Gateron Luciola vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves captivated by the unique offerings of various brands. The Gateron Luciola, a linear switch, stands out not just for its performance but also its striking aesthetic appeal as it glows in the dark. With a medium heft that provides a smooth and bouncy typing experience, it creates a distinct auditory profile reminiscent of a “can of spray paint being shaken,” which many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch, while also a linear option, is celebrated for its superior smoothness thanks to its Ly stems, delivering a resonant sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Luciola appeals to those who appreciate both visuals and a playful typing sound, while the Tomcat (Heavy) attracts users who prioritize a buttery smooth feel in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Luciola Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Luciola and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) feature distinctly different materials for their top housings, which contributes to their unique sound profiles. The Luciola employs a proprietary INK blend that is designed to produce a pointed, high-pitched sound that is described as satisfying and clacky. This INK blend is specifically engineered to achieve a sharp sound that resonates well, creating a lively acoustic experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a crisp and clear sound that is also high-pitched yet sharper thanks to the material's stiffness. Both materials aim to deliver an elevated sound profile; however, the Luciola’s INK blend may offer a slightly softer resonance, while polycarbonate's rigidity allows for a more focused auditory experience that can enhance the perception of RGB lighting effects due to its translucency.

The differences continue with the bottom housing materials, which play a crucial role in characterizing the switches' overall sound and feel. The Luciola employs the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, mirroring the sound profile of its top housing and resulting in a cohesive acoustic response that is consistently clacky. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer texture, which helps absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, this material contrasts with the pointed sound of the polycarbonate top, likely creating a richer audible experience during key presses that feels more rounded and muted.

In comparing these two switches, one can observe that while they share a similar intent to produce a high-quality typing experience, the differences in materials lead to distinct auditory characteristics. The Luciola's uniform INK blend throughout both housings fosters a consistent sound profile that emphasizes sharpness in both key press and release, promoting a highly engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a blend of sharpness from the polycarbonate top and a deeper, fuller sound from the nylon bottom, creating a more varied auditory response. Ultimately, if a typing experience that balances clarity with resonance is desired, both switches can excel, but the user will experience unique auditory qualities derived from their distinct material compositions.

Weight

Both the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offer an actuation force of 55 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This means users can expect a similar responsiveness when typing or gaming, making either switch suitable for longer periods of use, especially for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, the bottom out force differs slightly, with the Luciola reaching 60 grams compared to the Tomcat's 64 grams. This indicates that the Tomcat requires a bit more force to press all the way down, providing a heavier feel that some users might appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Luciola is the lighter option overall, while the Tomcat is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch both feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar distance when pressing down on the keys of these switches. This identical travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience between the two, as the distance felt when depressing the key is uniform. Consequently, both switches can provide similar tactile feedback and responsiveness, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a smooth linear switch without any disruption.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Luciola switches provide a distinct auditory experience characterized by a clacky and high-pitched profile that can be reminiscent of a clean, sharp percussive hit. This sound is further complemented by a marbly quality, giving it a resonant, clean tone akin to two hard objects colliding. The Luciola's hollow sound, compared to "a can of spray paint being shaken," contributes to its overall unique acoustic footprint. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches lack specific sound descriptors in the available information. However, it's noted that they feature a resonant sound profile, which may imply a fuller or deeper auditory experience when pressed, potentially offering a stark contrast to the Luciola's brighter notes.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Luciola switches are designed to deliver a medium heft that combines a smooth and bouncy typing experience, often enhanced by a snappy response due to their spring design. The buttery and polished nature of these switches ensures that keystrokes glide effortlessly, making them an inviting choice for prolonged typing sessions. Unfortunately, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switches is not well-documented, leaving a gap in understanding how they match up against the Luciola's refined characteristics.

Overall, while the Luciola switches stand out with their glowing aesthetic, crisp sound, and exceptional typing feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches offer an intriguing alternative with their resonant sound profile. Without more detailed information on the Tomcat switches' audio or tactile qualities, it’s difficult to draw a direct comparison, but users can expect a unique typing experience from both switches, each catering to different preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, choosing between them will come down to individual priorities, whether that’s the eye-catching glow and responsiveness of the Luciola or the potential depth offered by the Tomcat (Heavy).

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. If you appreciate a visually distinctive switch and prefer a smooth, bouncy typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Luciola is an excellent choice. Its auditory feedback leans towards a crisp, clacky, and high-pitched sound that can make typing feel lively and engaging. The additional glow-in-the-dark feature adds a unique aesthetic appeal, making it suitable for those who value personalization in their keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a heavier and more substantial feel with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Tomcat (Heavy) would likely serve you well. This switch offers super smooth keystrokes, making it ideal for those who prioritize a polished typing experience and a resonant sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you want your keyboard to feel and sound during your typing sessions—be it the lively character of the Luciola or the satisfying heft of the Tomcat (Heavy).

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more