Gateron Ink Red vs. Kailh Sage

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Red and the Kailh Sage. The Ink Red is a linear switch designed specifically for those with a lighter typing style. With its lower actuation force, this switch provides a satisfyingly smooth typing experience. It also offers a crispy and clacky sound profile, making each keystroke feel effortless. On the other hand, the Sage switch stands out for its distinct clicky typing experience. Known for its heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness, the Sage switch adds a satisfying tactile feedback to each press. While the Ink Red is categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished, the Sage falls under the categories of invigorating, sharp, and crunchy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Kailh Sage Clicky

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Kailh Sage differ significantly in terms of sound profiles. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Sage's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, providing a clearer and more resonant sound. However, both switches offer a similar thin and higher-pitched sound, making them suitable for those seeking a satisfying and clacky typing experience.

In terms of bottom housings, the Ink Red and the Sage also provide contrasting sound profiles. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing complements its top housing, producing a thin and higher-pitched sound similar to its overall sound profile. In contrast, the Sage's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Ink Red emphasizes a clacky sound, the Sage offers a deeper and fuller typing experience.

It's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in sound production. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Thus, with the Ink Red and the Sage having distinct housing materials for both top and bottom, the sound qualities will be split between these two components. This gives users the opportunity to customize their typing experience based on their preferences, whether they prioritize the sound when pressing down or when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Gateron Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a relatively light touch for keystrokes. In contrast, the actuation force of the Kailh Sage is unknown, making it difficult to assess its specific characteristics. However, the bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red is 60 grams, indicating a moderate weight when fully pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly heavier and potentially more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Gateron Ink Red offers a lighter actuation force while the Kailh Sage showcases a heavier bottom out force, providing different options for individuals based on their desired typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Sage has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red. The Ink Red with its 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, while the Sage's 3.6 mm falls into the shallow category. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have gained popularity in recent times, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you are looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Sage may be preferable. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer the longer travel distance provided by the Ink Red switch for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a smooth and clacky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The Sage switch, on the other hand, offers a distinct clicky sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crispy autumn leaves. Both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, but the Ink Red is more neutral and chirpy, while the Sage is described as crunchy.

In terms of feel, the Ink Red switch offers a silky and polished typing experience. It is exceptionally smooth, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing feel. The mild characteristics of the switch make it approachable to most users, providing a comfortable and safe middle-ground typing experience. The Sage switch, on the other hand, is described as invigorating and sharp. It offers pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel with each keypress. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the Sage switch provides a distinct typing sensation.

Considering all the available information, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is ideal for those with a lighter typing style who prefer a smoother and clacky sound. It offers a silky and polished typing experience with its mild characteristics. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is best suited for those who enjoy a heavier typing experience with a distinct clicky sound. Its invigorating and sharp feel, along with the strong tactile bump, provides an immersive typing sensation. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it ultimately depends on the individual's preferences and typing style. However, if you are seeking similar results in terms of sound and feel, the Ink Red switch would provide a similar smooth and clacky sound, while the Sage switch would offer a similar heavy and clicky feel.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are someone with a lighter typing style and prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be the better choice for you. With its lower actuation force and satisfyingly smooth feel, it is perfect for beginners or advanced typists alike. The Ink Red also offers a crispy and clacky sound profile, which adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinctive clicky typing experience with a heavier feel, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force that is medium-heavy, the Sage switch provides a refreshingly sharp clickiness that is accompanied by a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing style, desired actuation force, and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Kailh Sage Clicky

$6.25 per 10

Learn more