Gateron Ink Red vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of switch and the typing experience it offers. Two popular switches that showcase different characteristics are the Gateron Ink Red, a linear switch, and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), a tactile switch. The Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. It provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a satisfyingly crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Moyu Black offers a sharp tactile feel, thanks to its strong downstroke and even sharper upstroke tactile bumps. Its unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing adds a rare and premium typing experience. While these general pointers can help you start narrowing down your choices, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$12.00

$7.59 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, while the Moyu Black utilizes a PBT top and bottom housing.

In terms of sound, the Ink Red's INK blend top housing creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This results in a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing. On the other hand, the Moyu Black's PBT top housing offers a more neutral sound profile. It is not very crisp, but neither is it dull. This difference in sound profile suggests that the Ink Red may provide a more distinct and higher-pitched typing experience compared to the Moyu Black.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share the same proprietary INK blend and PBT materials respectively. This means that the qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact and bottom-out sound, will be similar for both switches. The distinguishing factor lies in the top housing, where the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend contributes to its unique clacky sound upon key release, while the PBT top housing of the Moyu Black results in a more neutral sound when letting go of a key.

Ultimately, while the Ink Red and Moyu Black differ in their top housing materials and resulting sound profiles, they both utilize the same bottom housing materials. This means that whether you choose the Ink Red or the Moyu Black, you can expect comparable results in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, with the main distinction being the different sound experiences when pressing down and releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The lighter option in terms of actuation force is the Ink Red with 45 grams, while the Moyu Black requires a slightly heavier 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ink Red requires 60 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Moyu Black, which bottoms out at 67 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Ink Red would be a great choice as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. This can allow for longer periods of typing without fatigue and is also ideal for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Moyu Black due to its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a stronger push feel and a more satisfying feedback while typing.

Overall, while both switches fall under the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the Ink Red is lighter than the Moyu Black. However, individuals seeking similar results can still achieve a comparable experience by opting for either switch, as they both provide a satisfactory typing experience within their respective weight ranges.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. When pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel. Therefore, whether you opt for the Gateron Ink Red or the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), you can expect comparable results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch is best known for its smoothness and lower actuation force, making it suitable for those with a lighter typing style. When it comes to sound, the Ink Reds are described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. They also have a slight chirpy characteristic, giving them a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch offers a sharp tactile feel. They have a medium-heavy feel and a distinctive and impactful typing experience. In terms of sound, the Moyu Blacks have a resonant sound profile, with a higher-pitched and clean sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Red is known for its silky smooth typing experience. These switches minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing an exceptionally smooth feel. Additionally, they are described as mild switches, offering a more gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. The Ink Reds are also polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. They have a sharp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress, offering a high feedback intensity.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch have different subjective qualities. The Ink Reds are smooth, have a slightly chirpy sound profile, and offer a silky and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Moyu Blacks provide a sharp tactile feel, resonate with a clean and sharp sound, and have an accented and sharp tactile experience. While they offer different experiences, both switches have their own unique appeal and can provide satisfying results for typing enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a lighter typing style and a switch with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a satisfyingly smooth and effortless typing experience, with a crispy and clacky sound profile. They are suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and can be used in both home and work environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feel and a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch is a perfect option. These switches feature a strong downstroke tactile bump and an even sharper and stronger upstroke bump, creating a hypertactile sensation. The Moyu Blacks offer a distinctive and impactful typing experience, with a sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound. Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) depends on your preferred typing style, actuation force, and sound and feel preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) Tactile

$12.00

$7.59 per 10

Learn more