Gateron Ink Red vs. Dareu Master
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Dareu Master switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and the Dareu Master mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, we find some key differences that may appeal to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. It offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Dareu Master provides a medium weight option for users, along with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation. While the Ink Red is characterized by its neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished attributes, the Master is described as clacky, mild, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and the Dareu Master both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing components, resulting in distinct sound profiles for each switch. The INK blend top housing of the Gateron Ink Red provides a thin, higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, while the POM top housing of the Dareu Master creates a deeper, more muted sound. In terms of bottom housings, the INK blend of the Ink Red offers a similar high-pitched sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Master adds to the deeper, more muted overall sound. Both switches offer unique and satisfying sound profiles, with the Ink Red leaning towards a sharper, clackier sound and the Master providing a deeper, more muted tone.
While the Gateron Ink Red and the Dareu Master have different top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide optimal sound profiles for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The INK blend used in the Ink Red ensures a high-pitched, clacky sound that is satisfying to many users, while the POM material in the Master creates a deeper and more muted tone. Despite these differences, both switches excel in delivering a unique and pleasing sound experience. The materials used in the top and bottom housing of each switch cater to different aspects of typing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Red and the Dareu Master showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound profile of a mechanical switch. The INK blend in the Ink Red offers a sharper, clackier sound, while the POM material in the Master provides a deeper and more muted tone. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and typing experience. Whether you prefer a thinner, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more muted tone, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Dareu Master deliver unique and satisfying sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the Gateron Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Dareu Master. Some users may prefer the Ink Red for its slightly heavier bottom out force, giving a more substantial typing experience, while others may lean towards the Dareu Master for its unknown bottom out force, which could potentially offer a lighter typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, we can see that the Master has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the 4.0mm of the Ink Red. Both of these distances fall within the range of traditional switch travel distances, with the Master being on the shallower end. Gamers may prefer the Master for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Ink Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch to the Dareu Master linear switch, we can see that the Ink Red offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes, while also having a unique chirpy quality that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Master switch provides a clacky and sharp sound signature that is crisp and bright. Depending on personal preference and other factors like keyboard and keycaps, users may prefer the neutral and chirpy sound of the Ink Red or the clacky sound of the Master switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Dareu Master offer a smooth typing experience. The Ink Red is described as silky, mild, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and gentle typing feel that minimizes resistance. Similarly, the Master switch is also characterized as mild and polished, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Users who prefer a gentle typing experience may find both the Ink Red and the Master switches to be equally satisfying in terms of feel.
In conclusion, when considering the subjective qualities of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, both switches offer smoothness in operation with the Ink Red having a crispy and clacky sound profile and a lower actuation force, while the Master switch strikes a medium weight with a clacky sound signature. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Overall, while there are differences in sound and feel between the two switches, users can achieve similar results in terms of smoothness and typing experience based on their individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Dareu Master linear switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, crispy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Ink Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight switch with a classic clacky sound signature and exceptional smoothness in operation, the Master switch from Dareu could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
