Gateron Aliaz vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Tomcat offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz, a tactile switch, is designed for those who appreciate a more pronounced typing feedback while working in quiet environments, such as offices, due to its silent operation. With its medium-heavy weight, the Aliaz provides a satisfying keystroke experience, characterized by its silky, muted, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat is a linear switch known for delivering a super smooth typing experience, primarily due to its Ly stems, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize fluid key presses and may appreciate the resonant sound profile that comes with it. While the Aliaz excels in noise sensitivity and tactile feedback, the Tomcat shines in smoothness and audio resonance. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Tomcat switches, a notable similarity arises in their top housing, both made from polycarbonate. This shared choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate ensures clarity and resonance, making each switch produce crisp sounds when activated. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, especially for users who utilize RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housings to create vibrant visual effects. This similarity in top housing materials promises a comparable auditory experience when typing, where both switches deliver clear feedback during key presses.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches differs significantly, with the Aliaz employing polycarbonate and the Tomcat utilizing nylon. The use of nylon in the Tomcat's bottom housing contributes to a distinct sound profile compared to the Aliaz, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. This results in a deeper and rounder sound, contrasting with the crisper notes produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz. The differing materials thus affect the overall sound quality: while the top housing dictates the sound produced on release, it's the bottom housing that profoundly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, each switch showcases its unique characteristics through the combination of these materials.

Ultimately, while the Aliaz and Tomcat switches share a foundational similarity in their polycarbonate top housings, their distinct bottom housings create contrasting auditory experiences. Users will notice that the Aliaz will have a more consistent sound throughout each keystroke, thanks to its use of the same material for both top and bottom housings, whereas the Tomcat provides a more differentiated sound experience. The unique qualities provided by these materials underscore the importance of the housing design in the performance and feel of mechanical switches, ultimately catering to different preferences among users.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we can observe significant differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz switch features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Tomcat switch provides a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, the Aliaz is the heavier option, while the Tomcat is the lighter choice, allowing users to select based on their personal comfort and typing style preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the Aliaz measuring 4 mm and the Tomcat at 3.6 mm. The Aliaz, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced keypress experience that can be more satisfying for users who enjoy a deeper feedback from their switches. In contrast, the Tomcat, being shorter at 3.6 mm, caters to those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster reaction times. Therefore, those who value depth and a more traditional feel should gravitate towards the Aliaz, while those prioritizing speed and responsiveness may find the Tomcat to be the better choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to the sound profile, the Gateron Aliaz switches are engineered for a quiet typing experience, making them ideal for office environments or shared spaces. They produce a muted sound, offering a softer and less intrusive acoustic signature compared to more traditional mechanical switches. This characteristic allows for a more discreet typing experience without drawing attention in quiet settings. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches feature a resonant sound profile, but the specifics of this sound are not detailed, suggesting a more typical mechanical keyboard noise that might be more noticeable than the Aliaz. Therefore, if noise levels are a primary concern for you, the Aliaz would be the better choice.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches provide a combination of silky smoothness and a polished finish, enhancing the overall typing experience. Their medium-heavy weight adds a significant tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel both substantial and satisfying. This design minimizes resistance, allowing for smooth key presses and releases, which can contribute to prolonged comfortable typing sessions. However, little information is available regarding the tactile or smoothness qualities of the Tomcat switches, leaving a gap in their comparison. As such, it's hard to say how they would feel in relation to the Aliaz.

In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz switches stand out for their quiet operation and refined tactile feel, making them suitable for those prioritizing a serene typing environment with satisfying feedback. In contrast, while the sound profile and feel of the Bsun Tomcat switches are less defined, their resonant sound could appeal to those who enjoy a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, if you are seeking a silent and smooth typing experience, the Aliaz is the clear winner, while the Tomcat might be better suited for those who prefer a more classic mechanical sound.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it's essential to consider your specific typing environment and preferences. If you work in a quiet setting, such as an office or a shared space, the Aliaz switches will serve you well with their muted sound profile and heavier bottom-out force of 75 grams, providing a satisfying tactile feel without being disruptive to others. Their silky and polished characteristics make typing a refined experience that many users appreciate, especially those who seek feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Tomcat switches, with their medium-light force of 54 grams, are an excellent choice. They excel in offering a super smooth feel thanks to their Ly stems and resonate with a unique sound profile, making them ideal for both gaming and fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a more pronounced tactile feedback in a quieter setting or a sleek, fluid motion that enhances your overall typing speed and efficiency.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Aliaz Tactile

$8.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more