Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow, known for its heavier feel within the Glory lineup, provides a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, which many users find enhances their typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation force. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat, featuring Ly stems, is designed to deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience accompanied by a resonant sound profile that appeals to users who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. While the Glory Yellow excels in providing substantial tactile feedback suited for gaming and prolonged typing sessions, the Tomcat may strike a chord with those who favor a quieter yet fluid typing 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

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat switches starkly contrast, particularly in their top housings. The Glory Yellow employs a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture and sound-absorbing properties. This particular composition results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, allowing for a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Tomcat features a polycarbonate top housing, which is much stiffer and contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The clear translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the sound clarity but also makes it aesthetically appealing for RGB lighting setups, offering a visual depth that nylon cannot match. Thus, while the Glory Yellow provides a warmer auditory profile, the Tomcat delivers a crisper performance, showcasing the effects of their differing top housing materials.

On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes evenly to the sound profile and feel when typing. The nylon utilized in the bottom of both the Glory Yellow and the Tomcat results in a compressible, softer feel. This shared material creates a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel as it absorbs sound more effectively compared to stiffer plastics. Therefore, regardless of the differences present in the top housings, both switches will elicit that deeper, fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon when the key is fully pressed down. This commonality suggests that while users may experience different auditory sensations during the key release, there is a certain consistency in tactile feedback from both switches at their bottom actuation.

Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials between the Gateron Glory Yellow and Bsun Tomcat leads to distinct sound profiles that cater to particular preferences among typists and gamers. The nylon top of the Glory Yellow creates a sound that promotes a more insulated auditory experience, which can be ideal for quieter environments or personal usage where sound dampening is prioritized. On the other hand, the Tomcat's polycarbonate top housing amplifies sound clarity, proving to be advantageous in scenarios where auditory feedback is critical, such as during fast-paced gaming sessions where every keystroke counts. While both share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a consistent tactile feel, the contrasting tops mean that users will find varied auditory experiences essential in determining their preferred switch.

Weight

The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their suitability for different users. The Glory Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Tomcat, which has a lower actuation force of 45 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, as the Tomcat may be more comfortable for those looking for less resistance. However, the bottom out force of the Glory Yellow is unspecified, whereas the Tomcat features a bottom out force of 54 grams, classified as medium-light. This indicates that while the Glory Yellow has a higher actuation force, its overall feedback during typing is uncertain due to the lack of bottom out data. In contrast, the Tomcat provides a defined resistance back to the user when completely pressed down, making it a more predictable experience. Therefore, typists looking for a lighter touch might lean towards the Tomcat, while those who prefer more substantial feedback may consider the Glory Yellow, provided they are willing to navigate the unknown of its bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Glory Yellow boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls within the traditional range and can provide a deeper keystroke experience. In contrast, the Tomcat features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This shorter distance may appeal to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. However, some users might find this reduced travel too abrupt, preferring the more substantial feedback offered by the Glory Yellow. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Tomcat is the better choice, while the Glory Yellow is better suited for those who appreciate a more tactile depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch produces a more muted and satisfying tone, which contributes to a quieter typing experience that some users may prefer for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, which may offer a more gratifying acoustic feedback for those who appreciate a bit more auditory presence while typing. Both switches can vary in sound based on the keyboard construction and keycap material, but the inherent acoustics of the Tomcat may stand out more prominently in various setups.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch delivers a smooth keystroke, providing a pleasant and continuous action throughout the travel distance. This makes it attractive for long typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch is also celebrated for its smooth typing experience, primarily due to its Ly stems, which are designed to minimize friction and enhance fluidity during key presses. Both switches emphasize a seamless typing experience, though the specific characteristics of the Glory Yellow’s heavier feel versus the Tomcat’s focus on smoothness might resonate differently with individual preferences.

Overall, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and Bsun Tomcat linear switches present compelling options for users seeking smooth and satisfying typing encounters. The Glory Yellow’s slightly heavier tactile experience may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer keypress, whereas the Tomcat’s resonant sound and unique stem design may attract users looking for a more pronounced auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing results, and personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback will determine which switch is the better fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, your choice should depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a heavier switch with a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be a suitable option. Its bottom-out force enhances the tactile feedback, making it more enjoyable for extensive typing or gaming sessions where precision matters. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that offers a super smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile, the Bsun Tomcat is the way to go. The Tomcat’s unique Ly stems add to the overall experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize a quieter, smoother keystroke without excessive force. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing style—whether you lean towards a heavier, more tactile feel or a lighter, smoother one with an emphasis on sound.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Yellow Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more