Bsun Hutt vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Ink Yellow. The Bsun Hutt is a tactile switch with a medium-heavy spring and a noticeable tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch known for its shorter travel distance, offering a smooth and pleasant typing experience with a distinct clackiness. While the Hutt switch is described as 'Snappy', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Accented', and 'Resonant', the Ink Yellow is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Hutt switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and more consistent typing experience similar to a laptop, the Ink Yellow switch could be more suitable. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Hutt features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is especially suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Ink Yellow utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing that delivers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile described as clacky. While both materials offer distinct audio qualities, the Hutt's polycarbonate top housing may provide a crisper sound compared to the Ink Yellow's blend.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Hutt incorporates a nylon housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition. The nylon material is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing mirrors the characteristics of its top housing, providing a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile. The choice between the two bottom housing materials may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel.
While the two switches exhibit differences in their housing materials, they both aim to enhance the typing experience by delivering unique sound profiles. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a varied tactile and auditory response when pressing and releasing keys. The Hutt's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings may result in a clearer and sharper sound on key release, while the Gateron Ink Yellow's consistent use of its proprietary INK blend material throughout the switch provides a more uniform sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Hutt and Gateron Ink Yellow switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Hutt requires a lighter touch while the Ink Yellow needs a bit more force. The Hutt has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow boasts an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. Both switches provide distinct typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a gentler typing experience may lean towards the Hutt, while individuals who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the heavier force of the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, making their overall typing experience very similar in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Hutt or the Ink Yellow, you can expect to feel the same satisfying travel distance when typing. It's great to know that both switches offer the same comfort and consistency in this aspect.
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 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.
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 Bsun Hutt offers a resonant and high-pitched typing experience, which can be described as clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow provides a neutral sound profile with a clacky and sharp tone, offering a crisp and percussive typing sound. Depending on your choice of board and keycaps, the sound of the switch can vary, but both switches give a satisfying auditory feedback during typing.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Hutt switch provides a snappy, invigorating, sharp tactile bump that offers a strong and distinct tactile feedback with each keypress. It is described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. On the contrary, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle and refined key travel due to reduced friction and factory lubing. Both switches offer a different typing sensation, with the Hutt focusing on pronounced feedback and the Ink Yellow aiming for a smoother and gentler experience.
Overall, both the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Hutt offers a more tactile and sharp typing experience with a resonant sound profile, while the Ink Yellow provides a smoother and clacky typing feel with a neutral sound profile. Depending on your personal preference in typing experience, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, ensuring an enjoyable and immersive keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy spring with a pronounced tactile bump and a resonant sound profile, the Hutt switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a shorter travel and a more polished sound profile, the Ink Yellow switch would be a better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of feel and sound you prefer while typing, so take into account these factors when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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