Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, there are distinct differences to consider. The Ink Red is renowned for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. With a satisfyingly smooth feel, crisp sound profile, and effortless typing experience, the Ink Red is categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its use of POM material, providing a thocky sound signature, exceptional smoothness, and a lightweight touch. Categorized as buttery, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, subdued, and silky, the Smoothie offers a unique typing experience at an affordable price point. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Smoothie switches offer distinct acoustic profiles that contribute to the overall typing experience. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Red produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the POM top housing of the Smoothie creates a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing feel and sound feedback for users who prefer a specific tone when typing.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Ink Red's INK blend and the Smoothie's POM offer similar characteristics as their respective top housings. The INK blend bottom housing contributes to the thin and higher-pitched sound profile of the Ink Red, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie enhances its deeper and more muted sound. These differences in housing materials show how each switch is carefully engineered to cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing preferences.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Ink Red and Smoothie switches may differ, they ultimately work together to create a cohesive typing experience. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of 60 grams for the Ink Red is higher than the unknown bottom out force of the Smoothie. This means that the Ink Red switch will provide a more resistance throughout the entire keystroke compared to the Smoothie. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Smoothie may be the better option, as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Ink Red may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, slightly longer than the Gateron Smoothie linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. The Ink Red may provide a slightly deeper press, giving a more satisfying tactile feedback, while the Smoothie may feel quicker and more responsive due to its shorter travel distance. In terms of travel distance, the Gateron Ink Red is the longer option, offering a bit more depth, while the Gateron Smoothie is the shorter option, providing a faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Smoothie linear switches, we find that the Ink Red offers a unique chirpy sound profile, which adds a subtle high-pitched squeak to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep and rich tone with a more bass-heavy feel. The Ink Red's sound is more neutral and crispy, while the Smoothie's sound is described as subdued, offering a more mellow and dampened typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Red is known for its silky and polished typing experience, providing an exceptionally smooth keypress with reduced friction and effortless key travel. The Smoothie, on the other hand, offers a buttery and creamy typing sensation, giving a seamless and uniform keystroke experience. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and smooth typing feel, with the Ink Red leaning towards a more refined and polished touch, while the Smoothie focuses on delivering a buttery and creamy sensation.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Red and Gateron Smoothie linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Red provides a chirpy and crispy sound with a silky and polished feel, the Smoothie delivers a thocky and subdued sound with a buttery and creamy typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, either switch can offer a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience, ensuring that newcomers will receive similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a crisp, clacky sound profile, the Ink Red is the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option with a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness, the Smoothie is a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Choose the switch that best suits your typing needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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