Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie each offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Ink Red, a linear switch, is revered for its lower actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a lighter, effortless typing style. With its satisfyingly smooth feel and a crispy, clacky sound profile, the Ink Red strike a balance between performance and auditory enjoyment, categorized as ‘Neutral,’ ‘Silky,’ ‘Chirpy,’ ‘Mild,’ and ‘Polished.’ On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie is a medium-weight switch that not only breaks the price barrier but also maintains an impressive quality. It produces a rich thocky sound profile, paired with exceptional smoothness that appeals to users seeking a more substantial tactile experience. While both switches cater to linear preferences, their varied weights and sound profiles cater to distinct typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches each feature unique housing materials that significantly influence their auditory sensations and tactile responses. The Ink Red’s proprietary INK blend is engineered to produce a pointed and higher-pitched sound that many users describe as clacky. This attribute contributes to a distinct auditory experience that feels vibrant and sharp, especially when users release their fingers from the keys. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for its housings, which delivers a more muted and deeper sound profile. This sound signature results in a softer auditory experience compared to the Ink Red, which can feel more resonant and alive, making the two switches sound and feel different during use.

When comparing the bottom housings, the characteristics of the Ink Red and Sea Salt Smoothie become even more pronounced. The Ink Red’s proprietary INK blend in the bottom housing echoes the same pointed and inherently higher-pitched qualities. This consistent auditory signature means that the clackiness remains prominent at the bottom-out, amplifying the high-pitched sound even as the actuation occurs. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM bottom housing contributes to its deeper and more muted sound profile, affecting the bottom-out experience by resulting in a noticeable decrease in sharpness and an emphasis on overall smoothness. As such, while users may appreciate one switch over the other for its unique sound, the contrasting features of each bottom housing clearly delineate their operational experiences.

Ultimately, the unique housing materials of the Gateron switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. Users who favor the high-pitched, clacky sounds of the Ink Red will find that its proprietary INK blend enhances this attribute across both the top and bottom housings. Conversely, those who prefer a softer, more muted auditory experience will resonate more with the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housings, which lend a deeper sound across its entire structure. If one were to combine elements from both, using hybrid configurations can produce a tailored experience, potentially merging the pronounced qualities of the Ink Red with the muted smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie for a unique auditory blend.

Weight

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which offers a relatively lighter feel, making it suitable for users who prefer extended typing sessions without excessive fatigue. Its bottom out force is measured at 60 grams, providing a medium resistance that allows a more substantial feedback when the key is fully pressed. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams, indicating it is heavier than the Ink Red, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie is not specified, leaving its full tactile response during deep presses unknown. While both switches allow for smooth typing experiences, those who favor lighter keys for longer sessions might gravitate towards the Ink Red, while users seeking more resistance may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Ink Red the longer option, offering a more traditional feel that can be advantageous for users who prefer a hearty depth when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its 3.7 mm travel distance, caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers and those who enjoy a more responsive typing experience. Therefore, when choosing between the two, one should consider whether they prioritize depth or speed in their typing feel, as the Ink Red provides a more substantial key press, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers an expedited response with its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch exhibits a distinctive crispy and clacky profile accompanied by a chirpy quality that adds a unique twist to its acoustic signature. This makes it an appealing choice for typists who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback while typing, striking a balance that suits both beginner and expert users alike. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, although lacking specific sound descriptors, is generally recognized for its thocky sound profile. This suggests that while the Ink Reds have a more lively and pronounced audio character, the Sea Salt Smoothies may impart a deeper and softer resonance to the overall typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a quieter, yet still impactful sound.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Gateron Ink Red truly shines with descriptors such as silky, mild, and polished. These qualities point to an exceptionally smooth, gentle typing experience with minimal resistance, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions. The polished finish further enhances the overall feel, resulting in reduced friction during key presses. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie remain unspecified, leaving an unknown gap regarding the tactile experience it offers. However, given its construction as a medium-weight switch, one might infer that it potentially provides a balanced typing experience as well.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Red and Sea Salt Smoothie switches cater to different preferences, with the Ink Red offering a more pronounced sound and a velvety typing feel. The Ink Red's unique chirpy sound and silky feel make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback, while the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users looking for a more subdued auditory experience with an anticipated smoothness, though its specific qualities are less defined. For users aiming for nuanced auditory and tactile experiences, choosing between these switches will depend on their personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but it’s likely they’ll both deliver satisfying results in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound profile, and appreciate a silky and polished feel while typing, the Ink Red switch is an excellent option. Its medium bottom-out force makes it versatile for both casual and professional settings, providing a neutral sound profile that won’t disrupt your environment. Conversely, if you're seeking a switch that offers a thocky sound combined with exceptional smoothness at a competitive price point, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the way to go. This switch is ideal if you prioritize a deeper acoustic signature and want to enjoy top-notch quality without breaking the bank. Ultimately, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but your personal preference for sound and feel will guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more