terms of feel, the Ink Red excels with its silky, polished, and mild characteristics, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The combination of these qualities ensures that every keypress is seamless and enjoyable, allowing for effortless typing, making it appealing to users with a lighter touch. The Mars's feel is not detailed, but given its innovative design, it could potentially offer a unique tactile experience, though additional specifics would be needed for a thorough comparison.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch showcases a distinct sound and an incredibly smooth feel, the Gateron Mars lacks explicit details in both categories. However, if you appreciate the qualities of the Ink Red, you may find that their unique design might offer a comparable yet different typing experience. Without specific information on the Mars switches, one can only speculate on their performance, but it's clear that both switches cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, albeit in differing degrees of clarity regarding their characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, your typing preferences and intended usage play a critical role. If you are a typist who enjoys a smoother, more effortless experience with a notable sound profile, the Ink Red is an excellent choice. Its balance of a medium bottom out force and silky feel makes it ideal for both casual and professional settings, allowing you to comfortably engage in long typing sessions without feeling fatigued. Conversely, if you're intrigued by innovative switch designs and materials, and are willing to explore uncharted territory, the Gateron Mars may piqué your interest. Although specific tactile and acoustic feedback details are sparse, the unique combination of a POK stem and specialized housing materials suggests it could provide an interesting typing experience worth trying. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a proven, smooth typing experience with the Ink Red or the potential novelty and performance of the Mars.
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