Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct yet appealing options for linear switch enthusiasts. The G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out with its impressive 3.4mm travel distance, promising rapid actuation that can enhance gaming performance with its quick responsiveness. It also boasts vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch sound that adds excitement to intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes a buttery smooth typing experience, featuring Ly stems that produce a rich, resonant sound profile, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver caters to gamers looking for speed and visual flair, the Tomcat (Heavy) appeals to typists seeking a satisfying tactile experience. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, presenting similar acoustical characteristics and aesthetic advantages. The polycarbonate material is known for creating a sharper and more resonant sound profile, which is especially beneficial for users who prioritize auditory feedback when typing. As both switches employ this stiffer plastic, users can expect a clear and high-pitched sound when pressing the keys. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate materials allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. This commonality in top housing material ensures that both switches will produce a similarly crisp sound when engaged.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are both made from nylon, a material that effectively contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. By employing nylon for the bottom housing, both switches exhibit a sound-dampening quality, which diminishes the high-pitched resonance produced by the polycarbonate top. As a result, users can expect a rounded and softer bottom-out sound that is pleasing and muted compared to the sharper notes from the top housing. This integration of nylon in both switches enhances the overall typing experience, providing a balance between the higher frequencies of the top housing and the lower frequencies of the bottom.
Ultimately, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) vary in terms of brand and specific design traits, their choice of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom housing creates a convergence in sound profile and tactile feedback. The combination of these materials allows each switch to maintain its distinct acoustic characteristics while maintaining the qualities expected from a premium typing experience. Therefore, despite their differences in branding, users can anticipate a rewarding blend of sharp and full audio feedback across both switches, making them suitable choices for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods, such as during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. This means that while both switches provide distinct experiences, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the lighter option, promoting ease of use, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy), being the heavier switch, offers a firmer response for users seeking more of a tactile push. Overall, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for force and feedback during typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver the shorter option, which might appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more responsive feel. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its greater travel distance, may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial key press and a traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: if you desire speed and responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is ideal, whereas if you favor depth and a more pronounced typing feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) is the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is characterized by its bassy and low-pitched qualities, producing a deep, resonant tone that contributes to a satisfying auditory experience during typing or gaming. When pressed, these switches emit a thocky sound, similar to a soft "knock," which adds to the overall enjoyment of each keystroke. The richness of the sound not only enhances the tactile feedback but also complements the immersive gaming experience. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch remain unspecified. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a clear auditory signature, the acoustic qualities of the Tomcat switches remain unknown, potentially making comparisons in this area challenging.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is noted for providing a buttery and creamy typing experience. This sensation allows for smooth and effortless keystrokes, giving users a sense of comfort and fluidity while typing or gaming. The seamless glide of the keys contributes to a more enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the feel attributes of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch are also unspecified. Hence, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a pleasant tactile experience, it is difficult to evaluate how the Tomcat switch compares in terms of feel without further details.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch stands out for its commendable sound and feel qualities, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking responsive and satisfying tactile feedback at an affordable price. The bassy, thocky sound and smoothly gliding keypresses provide a fulfilling experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch lacks comparable sound and feel descriptors, leaving its performance in these areas unknown. Ultimately, if you value an engaging auditory experience along with smooth keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is a solid selection, whereas more specifics on the Tomcat would be needed to assess its appeal in comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're primarily focused on gaming performance and seek rapid responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 Silver's light 50-gram actuation force and shorter 3.4mm travel distance will provide you with the speed and agility necessary to gain a competitive edge. Its creamy and buttery feel ensures that your keystrokes are smooth, while the rich, thocky sound profile adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your gaming experience. On the other hand, if you value a more deliberate typing experience with a deeper sound profile and a medium-heavy keystroke, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch might be your preference. With its robust 64-gram actuation force, it caters well to users who enjoy a noticeable resistance during typing or gaming, providing feedback that can enhance your typing accuracy and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the ultrafast responsiveness of the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the substantial feel of the Tomcat (Heavy), each switch brings its unique strengths that cater to different user experiences.
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