Gateron Ink Red vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown mechanical keyboard switches, the main distinguishing factor lies in their operational characteristics. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch, designed with lower actuation force, making it ideal for individuals with a lighter typing style. This switch is known for its smooth, satisfying typing experience, accompanied by a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, providing users with a tactile bump feedback upon actuation. While it lacks specific defining features in terms of sound profile or feel, the Crystal Brown switch offers a noticeable tactile response that some typists may prefer. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown, we see that both switches use different materials for the top and bottom housings. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is clacky. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the bottom housing is made of nylon, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. These differences in housing materials give each switch its unique sound and typing feel.
In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Crystal Brown allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing a visually appealing look for users who enjoy customizing their keyboards with colorful lighting effects. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red's INK blend top housing is not transparent, giving it a more discreet appearance without any visual distractions. However, both switches offer a variety of options for users looking to customize their keyboards with different housing materials that suit their preferences for both sound and appearance.
When it comes to sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown produces a crisper and more resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the INK blend housing of the Gateron Ink Red creates a thinner and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Crystal Brown or a thinner, clacky sound profile with the Ink Red.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of initial key press. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Ink Red requires 60 grams of force to bottom out, giving it a slightly heavier feel, while the Crystal Brown only requires 55 grams, making it a bit lighter. In terms of weight, the Crystal Brown would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Ink Red would be better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key feel and typing experience. Whether you prefer the linear feel of the Ink Red or the tactile feedback of the Crystal Brown, the travel distance remains the same, providing a reliable typing experience across both switch options.
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 Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This switch is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes, providing a satisfyingly crisp and clacky sound during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, making it difficult to compare with the Ink Red in this aspect. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience. This switch offers minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in a polished and refined typing feel. Additionally, the mild characteristics of the Ink Red make it approachable to most users, providing a comfortable and effortless typing experience. As for the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, its feel characteristics are unknown, making it challenging to contrast with the Ink Red.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch stands out for its smooth and effortless typing experience, along with a crisp and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch lacks information on both sound and feel qualities, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison to the Ink Red. If you enjoy the qualities of the Gateron Ink Red, you may find similar results in the Outemu Crystal Brown switch, although it's essential to consider additional factors such as keyboard and keycap choices.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your typing style and preference. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a smooth and satisfying feel, the Ink Red with its medium bottom out force and crispy sound profile may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Crystal Brown switch could be the ideal pick. Remember to also take into account the sound profile of the switches, with the Ink Red offering a neutral or chirpy sound, and the Crystal Brown having a yet-to-be-described sound profile. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing habits.
Mentioned in this article
