Gateron Ink Red vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the choice often comes down to personal preference. The Gateron Ink Red and the Huano Sakura are both linear switches that cater to different users' needs, offering distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. The Ink Red switch is well-regarded for its low actuation force, making it a great option for those who favor a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, crispy, and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch provides a feather-light feel and medium acoustics, catering to users who engage in extended typing sessions and prioritize comfort. While both switches allow for a fluid typing experience, the differences in sound and tactile feedback can sway your choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Huano Sakura Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Red and Huano Sakura switches exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials that influence their overall sound and tactile experience. The top housing of the Ink Red is made from Gateron’s proprietary INK blend, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, allowing for what users describe as a clacky auditory experience. In contrast, the Sakura switch utilizes POK material, known for its low friction properties and remarkable durability, leading to a smooth and also clacky sound. While both housing types ultimately produce a satisfying sound for typists, the exact tonal characteristics may vary due to the inherent properties of the materials, with the INK blend favoring sharpness and clarity compared to the smoothness provided by POK.

When examining the bottom housing, the distinction becomes even clearer. The Ink Red features a bottom housing crafted from the same proprietary INK blend as its top, maintaining a cohesive auditory quality that leans toward a sharper sound profile. On the contrary, the Sakura switch employs a nylon bottom housing, a traditional material that produces deeper and fuller acoustic outcomes. Nylon's softer composition tends to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to the INK blend. This means that while the Ink Red excels in producing pronounced, higher-pitched sounds, the Sakura offers a mellower tone that can appeal to those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback during typing.

Ultimately, the characteristics of each switch’s housing material interact to create a unique typing experience. While the Gateron Ink Red benefits from a matched top and bottom housing that reinforces its high-pitched sound profile, the Huano Sakura produces an interesting interplay between the high-pitched tones of its POK top housing and the deeper sounds of its nylon bottom. The differences in material compositions create a diversity of sound and feel; however, users can still attain a satisfying clacky experience with both switches, albeit manifested in different acoustic nuances. This means that while both switches may share a similar auditory quality, the experience will be distinctly different, appealing to a variety of typing preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are some notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Ink Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Huano Sakura is lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This significant difference means that the Sakura switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the Ink Red offers a heftier feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, those who appreciate a softer keystroke and lower resistance will gravitate towards the Huano Sakura, while users looking for more resistance might opt for the Gateron Ink Red.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Huano Sakura linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly influence user experience. The Ink Red's longer travel distance provides a more substantial press, which some users find preferable for a deeper tactile sensation, while the Sakura’s shorter travel distance can offer quicker response times, appealing particularly to gamers who favor rapid key presses. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding key feel and responsiveness; those seeking a more pronounced depth might opt for the Gateron Ink Red, while those looking for quicker actuation could prefer the Huano Sakura.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Red and Huano Sakura linear switches, the Ink Red distinctly stands out with a combination of a crispy and clacky sound. This switch produces a neutral auditory experience that is versatile enough for both beginners and advanced users. It carries a chirpy quality, introducing a subtle squeak that adds a unique character to each keystroke. In contrast, the sound profile of the Sakura is less defined, characterized mainly by medium acoustics, making it suitable for users seeking a more subdued typing experience. Overall, while both switches cater to different auditory preferences, the Ink Red offers a more pronounced and engaging sound signature than the Sakura.

In terms of feel, the Ink Red is distinguished by its silky smoothness, offering a refined and effortless typing experience. Its mild characteristics contribute to an approachable typing sensation that feels gentle and accommodating, making it a great choice for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the polished finish further enhances its smooth key travel and reduces friction, resulting in a seamless typing interface. On the other hand, the feel of the Sakura switches is not specified, but they are known for their feather-light touch, suggesting they may provide a pleasant typing experience as well. Given this lightness, it could be inferred that they would offer a different kind of ease compared to the polished characteristics of the Ink Red, yet the absence of a defined profile leaves some uncertainty.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Red and Huano Sakura linear switches present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, albeit catering to slightly different preferences. The Ink Red excels in sound with its broad appeal and engaging auditory qualities, while it provides a uniquely smooth and refined typing feel. Meanwhile, the Sakura offers a lighter touch paired with moderate acoustics, ideal for extended use. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual tastes; however, if the priorities lean towards sound and smoothness, the Ink Red clearly shines, while the Sakura offers a more subtle approach that may still yield enjoyable results.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a switch that feels smooth and offers a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Ink Red is an excellent choice. Its silky and polished feel, combined with a chirpy sound profile, makes it suitable for both casual and serious typing tasks, especially if you enjoy a bit of feedback in your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you tend to type with a lighter touch or plan to engage in long typing sessions, the Huano Sakura, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, may be more to your liking. The Sakura's feather-light actuation and medium acoustics can significantly reduce fatigue during extensive use. Ultimately, if you appreciate a smoother, slightly louder key experience, opt for the Ink Red; however, if comfort and ease of use are your priorities, the Sakura is likely the better fit.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more