Gateron Ink Red vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tomcat are two noteworthy options that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Ink Red is celebrated for its low actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a lighter, more effortless typing experience. Users often describe the Ink Reds as silky smooth with a delightful chirpy sound, providing both comfort and an engaging auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches offer a super smooth experience thanks to their Ly stems, creating a resonant sound profile that many users appreciate. While both switches are linear and aim to deliver a seamless typing experience, the Ink Red leans more towards a crisp and clacky sound, whereas the Tomcat focuses on providing a rich tonal resonance. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may depend on your personal typing style and sound preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red switches and the Bsun Tomcat switches, both top and bottom housings exhibit distinct characteristics that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is designed to produce a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. Although both materials result in a higher-pitched sound, the INK blend offers a slightly softer quality compared to the more resonant characteristics of polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches may deliver a satisfying auditory experience overall, the nuance in sound can vary based on the plastic used.
The bottom housing of these two switches reveals a more pronounced difference in material and its impact on sound profile. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend also extends to its bottom housing, continuing the thin and high-pitched sound profile found in its top housing. Conversely, the Tomcat employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its softer and fuller sound. This means that while the top housing in both switches contributes to a higher pitch, the bottom housing quality greatly influences the overall typing experience. The nylon material absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that contrasts sharply with the Ink Red's characteristics.
Ultimately, the differences in material between the Gateron Ink Red and Bsun Tomcat switches lead to distinct auditory experiences, particularly through their respective top and bottom housings. If you seek a similar sound profile in both switches, you may appreciate the clackiness and higher pitch of the Ink Red, contrasted with the sharper resonance of the Tomcat, especially when utilizing RGB lighting thanks to polycarbonate's translucency. The combined effects of the top and bottom housings dictate the final auditory experience; thus, while the Ink Red may carry a unified sound due to its proprietary blend, the Tomcat’s contrasting materials create a more layered and dynamic soundscape that offers both clarity and depth.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force, despite having the same actuation force of 45 grams. This similarity suggests that both switches will respond equally to the initial keystroke, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs, with the Ink Red at 60 grams and the Tomcat at 54 grams. This means that while users may find the actuation moderate and easy to press, the Ink Red requires slightly more force to fully bottom out compared to the Tomcat, which may enhance the feeling of resistance and feedback during typing. Consequently, the Ink Red is deemed the heavier switch overall, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Tomcat is the lighter option, potentially favoring users who prioritize ease of pressing and comfort over longer periods.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights the preferences among users when it comes to switch characteristics. The Ink Red, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, providing a tactile experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it an enticing option for those who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the Ink Red is the longer switch, while the Tomcat is shorter, and the choice between the two will depend on whether the user prefers a deeper, more traditional experience or a more responsive, brisker action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
The Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Red and Bsun Tomcat linear switches, the Ink Red is known for its crisp and clacky signature, making it quite engaging during use. It has a chirpy quality that adds a unique acoustic element to the experience, providing a pleasing auditory feedback while typing. The Tomcat switch, while not specifically detailed in terms of sound characteristics, is noted for its resonant sound profile, suggesting it may produce a more ringing tone that could enhance the overall typing experience. Nonetheless, both switches are influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means users may achieve similar sound results depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switches are lauded for their silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally seamless typing experience. This switch minimizes resistance, allowing for effortless key presses and a delightful tactile sensation. The characteristics of being mild and polished contribute to an approachable typing experience that satisfies both novice and seasoned typists. In contrast, the feel of the Tomcat switch is not explicitly described, leaving its tactile sensation and smoothness unknown. This may lead to a more variable experience if someone was to compare it directly with the Ink Red.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch stands out for its distinct sound and exceptionally smooth feel, the Bsun Tomcat's qualities remain less defined and may vary. For those who appreciate a crisp auditory feedback with a smooth tactile experience, the Ink Red would be a more reliable choice. However, with the right keyboard setup and keycaps, a user could potentially achieve satisfying results with the Tomcat as well, though the specifics remain uncertain. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing users to explore and find their ideal typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, consider your typing style and sound preferences. If you favor a medium bottom-out force with a smooth, silky feel and a crispy, chirpy sound profile, the Ink Red is an excellent choice, particularly for those who enjoy a neutral yet satisfying typing experience at home or in a professional setting. Its polished characteristics make it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced typists. Conversely, if you tend to have a lighter typing style and prefer an even lower actuation force, the Bsun Tomcat, with its medium-light bottom-out force and resonant sound profile, could be more to your liking. The Tomcat’s ultra-smooth Ly stems enhance the tactile experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort is key. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on your specific needs for typing force and tactile feedback, as well as your preference for sound, so consider trying both to see which resonates with your personal style more effectively.
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