Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Red, known for its lower actuation force, is ideal for those with a lighter typing style. It offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver features a short travel distance for faster actuation and a thocky sound. The unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch make it a popular choice for those seeking speed and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Gateron Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing is characterized by a thin, high-pitched, and somewhat clacky sound profile, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper, more muted sound. In terms of feel, the top housing of the Ink Red may provide a slightly sharper sensation when pressing down on a key compared to the Smoothie Silver's top housing. However, the top housing of the Smoothie Silver may offer a more cushioned feel upon key release.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing is similar to its top housing in producing a thin, high-pitched sound profile, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper, more muted sound upon bottoming out. The bottom housing of the Ink Red may provide a more noticeable impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, whereas the bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver could result in a more subdued bottom-out experience.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Red and the Gateron Smoothie Silver contribute to distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations. While the Ink Red may offer a slightly sharper and clackier sound due to its INK blend top and bottom housings, the Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and more muted sound. Whether you prefer a thinner, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Smoothie Silver, which has an unknown bottom out force. This difference in bottom out force may result in a more substantial typing experience with the Ink Red switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Smoothie Silver may be the better option, especially for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the longer side compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Ink Red offers a more traditional and deeper keystroke feel, while the Smoothie Silver provides a slightly shallower and faster response. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver for quicker reactions, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Ink Red. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and 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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a crisp and clacky sound profile, making it suitable for those who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch produces a thocky sound, which is more subdued and muffled compared to the Ink Red. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for your keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is lauded for its silky smooth typing experience, making it effortless to type on for extended periods. With a mild typing feel, the Ink Red switch offers a gentle keypress that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, providing a responsive typing experience with lightning-fast actuation. While the specific feel of the Smoothie Silver switch is not detailed, it is likely to provide a unique typing experience due to its all-POM construction.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Red switch appeals to those who prefer a crisp and clacky sound with a silky smooth typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver switch caters to users looking for a thocky sound and lightning-fast actuation with unparalleled smoothness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboard setups may provide insights into which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the typing style and preferences that best suit you. If you prefer a lighter typing experience and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke with a crisp sound profile, the Ink Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound profile, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire. Remember to consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel when choosing between these two switches.
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