Gateron Ink Red vs. KTT Phalaenopsis

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Ink Red is a linear switch, characterized by its lower actuation force, making it a great choice for those with a lighter typing style. It offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience, with a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch with a light actuation force of 37g. This switch minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions and provides a discernible tactile bump at 50g of force, ensuring each keystroke is a delightful experience. While these general pointers can help in choosing the right switch for you, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ in terms of their housing materials. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for its satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile. It is described as being clacky, with a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing allows for better RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. Therefore, the Phalaenopsis offers a different sound profile compared to the Ink Red, with a sharper tone and enhanced visual appeal.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Ink Red and the Phalaenopsis have their own unique characteristics. The Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares similar qualities to its top housing. It offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, adding to the clackiness of the switch. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound profile. Furthermore, the polycarbonate bottom housing allows for a more vibrant RGB lighting experience. While the bottom housing may have a lesser impact on the sound when compared to the top housing, the materials used in each switch provide distinct characteristics.

When comparing the two switches, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in their overall performance. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing has a larger impact on the sound when the key is released. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Ink Red and the Phalaenopsis offer satisfying, clacky sound profiles. However, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend housing provides a slightly softer sound, while the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate housing offers a crisper and sharper tone. Both switches offer aesthetic advantages, as the polycarbonate material allows for RGB lighting effects. In terms of overall performance, the housing materials in each switch contribute to their unique sound characteristics and user experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Ink Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the lighter 37 grams of the Phalaenopsis. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Ink Red is 60 grams, while the Phalaenopsis requires a lighter force of 50 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Phalaenopsis switch would be a better choice, as its actuation and bottom out forces are lower. This lighter force can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions, allowing for increased comfort. On the other hand, the Ink Red offers a stronger push feel, making it suitable for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. The actuation and bottom out forces of the Ink Red fall within the medium range, providing a satisfying level of resistance.

Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Those looking for a lighter and more effortless typing experience may lean towards the Phalaenopsis switch, while individuals seeking a stronger and more tactile feel may find the Ink Red switch more suitable. Both switches provide distinct advantages, and selecting the appropriate one will ultimately enhance the overall typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Whether you opt for the Gateron Ink Red or the KTT Phalaenopsis, you can expect a consistent travel distance of 4 mm, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red is known for its neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. It also has a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis offers a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer sound during key presses. It also has a thocky sound, producing a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. 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.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Red provides a silky smooth typing experience. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They are also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Ink Red switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction.

On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are described as stepped tactile switches. This means that they provide a two-stage typing experience, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. This gives the switches a milder tactile feel compared to hypertactile switches, where the entire keystroke is a big bump.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have distinct differences in sound and feel. The Ink Red offers a neutral sound profile with a chirpy sound, while the Phalaenopsis provides a bassy sound and a thocky sound. In terms of feel, the Ink Red offers a silky smooth and polished typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis has a stepped tactile feel. It's important to consider these subjective qualities based on individual preferences and typing styles. If you are looking for a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, both switches can provide satisfying results, but with their unique characteristics.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is an excellent choice for you. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying typing experience without causing finger fatigue. The Ink Red is known for its smoothness, crisp and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing. On the other hand, if you value a lighter touch and enjoy a discernible tactile bump with each keystroke, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Phalaenopsis minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions and offers a delightful typing experience. Its 50g tactile force provides a satisfying bump, ensuring you can feel each keystroke. In terms of sound, the Ink Red offers a neutral and chirpy profile, while the Phalaenopsis provides a bassy and thocky sound. As for feel, the Ink Red offers a silky, mild, and polished experience, while the Phalaenopsis provides a stepped tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis depends on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

Learn more