Gateron Ink Red vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red and Jerrzi Violet mechanical keyboard switches, we see two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Ink Red is a linear switch known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch offering a smooth actuation and pleasingly poppy tactility. While the Ink Reds provide a smooth and clacky sound profile, the Violets offer a neutral sound signature for a more balanced typing experience. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Jerrzi Violet, we can see some key differences. The Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Violet features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This difference in material leads to a distinct sound experience for each switch, with the Ink Red offering a thinner and higher-pitched sound compared to the Violet's more clear and resonant profile.
While the top housing materials of the Ink Red and Violet switches differ, their bottom housings also showcase contrasting characteristics. The Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, while the Violet's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the INK blend bottom housing. These differences in bottom housing materials further highlight the unique sound profiles of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron Ink Red and Jerrzi Violet switches, they both showcase the use of high-quality materials to enhance the overall typing experience. While the INK blend top housing of the Ink Red offers a satisfying clacky sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet provides a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Violet contributes to a deeper sound experience, contrasting with the high-pitched sound produced by the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, showcasing the importance of material selection in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Violet’s bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Ink Red is heavier than the Violet in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of triggering keystrokes. For those who prefer a lighter feel, the Ink Red may be more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. However, for users who prefer a stronger push feel, the heavier bottom out force of the Ink Red may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Ink Red being slightly longer. Gamers who value quick response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the choice between them depending on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 Jerrzi Violet switches both fall under the neutral category, offering a balanced sound profile suitable for various typing environments. However, the Ink Red switch has a crispy and clacky sound profile, giving it a unique acoustic signature compared to the Violet switch, which has a more neutral sound signature. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is described as stepped, giving it a more subtle tactile feedback with a two-stage feel. While the Ink Red provides a smoother typing experience, the Violet switch offers a gentler tactility that may appeal to those who prefer a more subdued tactile response.
In conclusion, if you prefer a linear switch with a crisp and clacky sound, the Gateron Ink Red is a great option for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a subtle two-stage feel and a neutral sound profile, the Jerrzi Violet switch may be the better choice for a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a light typing style and enjoy smooth linear switches with a crisp sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate gentle tactile switches with a smooth actuation and a poppy tactility, then the Jerrzi Violet switch would suit your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preference and the specific feel and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that best aligns with your preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
