Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stand out as exceptional linear options, each with unique characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The Lunar Probe is renowned for its innovative dual rail mechanism, which ensures stable and consistent keypresses, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists alike who seek reliability in their keystrokes. Its incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear feel, complemented by a subtle sound signature, offers a refined typing experience that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems that deliver a super smooth typing experience, accompanied by a resonant sound profile that adds an auditory dimension to the tactile feedback. While the Lunar Probe leans towards a more understated acoustic experience, the Tomcat offers a richer sound that can enhance the overall typing enjoyment. 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 Lunar Probe Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), it becomes evident that both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing. This choice of material results in a notably sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate ensures that the sound produced is clear and resonant, making it an ideal choice for users who seek an enhanced auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate means that both switches can effectively showcase RGB lighting, contributing to aesthetically pleasing keyboard setups. Thus, users can expect similarly vibrant lighting effects and sound quality from the top housings of both switches.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. Both the Lunar Probe and the Tomcat (Heavy) feature nylon for their bottom housings, which is renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon tends to absorb more sound than harder materials, which results in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. This mechanical property provides a unique contrast to the crispness of the polycarbonate tops. Users will notice that the qualities imparted by the nylon bottom housing are particularly significant when bottoming out the keystroke, contributing to a distinct feel and sound characteristic of each switch.

Overall, while the top housings of the Gateron Lunar Probe and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are the same in terms of material, leading to similar sound profiles, the differing materials used in their bottom housings create a balanced and complementary effect. The polycarbonate top provides a clear high end, while the nylon bottom contributes warmth and fullness to the overall typing experience. This synergy not only enriches the soundscape of each switch but also means that users can expect a well-rounded auditory experience, regardless of individual preferences in key feel and sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Lunar Probe has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer effortless key presses for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel. Therefore, while the Lunar Probe is the lighter option overall, the Tomcat provides a medium-heavy feel, ideal for users looking for a more tactile response. This contrast in forces highlights the varying preferences between users who might prioritize comfort and endurance versus those who lean toward a more robust keystroke sensation.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key utilizing either of these switches, users will experience an identical travel length from the top to the bottom. Because their distances are equal, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience during key presses, making them functionally comparable in terms of travel distance in a keyboard configuration.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is known for its subtle sound signature, which underscores its smooth operation without becoming overly intrusive. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where minimal noise is desired, allowing for a quiet typing experience while still providing enough auditory feedback to confirm key presses. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) produces a more resonant sound profile, which may offer a bit more character to each keystroke. However, the specific auditory experience can vary based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, as these factors can significantly influence how sound is perceived.

When it comes to the feel, the Lunar Probe switch excels with its incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation, ensuring a consistent and pleasant typing experience. The innovative dual rail mechanism enhances stability and reduces wobble, contributing to a refined tactile reaction with every key press. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) also emphasizes smoothness, thanks to its Ly stems, which are engineered to provide a super smooth typing experience. While both switches focus on delivering a seamless feel, their distinct construction techniques may cater to different preferences among typists.

In summary, while the Gateron Lunar Probe and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they both prioritize smoothness in operation, appealing to users looking for high-quality performance. The Lunar Probe's quiet, stable feel is perfect for those in quieter settings, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) adds a resonant character that may be preferred by users who like a bit more sound when typing. Ultimately, your experience will vary depending on your specific setup, and both switches can offer satisfying results based on your personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, pre-lubed linear feel with consistent, stable keypresses, the Lunar Probe is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for rapid typing or gaming where speed is essential, and its subtle sound signature won’t be distracting to you or those around you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier switch and appreciate a more pronounced sound profile while typing, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its 64-gram bottom-out force, will suit you well. This switch provides the added feedback of a medium-heavy action that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you prefer a tactile response from your keys. Ultimately, consider how you predominantly use your keyboard—whether for extensive typing, gaming, or a mixture of both—to determine which switch will complement your style best.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more