Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them appealing choices for various users. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out as a budget-friendly option, delivering a higher-pitched, clacky sound and a bouncy feel that many typists find enjoyable, particularly for extended typing sessions. This switch is characterized by its polished, creamy texture, adding a delightful sensory experience to any keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems, providing a remarkably smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile that appeals to those who prioritize a seamless keystroke. While both switches are linear and designed to minimize tactile feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow emphasizes an expressive auditory experience, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) focuses on delivering unmatched smoothness. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value sound and bounce or smoothness and consistency. 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
64g
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
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both feature polycarbonate top housings, which brings a sharp and high-pitched sound profile when typing. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that resonates well, allowing for a clear and crisp auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate means that both switches can effectively showcase RGB lighting, enhancing their visual appeal when integrated into a setup. Since they utilize the same material for the top housing, users can expect a similar acoustic quality, reinforcing the notion that both switches may deliver a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, which is recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The nylon material's inherent softness contributes to this sound by absorbing more vibrations, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustics. Because both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Tomcat (Heavy) share this nylon bottom, they maintain a consistent character in terms of sound dampening and typing feel. The synergy between the nylon bottom and polycarbonate top allows each switch to balance their individual sound profiles while working together to create a harmonious auditory experience upon actuation and bottoming out.
Combining the characteristics of polycarbonate on the top and nylon on the bottom, both switches leverage the strengths of these materials. The polycarbonate top enhances the clarity of the sound during key release, while the nylon bottom contributes to the deeper notes with each key press. As a result, users can expect a cohesive sound experience that harmonizes the crispness from the top with the warmth from the bottom housing. This combination impacts the overall feel and auditory response of both switches, suggesting that even though they are branded differently, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer an intriguingly similar typing experience due to their shared material properties.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we see notable differences and similarities in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push feel. In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) measures at 64 grams. This suggests that while the Tomcat switch is heavier in terms of actuation force, it bottoms out at a lighter force compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Thus, for users seeking a lighter overall typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be the better choice, while those who favor a firmer actuation may lean towards the Tomcat.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch measures 4 mm, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a longer travel distance compared to the Tomcat (Heavy), providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. If you prefer a more pronounced keypress and a deeper response, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be the better choice. Conversely, if you lean towards faster response times and appreciate the quicker actuation that comes with shorter travel distances, the 3.6 mm of the Tomcat (Heavy) would be more suitable. Overall, while both switches have their merits, they cater to different preferences regarding travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch produces a distinctly high-pitched clacky profile that some users find to be lively and engaging. This sharp and crisp auditory feedback can be pleasant for those who prefer an upbeat typing experience, contrasting with the deeper and richer sounds often associated with other switch types. On the other hand, while the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is characterized as resonant, emphasizing a clean and sharp auditory experience, specific descriptors for its sound have yet to be detailed. That said, the resonant nature hints at a bright sound that may compare favorably with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, depending on the overall build of the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is noted for its polished and creamy typing experience. This provides users with a seamless glide over the keys, thanks to either the materials used in the switch or effective factory lubrication. This silky tactile response allows for reduced friction, making each keypress feel effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, no specific details about the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) have been provided, but the presence of Ly stems suggests a focus on smoothness. If the Tomcat also emphasizes a seamless typing experience, users can expect a generally enjoyable interaction but without more precise descriptors, individual experiences may vary.
Ultimately, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches offer appealing qualities, though they present some differences in terms of sound and tactile feedback. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels in providing a lively sound profile and a smooth feel, making it a strong candidate for those looking for a responsive and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a resonant sound with a focus on smoothness via its Ly stems, further details on its tactile profile are needed for a complete comparison. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch could be a good match, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow providing more measured expectations while the Tomcat's qualities remain partially unknown.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you wish to have while using your mechanical keyboard. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a higher-pitched clacky sound profile alongside a bouncy, polished feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be an excellent choice. It excels in providing a vibrant auditory feedback that can make your typing sessions more engaging, ideal for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth typing experience with a more resonant sound profile, then the Tomcat (Heavy) is the way to go. With its creamy feel and a clean yet immersive sound, the Tomcat switch offers a premium typing sensation that can enhance your productivity, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer the lively character of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the silky smooth experience of the Tomcat (Heavy).
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