Brown vs Ink Red

How close are they?

ΔE 20.6, loose: different enough that you should pick on purpose. Ink Red is a little lighter, much more saturated, cooler than Brown.

Can I use Ink Red instead of Brown?

Not as a straight swap; see the closer alternatives below. Loose match (ΔE 21). Ink Red is a little lighter, much more saturated, cooler than Brown.

Can I use Brown instead of Ink Red?

The same difference applies the other way round: Brown is a little darker, much more muted, warmer.

ΔE is the colour difference between our two swatch estimates: under about 6 is close, over about 15 is loose. Real paints also differ in finish, coverage and how they thin, so test before you commit.