Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both offer unique characteristics catering to different preferences, even though they both fall under the linear switch category. The Jupiter Red excels in providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke thanks to its single-stage spring, delivering a medium-heavy actuation that's perfect for those who appreciate a balanced typing experience. Additionally, the Jupiter Red is renowned for its high-precision molds, which contribute to a polished feel, while its softer backlight effects enhance aesthetics without compromising performance. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is designed for users who prioritize a super smooth typing experience, thanks to its Ly stems. The Tomcat's resonant sound profile adds an auditory dimension that some users may find satisfying. While the Jupiter Red offers a softer touch and refined look, the Tomcat (Heavy) delivers a more robust 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

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.80 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Red and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share a significant similarity in their choice of housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing in both models. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which helps produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy a more distinct auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting—allowing the light to shine through and create a visually pleasing effect. Therefore, despite any differences in internal design or spring tension, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual qualities when comparing the top housings of both models.

Conversely, both switches employ nylon as the bottom housing material, differing from their top housing. Nylon, a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than its stiffer counterparts like polycarbonate. This characteristic allows the Tomcat (Heavy) and Jupiter Red to deliver a sound that is more rounded and less harsh when the key is bottomed out. Since the bottom housing of a switch plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will maintain a level of auditory softness and richness during use that can enhance the overall typing experience, creating a beautiful contrast to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.

Considering the complementary qualities of the materials used in both the Gateron Jupiter Red and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), users are likely to experience a unique blend of sound profiles. With a polycarbonate top that emphasizes clarity and brightness, paired with a nylon bottom that deepens the auditory feedback, these switches effectively combine the best attributes of both materials. Hence, even with distinct qualities between top and bottom housings, the consistent use of these materials ensures a balanced typing experience where each aspect contributes harmonically to the overall acoustic profile, providing both their unique characteristics and similar auditory satisfaction.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Jupiter Red requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) necessitates a firmer 55 grams to register a keystroke, making the Jupiter Red the lighter option. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Jupiter Red is 60 grams, which is also lower than the Tomcat's 64 grams. These differences in force can significantly affect user experiences; the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Jupiter Red may be more comfortable for those engaging in prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier forces of the Tomcat (Heavy) can provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a stronger push during key presses. Overall, individuals should consider their typing preferences and usage scenarios when choosing between these two switches.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Jupiter Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the most traditional length and offers a more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer a more responsive keystroke, which is particularly advantageous for gaming scenarios where swift action is crucial. While both switches provide linear feedback, the Jupiter Red's longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced typing experience, while the Tomcat (Heavy) may be preferable for those who favor quicker, less abrupt presses. In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Red's travel distance of 4 mm is longer than the 3.6 mm of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), offering two distinct experiences based on user preference for depth versus responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch offers a neutral profile, striking a balance that suits a variety of environments. This makes it versatile enough for both casual and professional settings, where a moderate sound level can be appreciated whether you’re a beginner or an experienced typist. In contrast, the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) has not been explicitly detailed; however, it is noted for its resonant quality. This could imply a certain robustness in sound that may cater more toward users who enjoy a deeper audio feedback when typing. Overall, while both switches can provide a pleasant auditory experience, the Jupiter Red is likely to deliver consistent results for most users.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red switch stands out with its polished, creamy, silky, and mild attributes, which culminate in a luxurious typing experience. The smoothness associated with these switches can be attributed to either high-quality materials or effective factory lubing, resulting in an effortlessly pleasant tactile response. The Tomcat (Heavy) switches, however, lack specific descriptors regarding their feel. Given that they are noted for a super smooth typing experience, it is plausible that they may offer a comfort level that appeals to tactile enthusiasts, though this remains speculative without further details.

In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch excels in providing a smooth, balanced auditory and tactile experience, making it a reliable choice for those seeking comfort in their typing sessions. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch, while also promising a smooth typing feel, is less known in terms of sound and tactile characteristics, leaving some sentiments unexpressed. For those deciding between the two, the Jupiter Red undoubtedly delivers a more established and versatile performance, while the Tomcat switches may still hold unique advantages waiting to be discovered.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you value a polished, silky feel with a smooth, creamy keystroke, a neutral sound profile, and a medium bottom-out force, the Jupiter Red is an excellent choice for both casual typing and professional environments. Its refined design ensures a seamless and enjoyable typing experience, making it suitable for long sessions whether you’re at home or in the office. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer keystroke with a more resonant sound profile and don’t mind the additional weight of a 64-gram actuation force, the Tomcat (Heavy) may be more to your liking. This switch's characteristics may benefit you if you engage in heavier typing, like gaming or code writing, where a more substantial bottom-out force provides additional feedback. In summary, select the Jupiter Red for a smooth, versatile typing experience, and reach for the Tomcat (Heavy) if you enjoy a denser, more tactile feel in your keystrokes.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more