Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is a delightful yet nuanced decision for enthusiasts. The Ink Box Pink, with its beautiful translucent design, is celebrated for its smooth feel and lighter typing experience, offering a high-pitched clack that can add an energetic flair to your typing sessions. Perfect for those who appreciate a more responsive touch, these switches might be ideal if you prefer a lighter keypress. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems that ensure a super smooth keystroke, paired with a resonant sound profile that appeals to users seeking a more substantial typing feel. While both switches are linear and provide a smooth experience, the Ink Box Pink caters to a more playful auditory preference, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is perfect for those who enjoy a deeper sound. 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 Pink Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present an intriguing study in contrasts and similarities when it comes to their housing materials. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, renowned for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This contributes to a satisfying and clacky auditory experience that is notably distinct without being overly sharp. In comparison, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is similarly known for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound, albeit with a crisper quality due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Despite their differences, both switches exhibit a tendency toward producing high-pitched sound profiles, suggesting that users who appreciate clarity and resonance will find satisfying auditory feedback in both options.

When it comes to the bottom housing materials, there is a pronounced difference between the two switches. The Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing maintains the pointed and high-pitched sound profile found in its top housing, ensuring a consistent auditory experience across the switch. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer properties of nylon allow for more sound absorption, resulting in a sound experience that is rounder and less stark. Therefore, while the Ink Box Pink leans towards a bright and clacky character throughout its design, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more balanced auditory experience shaped by its nylon component.

Overall, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches leads to distinct sound profiles and feels upon keypress. The clear polycarbonate top of the Tomcat (Heavy) suggests a connection to enhanced lighting effects, particularly for RGB setups, adding a visual appeal to its sound characteristics. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink's cohesive sound profile across its INK blend components delivers a consistent experience that can be especially appealing to those who prioritize a specific typing feel and auditory quality. In essence, while both switches provide a high-pitched sound, the way that sound is characterized diverges based on housing materials, creating unique yet compatible typing experiences that can cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different preferences. The Ink Box Pink features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch that allows for comfortable typing over extended periods. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This means that while the Ink Box Pink offers a lighter touch, ideal for lengthy typing sessions, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a sturdier feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Overall, users will experience a difference in typing dynamics, with the Ink Box Pink being the lighter option and the Tomcat (Heavy) leaning towards a heavier tactile experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is identical, with both switches featuring a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users will experience the same amount of travel when pressing down on the keys of either switch, resulting in a similarly responsive feel during typing or gaming. Since both switches have equal travel distances, they should deliver comparable tactile feedback and actuation characteristics, making them suitable options for users who prefer consistent key engagement.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch produces a notable high-pitched clack that delivers a crisp and bright auditory experience. This sharp sound is percussive, making it suitable for users who prefer a lively and engaging typing atmosphere. Although the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch lacks specific descriptors regarding its sound profile, it is mentioned to have a resonant quality. This suggests a deeper tone that might offer a more mellow auditory experience compared to the Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, the sound you perceive may vary depending on your choice of keyboard and keycap materials.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches excel with their remarkably smooth typing experience, characterized as silky and polished. Users can expect minimal resistance, allowing for fluid key travel that enhances overall typing comfort. This smoothness is often attributed to quality materials and effective factory lubrication. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch does not provide specific details regarding its tactile characteristics. This leaves some uncertainty about its feel, making it difficult to directly compare with the Ink Box Pink's renowned smoothness.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches offer unique experiences. The Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its high-pitched, clacky sound and silky, polished feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lively and smooth typing experience. The Tomcat (Heavy), while lacking concrete details on sound and feel, may still provide an enjoyable experience based on its resonant qualities. Depending on your preferences, both switches can potentially yield satisfying results, but the Ink Box Pink may stand out for users who prioritize a vibrant auditory and tactile typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the sound profile you desire. If you lean towards a smoother and lighter typing feel, along with a pleasant, higher-pitched clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink is likely your best choice. It excels in providing a silky and polished experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation and enjoy a more resonant sound profile, the Tomcat (Heavy) is a fitting option. Its 64-gram bottom-out force provides a more substantial feel that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you value tactile feedback in each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a lightweight, smooth feel or a more robust and resonant typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more