Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Jupiter Red both offer unique features and qualities worth considering. The Ink Yellow is a linear switch that boasts a shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Known for its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, this switch is ideal for those seeking a balanced and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red also offers a linear switch option with a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, featuring a medium-heavy actuation for a consistent typing experience. With high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Reds are perfect for users who prioritize a seamless and creamy typing feel. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Gateron Jupiter Red, it is evident that the top housing plays a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switch. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a relatively high-pitched and satisfyingly clacky sound, while the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials contribute to a distinct auditory experience, with the INK blend providing a thinner sound and the polycarbonate offering a more resonant tone. However, the INK blend is known for its pointed sound profile, whereas the polycarbonate is characterized by its clarity and brightness.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Yellow features the same proprietary INK blend as the top housing, while the Gateron Jupiter Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the higher-pitched sound of the INK blend in the Ink Yellow. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound when typing. In contrast, the INK blend's pointed and higher-pitched sound profile often leads to a more clacky typing experience.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Jupiter Red offer unique characteristics, they both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Ink Yellow's INK blend provides a thinner and higher-pitched sound profile, while the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate and nylon housings offer sharper and fuller tones, respectively. Whether you prefer a clacky typing experience or a deeper sound profile, both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Yellow requires 67 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Gateron Jupiter Red, which bottoms out at 60 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Jupiter Red would be the better choice, as it has lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow may be more suitable for users who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ink Yellow switch provides a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red switch offers a slightly more substantial feel due to its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keystroke. Both switches are within the range of typical travel distances, with the Ink Yellow being on the shorter end and the Jupiter Red on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Jupiter Red switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and sound suitable for various purposes. The Ink Yellow switch introduces a clacky element, providing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed, while the Jupiter Red switch maintains a consistent neutral sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and a sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is also polished, providing smooth key travel, and additionally offers a creamy and silky typing sensation, making each keystroke feel like gliding effortlessly.
Considering the information provided, it is evident that both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches offer high-quality typing experiences, albeit with slight differences in sound and feel. The Ink Yellow switch presents a shorter travel distance and a clacky sound, suitable for those seeking a crisp typing experience, while the Jupiter Red switch delivers a medium-heavy actuation and a seamless, consistent typing feel. Overall, regardless of the slight variations in sound and feel, users can expect similar quality and performance from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a smooth and clacky feel, then the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a seamless, consistent typing experience with a medium actuation force and softer backlight effects, then the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Both switches offer high-quality performance, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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