Gateron Mars vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Mars, known for its innovative design that combines a POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, offers a unique touch with a smooth actuation and a slightly softer feel, making it ideal for users who prefer a linear switch with a bit of character. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience along with a resonant sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback without sacrificing the effortless key press associated with linear switches. While both switches cater to users seeking a linear feel, the Mars provides a distinctive typing experience, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes smoothness and acoustic resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches showcase distinct materials for their top housings, showcasing the differences in sound profiles each can produce. The Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer properties that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This characteristic makes for a sound profile that is duller and heavier, creating a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing, which, due to its stiffer nature, generates a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of the polycarbonate also adds an aesthetic dimension, enhancing the visual impact of RGB lighting. While both switches deliver unique auditory experiences, the Gateron Mars excels in a subdued acoustics space, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) shines with a more vibrant pitch.
When examining the bottom housing of the two switches, we observe a fascinating contrast in material selection. The Mars employs a POM bottom housing, which lends a unique character to its sound profile, producing a deeper and more muted auditory response. This is in direct contrast to the Tomcat (Heavy), which uses a nylon lower housing. The nylon bottom housing, while echoing some of the traits found in the Mars's top housing, also retains its own characteristics by providing a deeper sound profile as well. Given that both bottom housings are using softer materials, they contribute to a more full-bodied sound experience, albeit with nuanced differences in resonance due to their distinct compositions.
Ultimately, the differentiation between the Mars and Tomcat (Heavy) comes to light when considering the interaction of both the top and bottom housing materials. Each switch possesses unique qualities shaped by their respective materials, which contribute to an overall distinct sound profile and typing experience. For the Mars, the interplay of nylon on top and POM on the bottom accentuates the muted and deeper sound qualities. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a blend of nylon bottom with a sharper polycarbonate top, allowing for clear and resonant acoustics. However, since both switches leverage nylon in some capacity, they may yield similar results in terms of sound depth and fullness, despite the stark contrasts in material choice for their upper housings. Rather than simply one dominating the auditory experience, the combination of materials ultimately creates diverse expressions of typing sound.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Mars requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a less taxing typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial push feel and a more tactile typing experience. Additionally, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a defined bottom out force of 64 grams, offering an extra level of feedback upon full key depression, while the bottom out force for the Mars switch remains unknown. As a result, the Gateron Mars can be considered the lighter switch, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier option, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, users will experience the same depth of travel, resulting in similar tactile feedback and performance. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users looking for a consistent experience in key actuation will find that they achieve similar results regardless of which switch they choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Mars linear switches are lauded for their resonant sound profile, which adds a certain richness to each keystroke. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches also feature a resonant sound profile, creating a similarly engaging auditory experience. Since both switches share this characteristic, users can expect a comparable sound ambiance when typing, though the ultimate sound quality may vary based on the keyboard build and keycap material used.
Regarding feel, the Gateron Mars switches are characterized by a unique tactile experience thanks to their POK stem design, which contributes to a smooth yet responsive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches are known for their Ly stems, aimed at delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. While both switches offer a satisfying feel, the Mars may provide a tad more responsiveness due to its design, whereas the Tomcat focuses heavily on a seamless glide.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Mars and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches present themselves as appealing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, particularly for those who favor a smooth typing experience complemented by a resonant sound profile. While the nuances in feel might slightly differ—addressing responsiveness versus a seamless glide—the sound characteristics converge, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience regardless of the choice. Ultimately, either switch can contribute to an enjoyable typing experience, with personal preference playing a crucial role in the decision-making process.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you’re aiming for. If you seek a switch that offers a unique design and a potentially lightweight feel—given the unknown bottom-out force of the Mars—this may be the ideal option for you, especially if you prefer a less tactile and whisper-quiet experience. The innovative POK stem and specially blended Nylon and POM housing could provide a smooth action for those who enjoy a more muted sound profile during their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a firmer typing experience that provides you with more feedback and control, the Tomcat (Heavy) is likely the better choice, especially with its medium-heavy 64g actuation force which can help you avoid accidental key presses. Furthermore, the super smooth feel and resonant sound profile attributed to the Tomcat (Heavy) may enhance your overall typing satisfaction, particularly if you enjoy a more impactful auditory response. Thus, consider your personal preferences regarding weight, sound, and overall feel when making your final decision.