Gateron Ink Red vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Red and the SP-Star Yanyu. Both switches fall under the linear category, offering a smooth typing experience without the tactile feedback commonly found in clicky or tactile switches. The Gateron Ink Red is known for its low actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. With a satisfyingly smooth feel and a crispy, clacky sound profile, typing on the Ink Reds is effortless. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is perfect for individuals seeking a more delicate typing experience or those who type for extended periods. The Yanyu's material blend contributes to a crisp sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. While these general pointers can help you determine which switch may suit your preferences, let's now dive deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to help you make the best decision for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Red and the SP-Star Yanyu have different housing materials, which contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing. This blend creates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. In contrast, the Yanyu features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for both the top and bottom housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards a brighter tone.
Although the housing materials differ between the two switches, they both aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. The Ink Red's INK blend top housing and the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing both contribute to a sound profile that is not overly sharp. However, the Ink Red's INK blend is characterized as having a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the Yanyu's blend leans towards a brighter tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Ink Red and the Yanyu still offer distinct characteristics. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red contributes to its clacky sound profile and satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing of the Yanyu provides a unique sound profile that is pleasant and not particularly sharp.
In summary, while the Ink Red and the Yanyu have different housing materials, they both aim to deliver an enjoyable typing experience. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend and the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend offer distinct sound profiles, with the Ink Red leaning towards being pointed and high-pitched, while the Yanyu offers a brighter, more pleasant tone. The different housing materials also have an impact on the bottom-out and let-go sounds of the switches, with the bottom housing mainly affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing having more influence on the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Gateron Ink Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is a medium level of pressure needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force for the Yanyu switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare with the Ink Red in this aspect.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Red requires 60 grams of force to fully press the key down, indicating a medium level of resistance when bottoming out. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is comparatively lighter.
Considering the weight of the switches, the Gateron Ink Red provides a slightly heavier typing experience due to its higher bottom out force. This can be desirable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel during typing, as it offers a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu switch, with its lighter bottom out force, would be favored by those who prefer a lighter and potentially more effortless typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue.
In conclusion, while the actuation force for the Yanyu switch is unknown, the Ink Red switch requires a medium amount of force for keystroke activation. Additionally, the Ink Red is heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the lighter bottom out force of the Yanyu switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference regarding typing experience and the desired intensity of key presses.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Red and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance being traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance with both switches.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 SP-Star Yanyu switches both fall under the category of "neutral" switches, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and whether they plan to use the switches at home or in a work environment. However, the Ink Red switches have an additional descriptor of "chirpy," indicating that they have a unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches have a descriptor of "thocky," suggesting a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, both the Ink Red and the Yanyu switches offer a gentle and approachable typing experience. The Ink Red switches are described as "silky," indicating an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They also have a descriptor of "mild," suggesting a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Ink Red switches are considered "polished," meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Yanyu switches have a descriptor of "mild," indicating a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. They also have a descriptor of "feathery," meaning they are exceptionally light to press and require little exertion from the fingers. This reduced actuation force can help reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making the Yanyu switches comfortable for gaming, school, or work. Additionally, the Yanyu switches are described as "subtle," with a gentle resistance that is not as light as a feather but still maintains a light typing feel. The sound signature of the Yanyu switches is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces. Like the Ink Red switches, the Yanyu switches are also considered "polished," ensuring a smooth and sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Red and the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their smooth and gentle characteristics. They both have a neutral sound profile, although the Ink Red switches have a slightly chirpy sound while the Yanyu switches produce a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound. The Ink Red switches are best suited for those with a lighter typing style, while the Yanyu switches are great for those looking for a delicate typing experience or for extended typing periods. Overall, the subjective qualities of these switches will provide similar results, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a smoother and clacky typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. It is perfect for those with a lighter typing style and provides effortless typing. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch with a moderate sound profile and a little squeak to them, the Ink Red would be a good fit. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more delicate typing experience or if you anticipate typing for extended periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be more suitable. With a lighter bottom out force and a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu is perfect for those seeking a gentle and comfortable typing feel. Moreover, if you prefer a switch with a sleek and refined finish and reduced friction, both the Ink Red and Yanyu offer a polished typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Red and the SP-Star Yanyu will depend on your personal typing preferences and requirements.
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