Gateron Ink Red vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Miaowu mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, it is important to note their key differences. The Gateron Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. Users often praise the Ink Reds for their smooth feel, crisp and clacky sound profile, and overall ease of typing. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu stands out for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to the utilization of POK in its stem. While the Miaowu may provide a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Ink Red offers a more neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Miaowu, the first noticeable difference lies in the top housing. While the Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend that offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, the Miaowu employs polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the overall design.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ink Red once again features its proprietary INK blend, known for its relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Miaowu incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer properties of nylon allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a different typing experience.
Overall, while the Ink Red and Miaowu switches offer differing sound profiles based on their housing materials, both strive to provide a satisfying typing experience. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference for sound and feel. Whether you prefer the high-pitched and clacky sound of the Ink Red's INK blend or the deeper and fuller sound of the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, the top housing material influences the sound upon key release, while the bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch to the KTT Miaowu linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. On the other hand, the Miaowu has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter in comparison. This means that while both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, the Miaowu will require slightly less force for both actuation and bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel and less strain on their fingers during extended typing sessions, the Miaowu may be the more suitable option. However, for users who prefer a more substantial push feel, the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Ink Red may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Miaowu has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience and preference of the user. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Miaowu with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the 4 mm travel distance of the Ink Red to be more comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preference for 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 Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing scenarios. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu linear switch is described as having a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience based on personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is praised for its silky smooth typing experience, minimal resistance, and polished finish. This makes typing effortless and enjoyable for users with a lighter touch. In contrast, the KTT Miaowu linear switch provides a bouncy sensation with spring-like feedback, giving keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The different feel of these switches caters to individuals who prefer either a smooth and refined typing experience or a more energetic and responsive feel.
Considering all available information, the Gateron Ink Red and KTT Miaowu linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Ink Red provides a softer, smoother typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Miaowu offers a bouncier feel with a clacky sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing style, key feel, and sound profile. However, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother and lighter linear switch with a medium actuation force, then the Gateron Ink Red may be the ideal choice for you. The crisp and clacky sound profile, combined with the effortless typing experience, make it suitable for users with a lighter typing style. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and enhanced stem stability, the KTT Miaowu linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. The Miaowu's bouncy feel and clacky sound profile offer a different typing experience compared to the Ink Red. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force.
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