Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Bsun Tomcat are both exceptional linear options that cater to different user preferences. The Silent Ink Black excels in environments where discretion is key, delivering a silenced typing experience that features a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel while minimizing audio feedback. This switch is perfect for office settings or shared spaces, reflecting its categorization as silky, muted, and polished. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat focuses on providing a super smooth typing experience characterized by its Ly stems that contribute to a resonant sound profile. While both switches fall under the linear category and avoid tactile bumps, their unique attributes make them suitable for different scenarios—whether you seek a quieter workspace or a more pronounced auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Bsun Tomcat switches exhibit notable differences that contribute to their sound profiles and feel during use. The Gateron Silent Ink Black's top housing features a proprietary INK blend, which is designed to produce a pointed yet satisfying thin sound that leans toward a clacky tone. This sound character is attributed to the unique formulation of the INK blend, which allows for a presentation that is high-pitched without being excessively sharp. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its suitability for RGB lighting applications, providing visual appeal alongside its distinct auditory characteristics.

At the bottom housing level, the Silent Ink Black again employs the proprietary INK blend, maintaining a consistent sound profile that emphasizes a higher pitch, while the Bsun Tomcat opts for nylon in its bottom housing. This choice of nylon introduces a contrasting dimension to the sound, as nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience due to its softer plastic nature. The material absorbs more sound and delivers a rounder tonal quality, counterbalancing the sharper top sounds from the polycarbonate. As a result, while both switches may share an element of higher-pitched sound from their top housings, the lower range is decidedly different, thereby combining to create unique overall acoustic experiences.

When analyzing the overall performance characteristics of these switches, it’s evident that their differing housing materials affect the sound and feel of each keypress. The Silent Ink Black offers a consistent high-pitched clacky sound that is uniform across both top and bottom housing, which may appeal to users looking for a cohesive auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Tomcat's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a sound signature that’s more varied; sharper on the top end and fuller on the bottom. Thus, if users are drawn to the combined effects of both styles, they can achieve similar sonic results by focusing on the interactions between the materials, particularly as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the feel and bottom-out sound, while the top housing influences the release sound. Understanding these dynamics allows enthusiasts to customize their typing experience based on preference for tonal character and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and has a bottom out force of 70 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This makes the Tomcat a more suitable option for those who favor a lighter touch, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, users looking for a switch that minimizes fatigue during prolonged use might lean toward the Tomcat, while those who appreciate a firmer feel in their keystrokes would likely prefer the Silent Ink Black.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Tomcat the shorter option, catering to those who favor quicker key presses and faster response times, which are particularly beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for typing or extended use, as it offers a more pronounced depth. Thus, if one prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Bsun Tomcat would be the ideal choice, whereas the Gateron Silent Ink Black is better suited for those who appreciate a more tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is characterized by its muted auditory profile, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is paramount. Its silenced design allows for a softer typing experience, minimizing the typical sounds associated with mechanical keyboards. This is particularly appealing for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a quieter setup. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch has a resonant sound profile, although specific descriptors are not provided. Given this, the Tomcat is likely to produce a more pronounced sound when compared to the Silent Ink Black, resulting in a more traditional mechanical keyboard auditory feedback, which may not be as well-suited for quiet environments.

In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black stands out with its silky and polished characteristics. The silky sensation enhances the typing experience by offering exceptional smoothness and reducing resistance during key presses and releases. The polished finish further refines this feel, resulting in decreased friction and allowing for effortless key travel. Conversely, there are no specific descriptors available for the Tomcat switches, leaving its tactile experience largely unknown. It’s plausible that the Tomcat may offer a different sensation that could cater to users who prefer a more tactile response, but without further information, it’s difficult to draw a direct comparison.

In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is well-regarded for its muted sound and smooth, refined feel, making it suitable for quieter environments and offering a luxurious typing experience. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat switch, although its sound profile and tactile characteristics are less defined, promises a smooth experience thanks to its Ly stems. For those who prioritize sound dampening, the Silent Ink Black is clearly the superior option, while users who seek a more traditional mechanical feel may gravitate towards the Tomcat. Ultimately, both switches will provide distinctive typing experiences, and personal preference will play a significant role in the final choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you find yourself in a quiet space, such as an office or a library, where noise levels must be kept to a minimum, the Silent Ink Black is your best choice. Its muted sound profile and cushy, silky feel will allow you to type with minimal distraction to yourself and others, while its medium-heavy bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that's ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel for faster typing or gaming, the Tomcat switch may be more suitable. Its medium-light bottom-out force and smooth operation can enhance your speed and responsiveness without overwhelming you. While it presents a different auditory experience, the Tomcat's resonance can offer a lively typing sound, adding character to your keyboard. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a quieter, more refined typing experience or a lighter touch with a more engaging acoustic profile.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Silent Ink Black Linear

$8.50

$8.35 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more