Gateron Ink Red vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are several options to consider, each with their own unique characteristics. Two switches that stand out are the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Ink Red is best known for its lower actuation force, making it a perfect choice for those with a lighter typing style. This switch offers a satisfyingly smooth feel, with a crispy and clacky sound profile that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offers a different experience with its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, resulting in a buttery smooth typing experience. While both switches have their own merits, it is important to dive deeper into their specific characteristics to determine which one is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches have notable differences that contribute to their unique characteristics. The Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing. This blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon incorporates a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon evokes a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the Ink Red and Sea Salt Lemon differ in their housing materials, they both produce a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. However, the Ink Red achieves this sound profile with its proprietary INK blend in both the top and bottom housing, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon combines the sharp, high-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the top housing with the deeper, fuller sound elicited by the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the Ink Red's housing materials provide a consistent clacky sound experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a dynamic sound profile that differentiates between key presses and key releases.
When it comes to typing experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel upon pressing a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In the case of these switches, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend in both the top and bottom housing ensures a consistent and impactful sound and feel when typing. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings splits the qualities between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the press down will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound, while the release of a key will be influenced by the polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and speed when typing or gaming with either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The Gateron Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Ink Red provides a more substantial typing experience as it requires a greater force to fully press the key down.
Considering the importance of weight in switch selection, individuals who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions might lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more robust typing experience might opt for the Gateron Ink Red with its heavier bottom out force.
In summary, while the actuation force is the same for both switches, the Gateron Ink Red offers a heavier bottom out force compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The choice between the two ultimately boils down to individual preferences regarding the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of key depression.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer different experiences. The Ink Red switches are described as having a neutral sound profile with a crispy and clacky sound. Additionally, they have a unique chirp that sets them apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches have a low-pitched sound with more bass-heavy and mellow tones. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most users. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Red switches provide a silky and polished typing experience. They are known for their exceptional smoothness, minimal resistance, and refined finish. This smoothness is enhanced by the materials used and possibly factory lubing. The mild characteristics of the Ink Red switches make them approachable to most users, as they strike a balance in terms of sound and feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switches are described as offering a mild typing experience. While the specific qualities of the Sea Salt Lemon in terms of feel are not mentioned, the fact that they fall under the "mild" category indicates that they likely offer a gentle and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches have their own distinct qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Ink Reds offer a chirpy sound profile with a satisfyingly smooth and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemons provide a low-pitched sound and a likely gentle typing experience. While both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, the Ink Reds are best suited for those with a lighter typing style, while the Sea Salt Lemons offer a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches are satisfyingly smooth, have a crispy and clacky sound profile, and are effortless to type on. Additionally, the Ink Reds offer a neutral sound profile with a slight chirpy characteristic. In terms of feel, they are described as silky, mild, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be a fantastic option. These switches have a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light, and feature a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design for an incredibly smooth typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemons offer a low-pitched sound profile, giving them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, they're described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that will be approachable to most users.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Red and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches depends on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches are excellent options with their own unique characteristics, so consider the factors that matter most to you and choose accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
