Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Taichi each offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, producing a distinct sound reminiscent of a spray paint can shaken, classified as clacky and high-pitched, providing a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi boasts an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its innovative long-pole stem and extended springs, which enhance both smoothness and stability. While the Ink Box Black may appeal to those who enjoy a polished and silky touch with a more lively acoustic profile, the Taichi provides a uniquely responsive experience that can delight users who appreciate a bit more character in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Taichi, notable differences emerge in their top housing compositions which can significantly influence their overall sound profiles. The Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, generating a higher-pitched and clacky sound that many enthusiasts find satisfying. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for creating a sharper, clearer, and more resonant sound profile due to its rigidity. While both materials produce a higher-pitched sound, the Gateron INK blend leans toward a texture that is less sharp, which could influence user preferences for specific typing experiences. A commonality here is the tendency of both switches to produce a pronounced sound, making them suitable for users who appreciate auditory feedback during typing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Black utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top, maintaining a consistent sound that is described as pointed and high-pitched. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi’s bottom housing is constructed from nylon, a material recognized for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in materials emphasizes the impact that the bottom housing has on the tactile and audible feedback during key presses. While the Ink Box Black might retain its clacky high pitch from both top and bottom, the nylon of the Taichi introduces a rounder sound, leading to a potentially richer experience for users. Overall, the differing materials contribute distinctly to the final auditory product, showcasing a key contrast in character.
The interaction between the top and bottom housing further underscores the importance of sound characteristics stemming from their composition. With each switch, the bottom housing strongly influences the feel and sound when the key bottoms out, while the top housing leaves a lasting impression during release. Therefore, while the Gateron Ink Box Black delivers a more consistent high-pitched sound through both its INK blend housings, the Bsun Taichi blends the sharper sound of polycarbonate with the deeper resonance of nylon to create a unique experience. Users seeking a cohesively high-pitched and clacky typing environment might prefer the Ink Box Black, while those who lean towards a more complex sound profile may find the Taichi's combination of materials more appealing. Each offers distinct advantages depending on sound preferences and typing feel, providing diverse choices for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch present differing feel and weight characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which some users may appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it better suited for users who seek ease during prolonged typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unknown, which means a comparison in that regard cannot be made. While the Ink Box Black offers a heavier feel overall, the Taichi’s lighter actuation could entice users seeking a less strenuous typing experience, but due to the missing information on its bottom out force, a direct comparison in that aspect remains inconclusive.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar keystroke feel when pressing down on either switch. Since both switches offer the same travel distance, users are likely to achieve comparable results in terms of key responsiveness and typing experience. This equal distance ensures that both switches will perform similarly during use, allowing for a consistent feel regardless of the chosen option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a very distinct auditory profile characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound when activated. It invokes the imagery of a spray paint can being shaken, which contributes to its lively sound signature. This sharp and percussive sound can provide an engaging acoustic experience, particularly for those who enjoy a brighter sound profile. While specific sound descriptions for the Bsun Taichi linear switch are less detailed, it is noted to produce an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs. Depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches can offer distinctly different auditory experiences, but the Ink Box Black leans towards a more pronounced and engaging sound while the Taichi seems to focus on clarity at the bottom out.
When examining feel, the Ink Box Black switch is praised for its silky and polished characteristics, providing a remarkably smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. This quality is enhanced by the materials used in production and possibly factory lubing, leading to a refined and enjoyable tactile sensation during use. On the other hand, the tactile feel of the Bsun Taichi switch remains largely undefined in this information, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, given that both switches are designed to deliver smooth operation, it can be assumed that the Taichi may also strive for a comfortable typing experience, though specific attributes are currently unknown.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Taichi linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. The Ink Box Black stands out with its lively sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel, making it a strong contender for users who appreciate auditory engagement and tactile finesse. While the Taichi promises an interesting high-pitched sound and aims for smoothness as well, the lack of detailed descriptions about its feel limits a direct comparison. If smoothness and a brighter auditory experience are essential for your keyboard setup, the Ink Box Blacks will provide a more certain result, while the Taichi remains an option to explore further once more information is available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding feel, sound, and typing force. The Ink Box Black is a great choice if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out feel combined with a smooth and creamy typing experience that resonates with a clacky sound signature, reminiscent of a shaking spray paint can. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a more tactile sensation and sound in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're primarily looking for an exhilarating high-pitched sound and exceptional smoothness, the Bsun Taichi switch might be more appealing, as it utilizes a long-pole stem and extended springs for a distinctive auditory and tactile experience. If sound dynamics are essential to your enjoyment—along with an emphasis on stability during typing—the Taichi will likely meet your needs better. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspect of the typing experience resonates most with you, whether that be the weight and sound profile of the Ink Box Black or the enchanting auditory characteristics of the Bsun Taichi.
Mentioned in this article
