Gateron Ink Red vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and the Durock White Lotus are two popular options that offer unique experiences for typists. The Ink Red is a linear switch, perfect for those with a lighter typing style, as it boasts a lower actuation force. This switch is known for its satisfying smoothness, crispy and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus is a tactile switch designed with the discerning typist in mind. It offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to enhance the visual appeal of your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide which switch suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Durock White Lotus switches differ in composition and sound profile. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, known for its pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. This gives the switch a satisfying thin and clacky sound when typing. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which imparts a unique and premium feel. Its sound profile is not explicitly described but can be assumed to differ from the Ink Red due to the difference in housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Ink Red employs its proprietary INK blend, similar to its top housing. This contributes to the same pointed and high-pitched sound profile, resulting in consistency throughout the keystrokes. On the contrary, the White Lotus features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a different typing experience. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that keystrokes on the White Lotus may produce a duller and rounder sound compared to the Ink Red.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch performance, it is important to note that the bottom housing greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. As the composition of the bottom housing differs between the two switches, their bottom-out experiences will also vary. However, the top housing has a more prominent influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the switch's sound when letting go will likely differ between the INK blend top housing of the Ink Red and the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that they have some similarities but also some differences. Both switches fall into the medium category for actuation force, with the Ink Red having a slightly lighter force of 45 grams compared to the White Lotus' 46 grams. This means that the White Lotus requires just a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke.
In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Red is heavier with a force of 60 grams, while the White Lotus is lighter at 56 grams. This indicates that the Ink Red switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push needed to fully press the keys all the way down, whereas the White Lotus offers a slightly lighter touch when bottoming out.
Considering weight, both switches provide options for different preferences. The lighter actuation force of the Ink Red may be preferred by those looking for a smoother and more effortless typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This can be particularly advantageous for those using the keyboard for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a touch of resistance with its slightly stronger actuation force, providing a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for individuals who prefer a bit more feedback.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Red and Durock White Lotus switches have similar actuation forces, their bottom out forces differ, with the Ink Red being heavier and the White Lotus being lighter. This distinction allows users to choose between a stronger or lighter push feel, depending on their preferred typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, these two switches provide equivalent 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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the sound profiles of the switches are noticeably different. The Ink Red switch is known for its satisfyingly smooth feel and a crispy and clacky sound profile. It has a neutral sound with a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is also described as having a chirpy sound, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch offers a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It also has a neutral sound with a moderate actuation force requirement. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, but the Ink Red switch has a slightly more distinct sound due to its chirpy characteristic.
In terms of feel, the Ink Red switch offers a silky, mild, and polished typing experience. It provides an exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, and a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. The polished finish of this switch enhances the overall smoothness in typing. Similarly, the White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle typing experience. It has gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switch also offers a low-impact and responsive typing feel. Both switches provide a gentle typing experience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing session.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have different qualities, they both offer a pleasant typing experience. In terms of sound, the Ink Red switch has a neutral sound with a slight chirp, while the White Lotus switch produces a low-pitched and mellow tone. Regarding feel, the Ink Red switch provides a silky, mild, and polished typing experience, while the White Lotus switch offers an easy-to-press, mild, and subtle feel. Therefore, if you prefer a smooth and clacky sound with a lighter typing style, the Ink Red switch would be a great choice. Alternatively, if you enjoy a low-pitched sound and delicate tactility while typing, the White Lotus switch would be an ideal option. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a lighter typing style and want a switch with lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is the ideal choice for you. It offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience and has a crispy and clacky sound profile. This switch is perfect for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan on using it at home or at work.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a light tactile option that strikes the perfect balance between tactility and typing comfort, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. It has a slightly lower bottom out force compared to the Ink Red and offers a delicate tactility that won't overwhelm the user during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches feature a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects to enhance your keyboard setup.
In terms of sound, the Ink Red has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. It also has a unique chirpy sound that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the White Lotus has a low-pitched sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing scenarios.
When it comes to feel, the Ink Red offers a silky and polished typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing smooth key travel. It also has a mild and approachable feel, suitable for most users. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers an easy-to-press typing experience with gentle resistance during key presses. It has a mild and subtle feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, if you prioritize a lighter typing style and smoother typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is a great choice. However, if you prefer a light tactile option with a delicate tactility and enhanced RGB lighting effects, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements.
Mentioned in this article
