Gateron Ink Red vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron Ink Red and the SP-Star Meteor White, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Ink Red is primarily known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. This switch offers a satisfyingly smooth experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile, making typing effortless. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White is characterized as a gentle linear switch, offering a subdued typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile. Its easy-to-push keys and soft type feel make it a comfortable option. While these general descriptions provide a good starting point for decision-making, it is essential to delve deeper into the specifics to determine 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
57g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the SP-Star Meteor White differ significantly. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying and clacky sound that some typists prefer. On the other hand, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, while the Ink Red produces a sharper sound, the Meteor White offers a more mellow and deep typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Red and the Meteor White also employ different materials. The Ink Red incorporates the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, resulting in a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile. The satisfaction of the clacky sound can be felt when bottoming out the keys. In contrast, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. As nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, it creates a rounder and duller bottom-out sound. Therefore, while the Ink Red emphasizes the clackiness in the bottom-out sound, the Meteor White focuses on a deeper and fuller typing experience.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the switches, it becomes evident that they play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound, which is the sound produced when a key is fully pressed down. In the case of the Ink Red, the proprietary INK blend in both the top and bottom housing ensures a pointed and high-pitched bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when a key is released. Thus, the Ink Red's INK blend top housing provides a clacky sound when letting go of a key, while the Meteor White's nylon top housing contributes to a rounder and fuller release sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium level of resistance needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Meteor White is unknown, meaning it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Red is 60 grams, while the Meteor White has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, placing it in the medium-light category.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Meteor White switch may make it preferable for those who desire a lighter typing experience. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for extended periods of time, such as at work or during long gaming sessions. The Ink Red, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, may provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Meteor White is unknown, its lighter bottom out force compared to the Ink Red suggests a lighter typing experience. Those seeking a lighter switch may prefer the Meteor White, while those desiring a stronger push feel may find the Ink Red more suitable. Overall, both switches offer medium actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a balanced typing experience, but with slight differences in weight that may cater to specific preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have identical travel distances, both measuring at 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their similar travel distances, ensuring that users can expect comparable results in terms of keypress feel and feedback.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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, the Gateron Ink Red switch is known for its neutral and chirpy sound profile. The neutral sound profile means that the switch has a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. Additionally, the Ink Red switch has a unique acoustic signature with a little squeak, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various uses. However, its sound profile is described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Ink Red having a crispy and clacky sound and the Meteor White having a gentle pitter-patter or thocky sound depending on the user's preference.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch is known for its silky, mild, and polished attributes. The silky feel of the switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the switch falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Finally, the Ink Red switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubing, which ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch also falls into the mild and polished categories. It offers a gentle typing experience and a smooth and refined finish, similar to the Ink Red switch. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel, making them suitable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red and SP-Star Meteor White switches have distinctive subjective qualities. The Ink Red switch is known for its satisfyingly smooth feel, crispy and clacky sound profile, and lower actuation force. It is ideal for those with a lighter typing style. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a gentle typing experience and a pitter-patter or thocky sound profile. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for various purposes. If you are looking for a smooth feel and moderate sound, the Ink Red switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a gentle typing experience and a deep, rich sound, the Meteor White switch would be a great option. In terms of sound, they provide different acoustic experiences, and in terms of feel, they offer similar qualities. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is a great choice for those with a lighter typing style. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a medium actuation force that is satisfyingly smooth and effortless to type on. The Ink Reds also have a crispy and clacky sound profile, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it a medium-light switch. Known for its subdued and gentle characteristics, the Meteor Whites are easy to push and offer a pitter-patter sound profile. These switches provide a soft typing experience and can be a great option for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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