Gateron Ink Red vs. Bsun Tuzi (Bunny)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) mechanical keyboard switches, there are key differences to consider. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. It offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) provides a refined typing experience with a combination of clack and smoothness, thanks to its modified LY stem paired with a PC top and PA bottom. While the Ink Red is categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished, the Tuzi is classified as clacky, high-pitched, and silky. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
42g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
UPE
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny), one can see that while the Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, the Tuzi (Bunny) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The INK blend in the Ink Red provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, while the polycarbonate in the Tuzi (Bunny) creates a sharper and crisper sound. However, the nylon bottom housing in the Tuzi (Bunny) offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the INK blend bottom housing in the Ink Red, which is more high-pitched.
Despite the differences in housing materials for the two switches, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the INK blend top housing of the Ink Red provides a pointed and satisfyingly clacky sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Tuzi (Bunny) offers a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Tuzi (Bunny) absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and fuller sound compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red. Overall, both switches cater to different sound preferences based on the combination of their housing materials.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of each switch. While the INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Red create a specific clacky and high-pitched sound experience, the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing of the Tuzi (Bunny) offer a sharper and deeper sound profile. The differences in sound quality can be attributed to the unique characteristics of each housing material, with polycarbonate providing a stiffer and crisper sound, and nylon offering a softer and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel when typing or gaming.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) linear switch. The Ink Red requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, providing a medium typing experience. On the other hand, the Tuzi (Bunny) only needs 37 grams to actuate and 42 grams to bottom out, resulting in a lighter keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Tuzi (Bunny) would be the better choice, as it allows for longer typing sessions without much fatigue. Meanwhile, those looking for a more substantial feel and a stronger push would lean towards the Ink Red. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Tuzi (Bunny) has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red. A difference of 0.4 mm may not seem significant, but it can be noticeable for some users. Those who prefer quicker response times may opt for the Tuzi (Bunny) with its shorter travel distance, ideal for gaming. On the other hand, the Ink Red with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keyboard feel.
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 Tuzi (Bunny) has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tuzi (Bunny) for $3.49.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a neutral profile with a crisp and clacky sound that may have a slight chirp to it, adding a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) linear switch offers a more distinctive clacky sound with a high-pitched tone, providing a sharp and percussive typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound, the Ink Red may be more suitable for a neutral and versatile option, while the Tuzi (Bunny) delivers a more distinct and vibrant typing sound.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) switches are described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ink Red also has a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls in the safe middle-ground zone, while the Tuzi (Bunny) focuses on delivering a refined and smooth typing feel. These qualities indicate that both switches prioritize smooth key travel and reduced friction, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users.
Overall, when comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct sound and feel characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Ink Red excels in providing a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile that may appeal to a wide range of users, while the Tuzi (Bunny) stands out for its clacky sound and silky feel, perfect for those seeking a sharper and more refined typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options for a premium mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a medium actuation force, smooth and crispy sound profile, and a versatile switch suitable for most intents and purposes, then the Gateron Ink Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a refined typing experience with a light actuation force, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and an exceptionally smooth typing feel, then the Bsun Tuzi (Bunny) linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should align with your specific typing needs and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.