Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both linear switches. The Ink Yellow switch is celebrated for its shorter travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a typing experience that balances the best of both worlds—between the feel of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Its pleasant smoothness, coupled with a characteristic clackiness, creates an engaging experience for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch stands out for its use of Ly stems, which deliver an exceptionally smooth typing feel, and a resonant sound profile that adds a unique auditory dimension to the typing experience. While the Ink Yellow leans towards a more polished, clacky feedback, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a deeper resonance that can be especially satisfying for those who appreciate auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches display notable differences in their construction, which ultimately influences their acoustic characteristics. The Ink Yellow switch utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, known for producing a distinct, clacky, and higher-pitched sound profile that is satisfying to the ear. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing, which, while still contributing to a sharp and higher-pitched sound, introduces a crisper resonance due to the material's stiffer nature. Both types of housing favor a clear auditory experience but manifest their acoustic properties in subtly different ways; the Ink Yellow is described as thinner, while the polycarbonate offers a more pronounced clarity.

On the lower section, the Gateron Ink Yellow employs its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, similarly characterized by a pointed, high-pitched acoustic quality. This consistency in material usage for both top and bottom allows for a unified sound profile that stays true to the switch's overall design intent. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)’s bottom housing is made of nylon, a material renowned for imparting a deeper and fuller sound. As nylon tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it, this creates a more rounded auditory output. Thus, while both switches may exhibit crispness in their keypress sounds, the Tomcat (Heavy) will offer a richer and fuller tone when bottomed out, contrasting with the Ink Yellow's more consistent brightness.

When considering the overall feel during operation, these differences in housing material play significant roles. In the case of the Ink Yellow, the combination of its proprietary materials enables a cohesive acoustic and tactile experience across both the top and bottom housings, allowing for a highly synchronized response when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a unique interplay between its nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top, contributing to a sound experience that is split between the sharper top and the deeper bottom profile. While the switches are built from different materials, the overall acoustic characteristics can still harmonize to produce satisfying typing experiences, although the distinct tonal flavors are most pronounced in their individual designs.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch with a 60-gram actuation force and a 67-gram bottom out force to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, notable differences emerge. The Tomcat switch is lighter overall, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while the Ink Yellow provides a slightly heavier feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, but the Tomcat's lower actuation and bottom out forces suggest that typists seeking a quicker response might gravitate towards it. While both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, the heavier feel of the Ink Yellow could appeal to those who prefer more resistance, while the lighter Tomcat switch may cater to those who appreciate ease of activation without sacrificing performance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there is a slight difference in their specifications. The Ink Yellow features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ink Yellow the shorter option and the Tomcat (Heavy) the longer one. For users who prefer quicker response times, the Ink Yellow may be the more appealing choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance gaming performance. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its longer travel distance, might be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced key feel and tactile depth when typing. Ultimately, the distinction in travel distance is minimal, yet it caters to varying preferences in keyboard feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Ink Yellow and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, the Ink Yellow is identified as having a neutral sound complemented by a clacky quality. This means it produces a moderate, yet crisp, sound that appeals to a wide range of users, making it suitable for both casual and professional environments. The clacky nature of the Ink Yellow adds an enjoyable auditory feedback during use, making typing feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the sound profile of the Tomcat (Heavy) is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this area. This means that the Ink Yellow will provide a more defined auditory character while the Tomcat's sound may remain a mystery.

In terms of feel, the Ink Yellow is celebrated for its mild and polished characteristics. This switch offers a gentle typing experience that stands in the middle ground, ensuring that it is approachable for both newcomers and experienced users. Its polished finish enhances the smoothness, resulting in reduced friction and a refined key travel experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) is also unknown, meaning we cannot ascertain its typing dynamics or smoothness. Consequently, those who appreciate the balanced feedback of the Ink Yellow may not have enough information to anticipate the tactile qualities of the Tomcat.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a well-rounded experience with its neutral and clacky sound as well as its mild and polished feel, the characteristics of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) remain uncertain. If you're looking for a switch that provides a lively auditory experience and a gentle tactile feel, the Ink Yellow is a solid choice. However, if you're considering the Tomcat (Heavy), you'll need to explore more to uncover its distinctive qualities, particularly its sound and feel. Ultimately, the Ink Yellow stands out with its known attributes, while the Tomcat's appeal lies in its unexplored nature.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch depends largely on your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using them. If you lean towards a typing experience that strikes a balance between a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow switch, with its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams and shorter travel, is your best bet. Its smoothness combined with a pleasant clackiness makes it ideal for both work and casual use, especially if you appreciate a more engaging sound profile that’s neither too loud nor too muted. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth typing experience and enjoy a more resonant sound, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its 64 grams of actuation force, is an excellent choice. The Ly stems contribute to an exceptionally fluid feel, which may appeal to those who type for extended periods and want less fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you desire a clackier, customizable sound or a smoother, more subtle feedback during typing.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more