Gateron Ink Red vs. Outemu Peach

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Peach both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch that stands out for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for individuals with a lighter typing style. Known for its satisfyingly smooth feel and crispy, clacky sound profile, typing becomes effortless on these switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach is also a linear switch, but what sets it apart is its lightweight nature and silencing feature. Designed specifically for linear switch enthusiasts seeking a feathery light typing experience, the Outemu Peach provides a muted and subtle typing feel. However, to accurately determine the best switch for your specific needs, let's delve deeper and explore the qualities of each switch.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Outemu Peach Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Outemu Peach switches differ in terms of sound profile. The Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches have a nylon top and bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, while the Ink Red produces a clacky sound, the Outemu Peach offers a rounder and duller sound.

In terms of feel, the housing materials of these switches also differ. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing gives it a thin and higher-pitched feel when typing. This provides a satisfying, yet not overly sharp, typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Outemu Peach switches contributes to a deeper and fuller feel while typing. The relatively softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more cushioned and comfortable typing experience. So, while the Ink Red offers a thin and clacky feel, the Outemu Peach provides a deeper and fuller typing feel.

Despite their differences, both switches do share some similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both the Ink Red and Outemu Peach offer a satisfying and high-pitched sound profile. While the Ink Red may sound slightly sharper, the Outemu Peach still provides a pleasing sound experience. Additionally, the switches have their own unique feel, with the Ink Red offering a thinner and clacky feel and the Outemu Peach providing a deeper and fuller typing experience. So, while there are differences in their housing materials, these switches ultimately offer similar results with slight variations in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Gateron Ink Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Peach's 40 grams. Both switches fall within the light to medium range, with the Outemu Peach being on the lighter side. When it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Red requires 60 grams of force, whereas the Outemu Peach requires 50 grams. This indicates that the Gateron Ink Red has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Outemu Peach.

Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals may prefer the lighter options as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for those using the keyboard at work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces.

In terms of the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Peach, the Gateron Ink Red provides a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force. However, both switches offer similar results in terms of their light to medium range forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Peach linear switches, it is important to note that the Ink Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Peach has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Ink Red falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, offering a depth of 4.0 mm when the switch is pressed down. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach provides a slightly shallower experience with its 3.3 mm travel distance. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances, which allows for quicker key actuation. In this case, the Outemu Peach would be the preferred option. However, it is worth mentioning that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a more substantial key depth, the Gateron Ink Red, with its longer travel distance, would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red is known for its neutral and chirpy sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Additionally, the Ink Red switches have a unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak, which sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switches also have a neutral sound profile but are described as muted. This means that they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The muted sound of the Peach switches helps minimize the noise usually associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, both the Gateron Ink Red and Outemu Peach switches offer a gentle and approachable typing experience. The Ink Red switches are described as silky, mild, and polished. A silky switch refers to an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The mild characteristic of the Ink Red switches means that they offer a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes the sound and feel of the Ink Red switches comfortable for most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the Ink Red switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Similarly, the Outemu Peach switches are also described as mild, subtle, and polished. The gentle resistance of the Peach switches provides a light typing feel without being too feather-light. This makes them suitable for shared spaces as the sound signature will not be resonant. Just like the Ink Red switches, the Peach switches have a polished finish that contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Red and Outemu Peach switches offer smooth and satisfying typing experiences. Although they have different sound profiles, the Ink Red switches have a crispy and clacky sound while the Peach switches produce a softer and quieter sound. Both switches have a mild feel that provides a gentle typing experience. They also share the characteristic of having a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches can deliver similar results. Ultimately, you can choose between the Ink Red switches for a slightly more pronounced sound or the Peach switches for a quieter typing experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers a medium actuation force that is suitable for most typing styles. The Ink Reds are known for their satisfyingly smooth feel and crispy, clacky sound profile, making them effortless to type on. Additionally, the Ink Red switch has a neutral sound profile, with the option for a unique chirpy switch if you prefer a switch with a little squeak.

On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter touch and a muted sound, the Outemu Peach linear switch would be the ideal choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Peach switch provides a feather-light typing experience that is perfect for linear switch enthusiasts. These switches are also silenced, which means they produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. The Outemu Peach switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes, and it offers a mild and subtle feel that is approachable to most users.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Peach switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium actuation force and a satisfyingly smooth feel, the Ink Red is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter touch and a muted sound, the Peach switch is the better option. Both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience, thanks to their polished finish. Remember to consider the sound and feel that you prefer when making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Peach Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more