Bsun Hutt vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Ink Box Black present two distinct options for enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience. On one hand, the Bsun Hutt is a tactile switch featuring a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, offering a satisfying typing experience with a balanced sound profile. The Hutt switch is characterized as 'Snappy', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Accented', and 'Resonant'. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black is a linear switch known for its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', the Ink Box Black provides a different typing experience compared to the Hutt. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal to different preferences, offering a variety of tactile feedback and sound profiles. 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
40g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Hutt and Gateron Ink Box Black both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Hutt utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing. While both provide a satisfying sound experience, the polycarbonate is known for being relatively stiffer, resulting in a more resonant sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the INK blend top housing by Gateron offers a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, providing a different tactile experience for users.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Hutt features a nylon material, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Gateron Ink Box Black, which also contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. While both bottom housings affect the overall sound of the switch, the nylon bottom housing of the Hutt may provide a more substantial feeling when typing, emphasizing the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the INK blend bottom housing may enhance the overall clacky sound experience.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Hutt and Gateron Ink Box Black will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Hutt offers a clear and resonant sound profile, while the INK blend top housing of the Gateron switch provides a distinct clacky sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Hutt creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Gateron switch complements the overall high-pitched sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch differ significantly. The Hutt has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, providing a lighter typing experience for those who prefer minimal resistance. In contrast, the Ink Box Black is heavier with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Those who opt for the Hutt will find it easier to type for extended periods, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black will appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and resistance while typing. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in keyboard users.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ink Box Black the switch with the longer travel distance of the two. The difference between the two distances is minimal, so in practical terms, the difference in feel may not be significant. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for their faster response times. Some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Hutt to be more abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Ink Box Black for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a resonant typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory feedback to the typist. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Depending on personal preference, the Hutt may be preferred for those looking for a more resonant and immersive sound, while the Ink Box Black may appeal to those who enjoy a sharper and more percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is described as snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented, providing a tactile typing experience with a prominent and distinct tactile bump. This switch offers moderate to firm actuation force and reactive feedback, creating an engaging typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, characterized by exceptionally smooth key presses and reduced friction. Those who prefer a smoother and refined typing feel may lean towards the Ink Box Black, while those seeking a more tactile and pronounced feedback may opt for the Hutt.
Overall, while the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches cater to specific preferences and typing styles. While the Hutt provides a resonant and tactile typing experience, the Ink Box Black offers a smooth and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing feedback. However, users can expect similar high-quality results in terms of performance and durability from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force and a distinct tactile bump, the Bsun Hutt switch would be a great choice. The Hutt provides a balanced sound profile and a snappy, invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is the way to go. The Ink Box Black offers a creamy, clacky sound profile and a silky, polished typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Hutt and the Ink Box Black comes down to personal preference for tactile feedback and typing feel. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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