Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat both offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Gateron Ink Yellow is recognized for its shorter travel distance, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a typing experience that balances the tactile feel of a mechanical keyboard with the familiar comfort of a laptop. Its smooth and mildly clacky feedback appeals to typists who appreciate a polished touch while still enjoying a bit of acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat stands out with its Ly stems, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that prioritizes fluidity and comfort. Additionally, it boasts a resonant sound profile, which can add a satisfying auditory element to typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches depends on your personal preferences—whether you value the clarity and responsiveness of the Ink Yellow or the seamless glide and enriching sound of the Tomcat. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat, it's evident that both switches utilize distinct materials that contribute uniquely to their sound profiles and characteristics. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which produces a thin, high-pitched sound often described as "clacky." This sound profile is attributed to the specific composition of the INK blend, which emphasizes clarity without a harsh edge. In contrast, the Tomcat incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of the plastic. Although both top housings lead to a higher-pitched sound, the Gateron INK blend may offer a more nuanced experience while the polycarbonate emphasizes a clearer resonance, potentially resulting in slight differences in acoustic experience during typing.
When examining the bottom housings, the materials diverge even further with Gateron's INK blend at play for the Ink Yellow and durable nylon for the Tomcat. The INK blend bottom housing continues the high-pitched, pointed sound profile attributed to the top housing, creating a cohesive auditory experience across both sections of the switch. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Tomcat provides a deeper, fuller sound because of its softer composition, which absorbs more sound and dampens high frequencies. This contrast is crucial as it illustrates how the two switches can produce different overall sound experiences, with the Ink Yellow aimed at a brighter, clappy sound while the Tomcat leans towards a warmer, muffled tone due to its material characteristics.
Ultimately, the differences brought forth by the housing materials of the Ink Yellow and Tomcat switches suggest that the overall switching experience will vary considerably. The INK blend allows the Ink Yellow to maintain a consistent high-pitched character throughout both the upstroke and bottom-out sound, while the Tomcat's nylon bottom adds depth to the sound, creating a rounded auditory sensation during typing. If similarities in sound quality are desired, maximizing the perceived effects of the INK blend material on Gateron’s switch may yield a notably clacky experience, whereas those favoring a thicker sound might appreciate the absorption qualities offered by the nylon housing in the Tomcat, suggesting that while they share a common goal of delivering satisfying acoustics, their approaches, benefitting from their unique materials, ultimately lead to markedly different experiences for the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their specifications. The Gateron Ink Yellow features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This means that the Tomcat is the lighter option, while the Ink Yellow is the heavier one. As a result, users seeking a gentle experience should gravitate towards the Tomcat, while those desiring a firmer feel might prefer the Ink Yellow's increased resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there's a slight difference to note. The Ink Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ink Yellow the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate actuation. On the other hand, the Tomcat, with its longer distance, may provide a more pronounced keystroke that some users prefer for a more tactile experience. Therefore, for those looking for a quicker, more responsive feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be the ideal choice, while the Bsun Tomcat would cater more to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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
The sound profile of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is neutral with a notable clackiness. This results in a moderate actuation force and a crisp, percussive sound upon activation, making it suitable for a variety of settings, whether you’re at home or in an office. TheInk Yellow delivers a pleasant acoustic experience that is bright and sharp, enhancing the overall typing experience without being overly loud or off-putting for those nearby. In contrast, the specifics of the Bsun Tomcat's sound profile remain unknown, though it is mentioned that it features Ly stems, which likely contribute to a distinct acoustic character that differs from the Ink Yellow.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow is characterized as mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience. This smoothness contributes to reduced friction and a sleek key travel, welcoming typists of all levels to enjoy their mechanical keyboard without overwhelming sensations. The softness in both sound and actuation creates an approachable feel, which is advantageous for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Tomcat switches haven’t been provided, leaving a gap in understanding how they might compare in terms of tactile feedback and overall user experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Yellow and Bsun Tomcat switches promise distinct experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Ink Yellow is well-regarded for its smooth, clacky sound and mild, polished feel, making it suitable for various users and settings. While the Tomcat's sound and feel remain less defined, the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preference, especially considering the potential variations in sound that can arise from different boards and keycaps. Those who favor clarity and a balanced typing experience will likely find the Ink Yellow to be a reliable choice, whereas the Tomcat may require further exploration to ascertain its unique attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches and Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and enjoy a typing experience that strikes a balance between a laptop keyboard and a traditional mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is a great option. Its short travel, combined with a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, makes it versatile for both typing and gaming. Additionally, its neutral sound profile means you can use it comfortably in a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter feel with a buttery smooth typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat switches would be your best bet. With a bottom out force of 54 grams, they are perfect for long typing sessions or if you simply prefer lighter switches. The resonant sound profile and Ly stems contribute to an enjoyable typing experience, making them suitable for anyone looking to enhance their keyboard's auditory dimension. In essence, consider what weight and sound profile resonate most with you to make your ideal choice.
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