Gateron Ink Red vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Gateron Ink Red and the Jwick Taro. The Ink Red is a linear switch, known for its lower actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those with a lighter typing style. Its smooth and effortless typing experience, combined with a crispy and clacky sound profile, adds to its appeal. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch, offering a cozy typing experience with a medium-level of tactility. Users can expect snappy feedback when typing, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. The Taro also features a comfortable subdued color scheme. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Jwick Taro switches have distinct characteristics that create different sound profiles. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. On the other hand, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Both materials contribute to a thin and higher-pitched sound, but the polycarbonate's stiffness enhances its clarity and resonance. This makes the Taro a better option if you plan to use RGB lighting, due to its translucent housing. Overall, the Ink Red's INK blend top housing and the Taro's polycarbonate top housing share similarities in terms of their thin and higher-pitched sound, but the Taro offers a more pronounced and resonant experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend and the Taro's nylon bring distinct qualities to the switches. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red switch contributes to its satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, which is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Taro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the Ink Red offers a pointier and less sharp sound, the Taro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound experience. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced sound, the Taro's nylon bottom housing would be more suitable.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of the INK blend top housing with the Taro's nylon bottom housing would result in a switch that provides a mixed sound experience. The inherent qualities of the top and bottom housings work in harmony to create a unique sound profile for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. On the other hand, the Taro's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Taro does have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. In terms of weight, those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Ink Red, as its actuation force is lighter. This allows for longer typing periods, making it well-suited for work or extended gaming sessions. However, for individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, the Taro may be a better choice due to its heavier bottom out force. Although unable to directly compare their actuation forces, it is apparent that the Taro offers a slightly heavier overall typing experience with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference and desired typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Ink Red has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Taro has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although both are relatively close in terms of travel distance, the Ink Red offers a slightly longer travel distance. In terms of preference, the choice between the two depends on personal preference and typing style. If you are someone who prefers a more responsive feel and faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Taro may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke, the Ink Red with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to individual preferences and the specific experience one desires from their keyboard.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch is best known for its smooth and effortless typing experience. It has a lower actuation force, making it suitable for those with a lighter typing style. When using the Ink Red, users can expect a satisfyingly smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. The sound profile of the Ink Red is described as crispy and clacky, giving it a unique and satisfying acoustic signature. Overall, the Ink Red provides a neutral sound and a silky feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility. It provides a snappy feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, making it a stepped switch. The Taro switches have a neutral sound profile, similar to the Ink Red, and are suitable for most intents and purposes. The sound of the Taro switches is acute and crisp, giving a satisfying clack sound while typing.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have their unique qualities. The Ink Red offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Taro provides a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and acute and crisp clacks. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and require a moderate actuation force. The Ink Red has a silky feel, while the Taro has a stepped feel. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is ideal for those with a lighter typing style. With a lower actuation force of 60 grams, it provides a satisfyingly smooth typing experience. The Ink Reds also have a crispy and clacky sound profile, making them an effortless choice for typing. In terms of sound, the Ink Red offers a neutral option suitable for most purposes, as well as a unique chirpy sound. In terms of feel, these switches are silky, mild, and polished, ensuring an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is best suited for those who prefer a cozy typing experience. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it offers a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the Ink Reds. The Taro switches provide a snappy, medium-level of tactility, resulting in acute and crisp clacks when typing. In terms of sound, the Taro switches offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes. In terms of feel, these switches are described as buttery and stepped. The buttery feel ensures a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, while the stepped feel provides a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch depends on your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation force and a smooth feel, the Ink Red is the way to go. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, a cozy typing experience with a snappy tactility, and a buttery feel, the Taro switches will be more to your liking. In closing, both switches offer unique qualities and it's important to consider these factors when making your decision.
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