Gateron Glory Red vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Gateron Glory Red switches are celebrated for their lighter actuation force, providing a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience, making them ideal for users who prefer a more effortless feel during gameplay or extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches are designed with Ly stems, which contribute to a super smooth typing experience and produce a resonant sound profile that some users may find satisfying. While the Glory Red switches cater to those who enjoy a lighter touch, the Tomcat (Heavy) appeals to individuals who appreciate a heftier switch that can offer both tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, giving the user a muted yet rich auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffer nature that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This aesthetic distinction is also essential for those looking to integrate RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency allows for enhanced light diffusion, highlighting the visual aspect of keyboard aesthetics.

Despite their differences, the bottom housings of both switches present an interesting case of similarity. The Glory Red employs a nylon bottom housing, echoing the same characteristics as the top housing: the use of nylon here contributes to a fuller sound and a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, leading to a similar impact on sound quality when bottoming out. This commonality means that both switches share the same deeper, more resonant sound profile at the lower end, which translates to a similar auditory sensation when pressing down keys. Consequently, users may appreciate a more unified feel even as they experience varying sound profiles at different stages of key engagement.

Overall, the combination of different top housing materials and similar bottom housings creates a unique typing experience for both switches. The different properties of nylon and polycarbonate at the top housing level shape the sound produced during release, while the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent, deeper sound upon bottoming out. This interplay means that while the auditory feedback during each keypress may vary, the fundamental experience—deep and full—is preserved through shared characteristics in the bottom housings. As a result, users can select either switch based on their sound preferences while still enjoying a cohesive typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable distinctions emerge. The Glory Red features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer long typing sessions without fatigue, such as during work or extended gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heftier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. While the bottom out force for the Glory Red remains unknown, the Tomcat's bottom out force is established at 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Thus, the Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier option between the two, while the Glory Red provides a lighter typing experience. This difference can significantly affect user comfort and preference during extended use.

Travel distance

The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch both share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in a similar tactile experience when pressed. This equal travel distance means that users can expect comparable key actuation between the two switches, providing consistent feedback and response during typing or gaming. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users should not notice a significant difference in performance based solely on this factor.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Red switch produces a crisp and subtle acoustic profile that many users find appealing for both typing and gaming. Its design minimizes rattling, leading to a more controlled and pleasant auditory experience. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is noted for having a resonant sound profile, which can provide a characteristically deeper and more substantial auditory feedback during use. However, it’s essential to remember that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by various factors, including the specific keyboard build and the type of keycaps used, meaning the overall sound experience can vary significantly between setups.

When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch is renowned for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, allowing for an enjoyable typing experience that many enthusiasts seek. Users typically appreciate the light actuation force that supports rapid typing and a tactile engagement. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch, on the other hand, is distinguished by its Ly stems, which contribute to a super smooth typing experience as well. While the specific weight of the actuation in the Tomcat (Heavy) may make it feel more substantial than the Glory Red, both switches are designed to offer a fluid keypress, appealing to users who favor linear switches.

Considering all available information, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches offer an enjoyable linear typing experience, albeit with slight differences in sound and feel. The Glory Red is suited for those who prefer a lighter keystroke with a clean sound, while the Tomcat (Heavy) may attract those looking for a more resonant experience with possibly greater heft. Ultimately, both switches promise smooth operation, making them great choices for newcomers exploring the linear switch landscape.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a switch that offers a lightweight feel and a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red would be a great fit for you, especially if you plan to use your keyboard for long typing sessions or gaming where quick actuation is beneficial. Its ease of activation can result in a more enjoyable typing experience without causing hand fatigue over prolonged use. Conversely, if you enjoy a firmer keystroke with a medium-heavy bottom out force, you may want to opt for the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy). This switch provides a more substantial tactile feedback, which can be satisfying for those who like to feel the actuation point and prefer a resonant sound profile during their typing. Ultimately, it boils down to your preference for actuation force and sound—a lighter, smoother experience with the Glory Red, versus a more pronounced, heavier feel with the Tomcat (Heavy).

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more