Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in determining the perfect fit for your needs. The Gateron Silent Ink Black is an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience, making it particularly suitable for office environments or shared spaces. This switch offers a smooth, cushy feel with minimal audio feedback, often described as 'silky', 'muted', and 'polished', ensuring a serene atmosphere while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) provides a distinct tactile experience characterized by its Ly stems, which facilitate an exceptionally smooth keystroke. This switch is great for typists who appreciate a more resonant sound profile, delivering both auditory feedback and a robust typing experience. While both switches are linear, designed to provide uninterrupted keystrokes, their unique features cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Color coated
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), their top housings differ significantly in materials, leading to unique sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend, which is celebrated for producing a pointed and high-pitched sound that leans towards a clacky tone. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, noted for its sharper and crisper sound profile. While both materials create higher-pitched auditory experiences, the key distinction lies in the nature of their sound. The polycarbonate's stiffer composition enhances resonance and clarity, making it more suitable for RGB lighting applications, whereas the INK blend provides a more nuanced, layered sound quality.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of these two switches present a different construction approach. The Silent Ink Black employs its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which also emphasizes a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This consistency across both the top and bottom housing contributes to a cohesive auditory experience. The Tomcat (Heavy), however, features a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and rounder sound due to its softer nature. This material absorbs more sound, ultimately creating a more enveloping auditory sensation when typed upon, in contrast to the sharper sounds of the INK blend.
The differing materials in both the top and bottom housings of these switches mean that the user will experience distinct qualities when typing. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, making the nylon in the Tomcat (Heavy) conducive to a fuller auditory experience when compared to the INK blend of the Silent Ink Black. Conversely, the top housing shapes the sound produced during key release. Therefore, despite the differences in their materials, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound profile dominance by choosing the right combination of switch if they prefer either sharpness or fullness in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Ink Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black requires a slightly higher force to register a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Tomcat, resulting in a firmer typing experience. Therefore, for users who prefer a lighter key feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be the preferable choice, whereas those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback might gravitate towards the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, while both switches fall within a medium-heavy range, the Silent Ink Black is the heavier option overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Silent Ink Black boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures at 3.6 mm. This means that the Silent Ink Black offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressed. For gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Tomcat (Heavy) may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker key actuation. However, those who prefer a more tactile experience with a hearty depth might find the Silent Ink Black to be the superior choice. Ultimately, the preferences for either switch will depend on individual user needs, with the Silent Ink Black providing a more traditional longer travel response compared to the relatively shorter Tomcat (Heavy).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is designed for environments where discretion is crucial, offering a distinctly muted auditory profile. This means that typists using this switch will produce a softer and quieter sound, significantly reducing the typical clack associated with mechanical keyboards. This can be particularly beneficial in shared spaces or during late-night sessions. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch, however, does not have a clearly defined sound profile provided, though it is noted to have a resonant sound. This suggests that while there may be more pronounced acoustics with the Tomcat switch, specifics about its sound characteristics remain ambiguous.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Ink Black stands out with its silky and polished attributes. These descriptors indicate that the switch provides an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, with minimal resistance during key presses and an overall tactile pleasure. The factory lubrication and the materials used in its construction contribute to a seamless transition between keystrokes, enhancing user comfort. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) lacks detailed descriptions of its feel, leaving its smoothness and overall typing experience unknown. The absence of such information means that potential users may need to try it firsthand to understand how it compares in tactile feedback and key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch excels in providing a silent yet satisfying typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize quieter keystrokes along with a luxurious feel. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch presents potential for a smooth experience as well, but without concrete details on its acoustic and tactile qualities, it leaves much to be learned through personal exploration. For users seeking a quieter environment, the Silent Ink Black is a clear choice, while the Tomcat may appeal to those curious about a potentially different feel and sound dynamic in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself in a quiet workspace or need to keep noise levels to a minimum — say, while working in an office or prioritizing a peaceful home environment — the Silent Ink Black is an excellent option due to its muted sound profile and cushy, silky feel. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a softer bottom-out experience, providing comfort and reducing distraction for both yourself and those around you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly more traditional typing experience with a resonant sound profile while still benefiting from a smooth action, the Tomcat (Heavy) may be the better choice. Its 64-gram actuation force provides a satisfying feedback while typing, and if you prioritize tactile engagement during your writing or gaming sessions, this switch will not disappoint. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you balance sound, feel, and the typing experience, tailored to your unique needs and environments.
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