Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Bsun Tomcat both stand out as compelling linear options, each with unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly price point and medium-light actuation force, striking an impressive balance between a responsive feel and an effortless typing experience. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, making it an appealing option for gamers and typists alike who seek both aesthetics and performance. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch boasts Ly stems, ensuring an exceptionally smooth experience that many users praise for its resonant sound profile; it's an optimal choice for those who prioritize auditory feedback alongside tactile comfort. Both switches offer distinct advantages—whether you're drawn to the vibrant lighting and affordability of the G Pro 3.0 Red or the silky smoothness and auditory pleasure provided by the Tomcat. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
54g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Bsun Tomcat both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to remarkably similar acoustic properties. This shared material choice means that users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile from both switches. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, enabling a more resonant sound quality that enhances the overall typing experience. Moreover, the translucence of polycarbonate is advantageous for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setups, as it allows the light to diffuse beautifully through the housing, creating a visually stunning effect.
On the other hand, while both switches share the same housing materials, they diverge in their bottom housing composition. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a nylon bottom housing, which is well-known for its softer texture and sound absorption qualities. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon helps mitigate some of the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, leading to an analogous sound absorption effect and a similarly rounded acoustic experience. Thus, despite any potential differences in design or feel between these two switches, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both will produce a satisfying and plush sound, though the interplay with the polycarbonate top may vary slightly.
Ultimately, the combined use of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing for both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Bsun Tomcat showcases how similar materials can create complementary sound profiles. This means that while the tactile feel and individual experiences may vary, users can expect comparable performance in terms of sound and resonance across both models. Therefore, whether one opts for the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Tomcat, they can be assured of a balanced auditory experience, marked by the crispness of polycarbonate and the richness of nylon, each contributing to a unique yet familiar typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a light keystroke experience favorable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the G Pro 3.0 Red reaching a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Tomcat has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 54 grams. This means that although both switches trigger at the same ease, the Tomcat will provide a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which can appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the lighter option, making it a better choice for those who want to minimize fatigue during prolonged use, while the Tomcat's heavier bottom out force may attract users seeking more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a longer travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Tomcat features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Red aligns with the traditional 4 mm travel, often favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, offering a satisfying depth that some users prefer. In contrast, the Tomcat’s 3.6 mm travel caters to gamers and fast-paced users looking for quicker response times, capitalizing on the recent trend towards shorter distances for enhanced speed. While both switches may appeal to different preferences—depth versus responsiveness—the distinction in their travel distances indicates that users will experience a variance in keypress feel: the G Pro 3.0 Red will provide more feedback with each keystroke, while the Tomcat will deliver a snappier response with its reduced travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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 G Pro 3.0 Red switch provides a neutral auditory profile, making it versatile and suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or work. This moderate sound output is complemented by a medium pitch that doesn’t overpower your typing experience, allowing for a pleasant ambiance without being distracting. On the other hand, while the Bsun Tomcat switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, specifics about its overall sound characteristics remain unspecified. However, it’s important to note that both switches' sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps used, meaning users could achieve similar auditory experiences depending on their overall setup.
When considering the feel of each switch, the G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its creamy and silky typing experience, characterized by smooth and effortless keystrokes. The inclusion of factors such as factory lubrication results in a polished and mild performance, allowing users to glide their fingers seamlessly across the keys. This smoothness not only enhances typing speed but also reduces fatigue during extended usage sessions. The feel of the Tomcat switch, however, remains less detailed in the provided information. With its specified use of Ly stems, it also likely aims for smoothness, but without a direct comparison of its tactile characteristics, it’s difficult to ascertain how it stands against the G Pro Red's creaminess and polish.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is widely recognized for its balanced sound and exemplary feelings, the information surrounding the Bsun Tomcat linear switch remains in some ways ambiguous. If you prioritize rich auditory feedback combined with a buttery smooth typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a reliable choice. Conversely, the Tomcat may offer similar smoothness due to its stem design, but without additional data on its tactile and auditory qualities, it's challenging to provide a complete comparison. Ultimately, choice may depend more on personal preference, particularly regarding the sound and feel characteristics when matched with your preferred keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences in typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch that offers a creamy and polished feel, ideal for both casual use and prolonged typing sessions. With a light actuation force of 50 grams, it provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it perfect for users who require quick responsiveness, such as gamers or those who type frequently. Its neutral sound profile also allows it to fit seamlessly into various environments, be it at home or in the office.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly firmer feel, the Bsun Tomcat, with its bottom-out force of 54 grams, might be more suitable for you. The Tomcat's unique design featuring Ly stems can offer an equally smooth but distinct auditory experience, adding an extra layer of satisfaction to your typing. If you appreciate a touch of resonance in sound while typing, or if you find that a medium-light force enhances your control and precision, the Tomcat will serve you well. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you prioritize aspects like actuation force, feel, and sound in your typing environment.
Mentioned in this article
