Bsun Hutt vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering a mechanical keyboard switch, one may come across the Bsun Hutt, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch. The Hutt switch stands out for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing a satisfying and distinctive typing experience characterized by a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a quieter typing experience, ideal for environments where noise is a concern, with a smooth and cushioned feel upon bottoming out. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences and needs. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, one noticeable difference is in the top housing material. The Hutt utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the Hutt may have a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Hutt is constructed with nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic properties. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black also utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is clacky. Both nylon and the INK blend offer their own unique characteristics to the switches, with nylon providing a deeper sound compared to the INK blend.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in terms of top and bottom housing compositions, both switches offer distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Hutt creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect unique and satisfying sound experiences from both switches.
Weight
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch. The Hutt has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Hutt would be a better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Silent Ink Black would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, the Hutt has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Ink Black linear switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Hutt tactile switch. The traditional travel distance falls around 4.0mm, making the Silent Ink Black more in line with that standard. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Bsun Hutt, while those who enjoy a more robust feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Gateron Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal 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 Silent Ink 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 Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Hutt switch offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch provides a muted and quieter typing experience, which is ideal for environments where noise needs to be minimized. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Hutt switch is known for its snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented tactile feedback. The switch offers a lively and responsive typing experience, with a strong and distinct tactile bump that can be felt with each keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth and refined typing feel. These switches reduce friction and offer a sleek key travel experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced tactile bump and medium-heavy spring, the Bsun Hutt switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be the way to go. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for users based on their individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump with a balanced sound profile, the Bsun Hutt switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing environment to ensure you have the best keyboard switch for your needs.
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