Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Tomcat offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, which, combined with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can, creates a unique auditory experience. This switch is often described as clacky and high-pitched, appealing to users who enjoy a lively typing sound alongside a polished tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat features Ly stems, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience but with a more resonant sound profile. While both switches are linear, offering a consistent level of resistance without tactile feedback, they each bring their own flavor to your keyboard experience. The Ink Box Black may attract those who appreciate a vibrant audio backdrop, while the Tomcat might be favored by users seeking a smoother, quieter experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the top housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Tomcat, it becomes evident that they target similar sound profiles yet utilize different materials to achieve them. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend that results in a sharp, clacky sound, while the Tomcat employs a polycarbonate top housing known for generating a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both materials aim to create a higher-pitched auditory experience; however, the INK blend is characterized as being somewhat softer in its tone compared to the more rigid nature of polycarbonate. This rigidity allows polycarbonate to produce a more resonant sound, making the top housings complementary in their overall goals while differing in composition.

The bottom housing composition further diversifies the acoustic characteristics of these switches. Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the Ink Box Black offers a pointed and high-pitched sound, mirroring the top housing's attributes. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat's nylon bottom housing introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile that balances out the sharper tones from its polycarbonate top. Nylon's softer nature contributes to a more muffled sound signature, contrasting the clear and resonant output of polycarbonate. As such, while the Ink Box Black maintains a focus on a consistently high-pitched sound throughout, the Tomcat offers a more dynamic auditory experience with distinct contrasts between the top and bottom housings.

In examining the integration of both housing materials, the switches showcase how their strengths work together to create nuanced experiences for users. When activating either switch, the sound and feel will be shaped by the materials used in both the top and bottom housing. For the Ink Box Black, the overall output remains thinner and more high-pitched across the board, leading to a consistent auditory profile. Conversely, the Tomcat's combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a richer, more textured acoustic result. While the materials differ, both switches can achieve satisfying results, be it through sharpness or depth, depending on user preference and typing style.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are clear differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to distinct user preferences. The Ink Box Black, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, offers a medium-heavy typing experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat is noticeably lighter, featuring an actuation force of only 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This lighter feel may benefit those who are looking for comfort during extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work or prolonged gaming. Overall, the Ink Box Black demands more force both to actuate and bottom out, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer response, while the Tomcat offers a gentler touch, allowing for quicker, less strenuous keystrokes. As such, users should choose based on their own preferences for typing experience and comfort.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users of either switch can expect a comparable feel and response when pressing down on the keys. Since both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom, users will experience similar tactile feedback and performance, making either one a suitable choice for those seeking a consistent linear key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron Ink Box Black switches is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched quality, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This gives them a crisp and bright auditory experience that many typists find satisfying, as the sharp and snappy sounds can enhance the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches are noted for their resonant sound profile. While specific descriptors of the Tomcat's sound are not provided, the resonance suggests a more harmonious or echoing auditory experience compared to the Ink Box Black's sharper tones. This difference implies that while users can expect a lively and engaging sound from both switches, the Ink Box Black may lean more towards clarity and crispness, whereas the Tomcat might deliver a richer or fuller sound.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches shine with their exceptionally smooth and creamy characteristics. Descriptions like "silky" and "polished" suggest that these switches deliver a typing experience with minimal resistance, allowing for effortless key presses and a seamless flow while typing. The materials used and potential factory lubing contribute to this polished sensation, enhancing the overall feel. However, the Bsun Tomcat switches, while touted for their Ly stems that promise a super smooth typing experience, lack specific descriptive details about their tactile feel. While both switches aim to provide comfort and smoothness during use, the Ink Box Black is notably ahead in detailed tactile descriptions, indicating a more refined experience.

In summary, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches offer a crisp, clacky sound and an incredibly smooth, polished feel, making them ideal for typists who enjoy a precise auditory experience alongside a buttery typing sensation. The Bsun Tomcat switches, with their resonant sound and focus on smoothness through their Ly stems, may appeal to those who prefer a fuller auditory experience but lack the specific details necessary to compare the tactile sensations fully. Ultimately, both switches promise smooth performance, but the Ink Box Black provides a more defined auditory and tactile experience, while the Tomcat suggests a different approach that might still lead to satisfying results.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for feel, actuation force, and sound profile. If you favor a medium-heavy switch that provides a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Ink Box Black might be the better option for you. Its 70-gram actuation force offers a satisfying resistance that can be great for typists who appreciate a more substantial key press. Meanwhile, the clacky and high-pitched sound signature can enhance the auditory feedback for users who enjoy a sharper, more aggressive acoustic profile while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a medium-light actuation force of 54 grams, the Bsun Tomcat could be your go-to choice. Its Ly stems promise a super smooth typing experience that prioritizes ease of keystrokes, making it suitable for extended usage or low-effort gaming sessions. Plus, the unique resonant sound profile is likely to please those who seek a different auditory experience. Ultimately, assess how these factors align with your typing style and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more