Gateron CM vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, preferences can vary significantly based on personal typing style and sound preferences. The Gateron CM switches, with their bold nylon housing, offer an immersive typing experience characterized by a rich, deep sound signature and an impressively smooth keystroke, thanks in part to their meticulously applied factory lubrication. Users can expect a delightful bounce owing to the lengthened dual-staged spring, making these switches an excellent choice for those who appreciate a thocky, polished feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches stand out with their Ly stems, which ensure a super smooth typing experience complemented by a resonant sound profile that many users find appealing. While both switches cater to the linear switch enthusiasts, the CM leans towards a more bassy and creamy sound, whereas the Tomcat prioritizes a sleek and seamless touch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Bsun Tomcat, one of the most apparent differences lies in the composition of their top housings. The Gateron CM employs a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon’s softer plastic properties, which dampen sound effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile. This distinct tonal difference underscores how the choice of top housing material can significantly influence the acoustic characteristics of a switch, making them suited for different user preferences—those who enjoy a warmer sound versus those who prefer clarity and brilliance.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, share a commonality as they are both made from nylon. This consistency in material means that users can expect a similar underlying sound profile when engaging with either switch. The nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its inherent sound-absorbing qualities. Thus, while the top housings set the tone—literally and figuratively—the bottom housings create a unified foundation that delivers a consistent auditory experience. Therefore, both switches will resonate similarly in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, offering a sense of familiarity even amidst the contrasting top housing materials.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings defines the overall experience with each switch. The distinct sound profiles created by the nylon top housing of the Gateron CM and the polycarbonate top housing of the Bsun Tomcat demonstrate how material selection can lead to varying user experiences. Even though the two switches diverge in terms of their top-housing acoustics, the synergy provided by the nylon bottom housing ensures that both options deliver a satisfying typing experience. Users looking for a balance between a fuller sound and specific auditory clarity may find themselves drawn to the qualities inherent in each housing combination, highlighting how differing materials contribute to the versatility and personalization of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron CM has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat features a significantly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinction means that the Tomcat will provide a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the Gateron CM’s heavier push provides a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a firmer keypress. Overall, those who prioritize a lighter switch may find the Tomcat more comfortable, while those seeking a stronger typing experience would be better served by the Gateron CM.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they offer a similar keypress experience when activated. This equal distance means that users can expect a comparable feedback and depth when pressing down on keys with either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they are likely to produce similar results in terms of tactile feel and actuation response, making either option a suitable choice for those who prefer a linear switch with this specific travel length.
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 Tomcat 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 CM linear switch stands out with its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience when typing. The sound profile is reminiscent of soft thuds or knocks, creating a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists find appealing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch lacks detailed descriptions of its sound qualities, leaving its auditory characteristics largely unknown. However, it is noted to deliver a resonant sound profile, suggesting it may offer a distinctive acoustic experience, albeit without the specifics that set it apart from the CM.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Gateron CM linear switch earns high marks for its silky smooth keystrokes, described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. This smoothness is achieved through exceptional factory lubrication, providing a typing sensation that is both seamless and effortless, akin to gliding across the keys with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat's feel is also not extensively detailed, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. However, the mention of its Ly stems hints at a potentially smooth typing experience as well.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CM linear switch excels with its rich sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch presents an interesting option with an unknown yet resonant sound and a likely smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems. If you're seeking a satisfying auditory experience, the CM is a solid choice, while the Tomcat may still deliver good results. Ultimately, if you prioritize factors like sound quality and typing feel, the CM may be the more predictable option, while the Tomcat invites curiosity for those willing to explore its unique attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavier, more tactile experience and appreciate a deeper, richer sound profile, the CM switch is likely the better fit for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, combined with its patented nylon housing, allows for an acoustically rich typing experience that feels robust and satisfying, especially if you appreciate a more pronounced thocky sound. The buttery and polished keystroke offers an incredibly smooth journey that any typist or gamer can appreciate, especially during extended sessions.
Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and the smoothest possible keystrokes, the Tomcat with its 54 grams actuation force may be more your style. The Ly stems result in a smoother typing experience, and while it lacks the defined sounds of the CM, the resonant sound profile provides a pleasant foundation. This switch is an excellent choice for those prioritizing speed and minimizing finger fatigue, making it particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing tasks. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, so consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s sound, feel, actuation force, or overall typing experience—to make an informed decision that enhances your mechanical keyboard journey.
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