KiiwiGateron Black Ink vs Red Ink sound
Two linears from Gateron's Ink line, sharing the same smoky housing with different springs. Type below and switch between them.
Type the words below, then switch above. Headphones make the difference obvious.
The short answer
Same housing, different weight. The Black Ink is heavier, deeper and softer; the Red Ink is lighter and a little higher pitched. Both keep the Ink line's muted, smooth character.
Gateron Black Ink
The heavier switch in the Ink line. Its housing gives a deep, muted bottom-out, lower and deeper than a standard Gateron Black.
Gateron Red Ink
The lighter switch in the line. Presses land with less force, and the sound is softer and a little higher pitched, still smooth and muted. If the Black Ink sounds too heavy, this is the same character with a lighter touch.
At a glance
| Gateron Black Ink | Gateron Red Ink | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Linear | Linear |
| Housing | Ink | Ink |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Tone | Deep, muted | Softer, higher |
Questions
What's the difference between Black Ink and Red Ink?
The spring. Both use Gateron's Ink housing; the Black Ink is heavier with a deeper sound, the Red Ink lighter and a little higher pitched.
Which Ink switch is deeper?
The Black Ink. Its heavier press gives a lower, deeper bottom-out.
Are Gateron Ink switches quiet?
Yes, for linears. The Ink housing gives a muted bottom-out, and there's no bump or click.
Can I hear the Gateron Black Ink and Red Ink on my Mac?
Yes. Kiiwi plays the Gateron Black Ink and Red Ink, recorded from real switches, under the keyboard you already own, from the menu bar, in every app.
Get these sounds on your Mac
Kiiwi has all 38 recordings, these included, and plays them under the keyboard you already own. In your headphones or on your speakers, from the menu bar. $4.99 once.
Download for macOS