Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct advantages for users who prefer a linear typing experience. The Ink Black V2 has established itself as a favorite among enthusiasts, renowned for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, providing a low-pitched, bassy sound with a polished feel that many find satisfying for both typing and gaming. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems that ensure an exceptionally smooth encounter along with a resonant sound profile, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize auditory feedback and a tactile connection to their keystrokes. Ultimately, each switch brings its own charm to the table—whether the melodic depth of the Ink Black V2 or the refined acoustics of the Tomcat (Heavy). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches both utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles while employing oppositional characteristics in their construction. The Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is specifically designed to produce a pointed sound profile that is high-pitched yet not unpleasantly sharp. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for generating an even sharper and crisper sound. Both materials yield a higher-pitched aural experience, albeit with polycarbonate lending itself to a slightly more resonant and clearer quality, particularly beneficial in setups utilizing RGB lighting. Consequently, while switches may sound different, the elevated pitch characteristic of both housings can create a comparable auditory result, as they share a preference for pronounced high frequencies in their sound output.

Examining the bottom housings, the Gateron Ink Black V2 employs the same proprietary INK blend material as its top housing, ensuring a cohesive auditory character with a clack sound when pressed. By contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) uses a nylon bottom housing, celebrated for its softer, more absorbent qualities that dampen sound and create a fuller, deeper profile. This inherent difference means that while the top housings contribute to the sharpness in sound, the nylon material on the Tomcat (Heavy) allows it to output a duller, more rounded bottom-out feel. Therefore, the Ink Black V2 maintains a more consistent sound profile that is sharply high-pitched throughout, while the Tomcat (Heavy) presents a contrast that mixes clarity with richness in its sound dynamics.

Ultimately, the distinctive materials used in the top and bottom housings influence the overall tactile and auditory experience when using these switches. As the both switches have a high-pitched characteristic from their top housings, the contrast becomes most apparent in the bottom-out sounds, with the Ink Black V2 emphasizing a thin and clacky tone, while the Tomcat (Heavy) imparts a softer, more muted resonance. This interplay of housing materials—where the top housing influences the release sound and the bottom affects the actuation—suggests that despite their differences, enthusiasts can still achieve enjoyable typing experiences depending on the desired sound profile. Thus, both switches offer unique interactions that appeal to varying preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch with the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Ink Black V2 has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom-out force of 70 grams, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) features a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a lower bottom-out force of 64 grams. This means that the Tomcat switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it the lighter option suited for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience over long sessions. In contrast, the Ink Black V2, while still classified as medium-heavy, offers a slightly more substantial push feel, which may appeal to users looking for a stronger tactile response. Overall, those who value a lighter switch for prolonged use should opt for the Bsun Tomcat, while those who prefer a heavier switch for a more solid typing experience might find the Gateron Ink Black V2 to be more appealing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, the Ink Black V2 features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Ink Black V2 offers a more traditional, deeper experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a slightly shorter distance, which can be advantageous for gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances often facilitate faster key activation. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness in typing or gaming activities.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When examining the sound qualities of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is characterized by a low-pitched, bassy tone that offers a richer acoustic experience during each keystroke, often enhanced by the unique chirpy nature that adds a subtle squeak. This combination results in a deeper sound profile that is pleasing to many users. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, making its acoustic quality less defined. However, given that sound can vary widely with different keyboard builds and materials, it is reasonable to assume that the Tomcat switch may provide a different auditory experience compared to the Ink Black V2.

In terms of feel, the Ink Black V2 is renowned for its mild and polished characteristics, making it user-friendly for a wide audience. The mild nature ensures that the keypress provides a gentle experience that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned typists, while the polished finish reduces friction for a smoother key travel. Conversely, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) has not been specified, which leaves its tactile experience uncertain. If the Tomcat switch manages to deliver a comparable typing experience, it could potentially appeal to users looking for a heavy yet smooth feel, but the lack of specific descriptions leaves a gap in understanding its tactile qualities.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 excels in both sound and feel with its distinct low-pitched and polished attributes, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch presents an unknown scenario in its auditory and tactile experiences. If one is drawn to the smoother, bass-oriented sound and gentle feel of the Ink Black V2, they may or may not find a similar satisfaction in the Tomcat switch until more information is available. Accordingly, users should consider their preferences for sound and feel carefully when making a switch decision, as these attributes significantly influence the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you appreciate a deeper, bassy sound profile that offers a rich clack with a mild, polished feel, the Ink Black V2 might be the perfect fit for you. Its 70-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile resistance that many users find enjoyable, especially for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that is known for its super smooth typing experience and a resonant sound, the Tomcat (Heavy) could be your preferred choice. With a slightly lower bottom-out force of 64 grams, it still delivers a substantial feel while potentially allowing for quicker typing. If you find yourself gravitating towards a smoother, more refined switch experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) stands out as a compelling option. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, the sound environment of your workspace, and how much resistance you desire in a switch when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more