Gateron CM vs. Bsun Hutt
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Bsun Hutt switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch to the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, there are clear distinctions between the two. The CM switch stands out for its unique full nylon housing, providing a richer sound signature and a smooth typing experience thanks to its factory lube job. On the other hand, the Hutt switch offers a medium-heavy spring with a prominent tactile bump, creating a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience with a balanced sound profile. While the CM switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', and 'Polished', the Hutt switch is described as 'Snappy', 'Sharp', and 'Resonant'. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
49g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM uses a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the CM's nylon top housing offers a duller and rounder sound, the Hutt's polycarbonate top housing produces a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the Hutt's clear polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting, unlike the CM's opaque nylon top housing.
Both the Gateron CM and the Bsun Hutt feature nylon bottom housings, which result in a deep and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. Since both switches use the same material for their bottom housing, the typing experience in terms of sound and feel will be similar. However, the impact on the sound when pressing down on a key may differ slightly due to the characteristics of the top housing material. The use of nylon in both bottom housings creates a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
When comparing the overall sound profile of the Gateron CM and Bsun Hutt switches, the differences lie in their top housing materials. The Gateron CM's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the Bsun Hutt's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. The split characteristics of the top and bottom housings allow for unique typing experiences with each switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the desired sound profile and aesthetic preferences, with the Gateron CM offering a deeper sound and the Bsun Hutt providing a clearer sound.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force are quite different. The CM linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Hutt tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 49 grams, resulting in a lighter typing feel. The CM switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Hutt switch allows for a smoother and lighter keystroke. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions, the Hutt switch would be the preferable choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a heavier typing feel may opt for the CM switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are often preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and may not drastically affect the overall typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CM and the Bsun Hutt may come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or slightly longer key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 CM linear switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and rich sound during key presses reminiscent of bass tones. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch presents a resonant sound profile, with a higher-pitched and sharp tone creating an immersive auditory experience. While the CM switch leans towards a deeper and richer sound, the Hutt switch offers a cleaner and sharper sound overall. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the CM offering a more bass-heavy experience and the Hutt delivering a clean and resonant tone.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented feel, with pronounced feedback, firm actuation force, and a prominent tactile bump creating a lively and responsive typing sensation. The CM switch focuses on a seamless and effortless typing experience, while the Hutt switch prioritizes a snappy and tactile feedback with each keypress. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the CM emphasizing smoothness and the Hutt highlighting responsiveness and feedback.
Overall, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch provide users with distinct sound and feel characteristics to enhance their typing experience. The CM switch excels in delivering a deep and rich sound profile with smooth and effortless keystrokes, while the Hutt switch stands out for its clean and sharp sound profile with responsive and tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the bassy and buttery qualities of the CM switch or the resonant and snappy attributes of the Hutt switch to customize their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and unique features that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing journey for newcomers in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a bouncy typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, along with a smooth and buttery typing sensation, the Gateron CM linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a prominent tactile bump and a sharp, snappy typing experience, along with a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, then the Bsun Hutt tactile switch would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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