Gateron Ink Red vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the choice of switches can greatly influence your overall typing experience. The Gateron Ink Red switches, celebrated for their linear response, feature a lower actuation force that caters to those with a lighter typing style. Users often describe them as satisfyingly smooth, with a crispy and clacky sound profile that makes typing feel effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a more tactile experience, providing a subtle to moderate bump that enhances tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel more deliberate. Their balanced sound profile complements the tactile characteristics, creating an engaging typing atmosphere. While the Ink Red is ideal for those who prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Weightlessness is perfect for users seeking a more interactive feel as they type. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Red switches and Gateron Weightlessness switches exhibit distinct characteristics due to their differing housing materials, contributing to contrasting sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a high-pitched, clacky sound that many users find satisfying. This sound profile is further reflected in the bottom housing, which also employs the INK blend material, enhancing the pointed and sharp auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Weightlessness switches use nylon for both the top and bottom housings, delivering a softer and rounder sound. The nylon's natural sound absorption qualities result in a deeper and fuller auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a more muted keystroke sound.

When considering the impact of these materials on the typing experience, the contrast becomes even clearer. The Nylon used in the Weightlessness switches contributes to a more cushioned feel, allowing for a gentler and quieter keystroke. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for those who want to minimize noise, as the softer nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively compared to the harder INK blend found in the Ink Red switches. Each housing’s material impacts not only the auditory quality of the switch but also the tactile feedback felt when bottoming out, with the Ink Red providing a sharper engagement and the Weightlessness offering a smoother transition.

Interestingly, both switches can still produce enjoyable user experiences, even though they cater to different preferences. For users seeking sharper auditory feedback, the Ink Red provides a thrilling, clacky sound that appeals to gamers and typists alike. On the flip side, those who prioritize a more subdued and satisfying sound profile may find the Gateron Weightlessness more appealing. In scenarios where both switches are used, one could appreciate a mix of the pointed sounds from the Ink Reds and the deep, rounded sounds from the Weightlessness switches. Therefore, while the housing materials differ significantly, users can still achieve a satisfying typing experience tailored to their individual sound and feel preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it's clear that they cater to different preferences regarding actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Weightlessness's actuation force of 50 grams, making the Ink Red potentially more suitable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, leaving an incomplete picture of its overall feel. In contrast, the Ink Red has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams. This means while both switches offer a relatively moderate actuation force, the Ink Red provides a more substantial feeling upon bottoming out due to its known force. Therefore, those desiring a lighter touch should lean towards the Ink Red, whereas users preferring a bit more resistance might find the Weightlessness more appealing, though its bottoming out characteristics remain uncertain.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Ink Red provides a more traditional and hearty depth, making it suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced feel when pressing down on the key. In contrast, the Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers and those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation. While both switches will allow for efficient typing and gaming experiences, the Ink Red’s longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile experience, whereas the Weightlessness will likely feel more abrupt and immediate for those seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding depth and actuation speed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red switches stand out with their unique combination of characteristics. While they provide a smooth typing experience, they also produce a crispy and clacky sound that adds a distinctive auditory element to each keystroke. This switch can be characterized as having a neutral to chirpy sound profile, making it versatile for both home and work environments. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches do not have a specific sound profile detailed, but they are said to offer a balanced sound that supports their tactile features. This suggests that the Ink Red is likely to be more expressive and sharper in its auditory feedback compared to the more subdued characteristics of the Weightlessness switches.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Reds shine with their silky, polished, and mild tactile characteristics. The smoothness of these linear switches minimizes resistance during typing, allowing for a seamless and pleasant experience that caters particularly well to lighter typing styles. The tactile feedback of the Weightlessness switches is more subtle to moderate, which might not provide the same level of fluidity and comfort when compared to the Ink Reds. Those who prefer a pronounced tactile sensation may find the Weightlessness switches lacking in comparison to the refined smoothness offered by the Ink Reds.

In conclusion, while both switches serve different preferences, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is tailored for those who appreciate a smooth, effortless typing experience with an engaging sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch appeals to users who prefer a subtler tactile feel and a more balanced sound. While their characteristics cater to different typing sensations, both can ultimately provide satisfying results depending on individual preferences, ensuring that a thoughtful choice can lead to an enjoyable keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you favor a smooth and effortless typing experience with a little auditory charm, the Ink Red will likely be your ideal choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams caters well to a lighter typing style, making it suitable for both casual and extensive typing sessions. The silky feel and chirpy sound profile provide an enjoyable and engaging experience, particularly if you're using the keyboard for both work and play. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile feedback while you type, the Gateron Weightlessness switch might be more appealing, especially if you enjoy feeling a subtle bump with each keypress—even if we can't specify its bottom-out force. This switch is designed for those who prefer a balanced tactile experience without overwhelming resistance, offering a comfortable option for long typing sessions. In essence, your choice boils down to whether you prioritize smoothness and sound or a tactile sensation while typing—both options present unique benefits that cater to different user experiences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more