Gateron Ink Red vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Ink Red is celebrated for its lighter actuation force, making it an excellent choice for typists who favor a more effortless, fluid keystroke. Users appreciate its exceptionally smooth feel, complemented by a crispy and clacky sound profile that can enhance the typing experience while adding a touch of auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stands out for its robust construction and Ly stems, providing a super smooth typing experience that feels consistent across each keystroke. The Tomcat switches produce a deeper, more resonant sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial auditory feedback and tactile presence during usage. Both switches have their own merits depending on your typing style and personal preferences; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), distinct differences emerge that shape their acoustic performance, despite both switches aiming to deliver satisfying sound profiles. The Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing that is designed to produce a relatively high-pitched and pointed sound, described as clacky. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for generating a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate is often associated with translucency, making it a popular choice for switches intended for RGB lighting, as it can enhance the visual effects. Both materials aim for a higher-pitched sound, yet the resonant characteristics of polycarbonate may lean toward a more pronounced clarity compared to the slightly softer INK blend.

Delving deeper into the bottom housing materials reveals a more pronounced contrast. The Ink Red boasts a proprietary INK blend bottom housing characterized by its ability to create a pointed yet warm and clacky sound profile. This is significantly different from the Tomcat (Heavy)'s nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature. Nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a rounder acoustic experience, allowing the switch to feel more cushioned when bottoming out. The effect of these materials shows that even though both switches may have high-pitched sound qualities in common, the full typing experience can vary significantly based on bottom housing design.

Ultimately, the impact of these variations in materials is crucial for an enthusiast looking for a specific sound and feel in their typing experience. If both the top and bottom housings of a switch were made from identical materials, one could anticipate a more uniform sound profile throughout the keystroke. In this comparison, however, the distinct materials result in a layered acoustic experience, with the top housing contributing to the high-pitched release sound and the nylon bottom housing of the Tomcat (Heavy) providing a mellower response upon bottoming out. Thus, while both switches may share a trait of aiming for pleasing sound dynamics, their choice of materials leads to very different auditory and tactile experiences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it is evident that these two switches cater to different preferences. The Ink Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a great choice for those who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming, allowing for longer sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, providing a more substantial resistance for users who enjoy a heftier push feel. Thus, the Gateron Ink Red is the lighter switch, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier option, offering distinctly different tactile experiences to cater to individual preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Gateron Ink Red stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that the Ink Red provides a more pronounced feel when pressed, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a substantial depth with each keystroke. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Tomcat (Heavy) may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, allowing for quicker key presses without as much travel. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive and brisk typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) may be the better choice, while the Gateron Ink Red is ideal for those who appreciate a more traditional and deeper keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, the Ink Red stands out with its unique and engaging sound profile. It possesses a crispy and clacky acoustic signature that offers a lively auditory experience while typing, making it quite satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback. The switch can also be classified as chirpy, introducing a distinctive squeak that adds a character to each keystroke. In contrast, the sound profile of the Tomcat (Heavy) is marked as resonant, though no further specifics are provided. This indicates that while it may have a richer tone, the exact nature of its sound remains unknown. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a more defined sound signature, the Ink Red may be a more appropriate choice.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red excels in delivering a silky and polished typing experience. The smoothness of the Ink Red provides a minimal resistance feel during key presses, allowing for effortless typing, while its mild characteristics ensure that users experience a gentle and approachable feedback. This would cater well to those who prefer a refined yet comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the details regarding the feel of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch are not specified, leaving it difficult to draw direct comparisons in this area. Thus, if a sleek and smooth feel is a priority for you, the Ink Red will deliver on that promise, while the Tomcat's tactile experience remains an unknown.

Overall, both the Gateron Ink Red and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches offer unique qualities, particularly in sound and feel. The Ink Red is clearly designed for those who enjoy a smooth and satisfying typing experience complemented by crisp acoustic feedback. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) appears to offer an intriguing sound profile but lacks available details on the feel, making it difficult to assess its performance fully. For newcomers, selecting the Ink Red would guarantee a familiar and delightful typing experience, while the Tomcat may intrigue those willing to explore an unknown feel for potential surprises.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you find yourself favoring a lighter touch while typing, or if you prefer a switch that offers an effortless, smooth experience, the Ink Red would be an excellent choice. Its medium bottom out force of 60 grams allows for quick key presses, and its crisp, clacky sound gives a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your overall typing experience, whether you're a beginner or more experienced. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance in your keystrokes and value a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat (Heavy) may suit you better. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 64 grams, it offers a sturdier feel that some find more satisfying during extended typing sessions. Both switches are smooth, but the Tomcat's Ly stems promise a unique touch that's also good for prolonged usage. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferred typing style—whether you lean towards the lighter, smoother experience of the Ink Red or the more substantial feedback and sound of the Tomcat (Heavy).

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more