Gateron Ink Red vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Strawberry, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Ink Red is well-known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. With this switch, you can expect a satisfyingly smooth experience, accompanied by a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is loved for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Its attractive pink and clear housing adds a visual appeal to any keyboard setup. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, offering choices for different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Strawberry differ in their housing materials, with the Ink Red featuring a proprietary INK blend and the Strawberry using polycarbonate. While both materials contribute to a higher-pitched sound profile, there are subtle distinctions. The Ink Red's INK blend produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound described as clacky. On the other hand, the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, crisper sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the use of clear polycarbonate in the Strawberry allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Ink Red and the Strawberry maintain their sound profiles. The Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing is known for its satisfying thin and clacky sound. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. These bottom housings have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down.
On the other hand, the top housing of the switches plays a crucial role in the sound when a key is released. While the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, the Strawberry's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Both materials offer a clear and resonant sound profile, but the INK blend is characterized as not overly sharp, while polycarbonate provides a more distinct and clear sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
In summary, the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Strawberry differ in their housing materials, with one featuring a proprietary INK blend and the other utilizing polycarbonate. While both materials contribute to a higher-pitched sound profile, the Ink Red's INK blend is described as clacky, while the polycarbonate in the Strawberry provides a sharper and crisper sound. The bottom housings have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housings influence the sound when a key is released. However, both switches offer clear and resonant sound profiles in their respective housings, making them suitable choices for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, both switches have similar actuation forces, with the Ink Red requiring 45 grams and the Strawberry requiring 43 grams. This means that both switches have a light actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when comparing the bottom out forces, the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Strawberry has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Strawberry switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches offer similar actuation forces while differing in their bottom out forces, allowing users the option to choose between a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is defined as the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. When examining the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that both switches have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys equipped with either of these switches, users can expect to feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Gateron Ink Red and the KTT Strawberry switches offer similar results.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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 Strawberry switches offer different characteristics. The Ink Red switch has a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate sound that is suitable for various typing purposes. However, it also has a unique chirpy element, adding a slight squeak to the sound, which sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch has a low-pitched sound, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of these switches may vary depending on other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Ink Red and Strawberry switches provide a smooth typing experience. The Ink Red switch is described as silky, mild, and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel, with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Its mild characteristics make it approachable to most users, as it falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. The Strawberry switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Similarly to the Ink Red, it also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches provide a pleasant and smooth typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red and KTT Strawberry switches have some similarities in terms of feel, both offering a smooth and polished typing experience. However, they differ in sound qualities, with the Ink Red having a neutral profile with a slight chirpy element, while the Strawberry has a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone. If you are looking for a smooth typing experience with a more neutral sound, the Ink Red would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a mellower tone and a frictionless typing experience, the Strawberry switch would be a great option. It is important to consider personal preferences and additional factors such as keyboard and keycap choices to determine the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are someone with a lighter typing style or prefer a switch with lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches are known for being satisfyingly smooth, producing a crispy and clacky sound profile, and offering an effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Ink Red switch has a neutral and chirpy sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any setting, whether at home or work. As for the feel, the Ink Red switch is 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 appreciate aesthetics and prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be a great option. These switches feature attractive pink and clear housings and are loved for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. The Strawberry switch has a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. In terms of feel, the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with seamless and uniform keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and KTT Strawberry switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. Whether you prioritize lower actuation force and a neutral/chirpy sound profile (Ink Red) or aesthetics, slightly higher bottom out force, and a low-pitched sound profile (Strawberry), both switches offer smooth, satisfying typing experiences. Consider your specific needs and desires when it comes to sound, feel, and overall performance to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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