Gateron Melodic vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile feedback and a smooth, uninterrupted experience can significantly influence your typing enjoyment. The Gateron Melodic stands out as a clicky switch that revitalizes the genre with innovations like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, offering an invigorating tactile response and a satisfying click sound that lovers of clicky switches will appreciate. It embodies the traditional click charm while ensuring a buttery and crunchy feel during use. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch presents a different appeal with its linear design, showcasing Ly stems that prioritize a super smooth typing experience devoid of tactile interruptions, creating a whisper-quiet ambiance ideal for those who prefer subdued feedback. Each switch has its merits; the Melodic offers engaging feedback and a classic auditory experience, while the Tomcat (Heavy) ensures effortless keystrokes without distractions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Melodic Clicky

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), it becomes evident that they share significant similarities that can lead to comparable acoustic characteristics and performance. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which is renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its ability to generate a clear and resonant sound, which is advantageous in mechanical keyboards where acoustics can greatly enhance typing pleasure. Additionally, both switches feature clear top housings that facilitate RGB lighting, allowing for visual customization that can be appreciated by users who enjoy illuminated setups.

While both switches have identical materials for their top housings, they also feature nylon for their bottom housings. This choice further aligns the acoustic profiles of the Melodic and Tomcat (Heavy). Nylon is known for being a softer plastic, which absorbs sound and results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The contrasting qualities of the polycarbonate and nylon materials mean that each switch has a unique sound experience; the polycarbonate excels during key releases, and the nylon contributes to the sound and feel upon bottoming out. This combination creates a well-rounded auditory experience, making both switches appealing choices despite their branding differences.

In summary, while the Gateron Melodic and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) may carry different names, their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing allows for similar sound characteristics. Users can expect noticeable resonance thanks to the polycarbonate, while the nylon effectively softens the auditory impact upon key engagement. Therefore, the resulting acoustic signature of both switches will exhibit comparable traits, giving mechanical keyboard enthusiasts a choice that does not sacrifice sound quality or typing satisfaction regardless of the brand they lean towards.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Melodic switch has an actuation force listed as None grams, meaning there is no specified weight required to trigger a keystroke, which might lead to a lighter typing experience depending on user perception. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a defined actuation force of 55 grams, requiring a firmer push to register each keystroke. Regarding bottom out forces, the Melodic's is 60 grams, which is slightly lower than the Tomcat’s bottom out force of 64 grams, establishing the Melodic as the lighter of the two switches overall. Those who favor a lighter actuation force may find the Melodic more suitable for longer typing sessions, while users who prefer a stronger, more substantial feel will likely gravitate towards the heavier Tomcat switch. Overall, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) provides a more pronounced tactile feedback with its heavier forces, making it ideal for those who appreciate a solid push feel in their typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron Melodic clicky switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference highlights the Melodic switch's more traditional design, which may provide a more tactile and satisfying feel for those who appreciate greater depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch's shorter travel distance can cater to gamers and users who favor quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for fast-paced activities. Ultimately, if you are someone who enjoys a more pronounced key press, the Gateron Melodic would be the preferable choice, while those seeking a snappier experience may lean towards the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy).

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron Melodic clicky switch delivers a distinctly resonant and crunchy auditory experience, making it a delight for those who appreciate the classic clicky sound. The higher-pitched sound profile it offers is sharp and clean, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, which enhances the overall tactile enjoyment during typing sessions. This sound can greatly contribute to the immersive feel of the keyboard, especially when combined with the right board and keycaps, making the typing experience not just functional, but also pleasantly engaging.

On the feel front, the Melodic switch stands out with its buttery smoothness and invigorating feedback. Users can expect a seamless keystroke experience that is both effortless and uniform, coupled with pronounced tactile feedback that offers snappy actuation. This unique combination fosters an engaging typing sensation that can enhance productivity and enjoyment during long typing sessions. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch does promise a super smooth experience, although details regarding its tactile and actuation feedback are not provided.

In summary, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch shines with its resonant sound quality and invigorating feel, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch seems to focus on smoothness, with limited information available regarding its auditory and tactile characteristics. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel; the Melodic appeals to those looking for clicky feedback and auditory satisfaction, while the Tomcat is geared towards users who prioritize a smooth typing experience. Depending on your needs—be it sound or feel—you can find satisfaction in both options, but specific nuances may lead to a more tailored typing experience with the Melodic.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you desire. If you appreciate a tactile feedback combined with satisfying auditory cues, the Melodic is an excellent choice. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and a distinctive clicky sound profile that's both resonant and crunchy, it provides a delightful typing experience that's sure to invigorate your senses. The smoothness offered by factory lubing and advanced design features further enhance its appeal for those who relish a responsive, yet comfortable keystroke. On the other hand, if you lean toward a more subdued and linear experience, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) allows for a solid, smooth typing experience with a heavier bottom-out force of 64 grams, delivering a more robust tactile feel without the clicky distractions. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming, favoring smoothness and steadiness over auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you are seeking an engaging and spirited typing experience or a more streamlined and efficient one.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Melodic Clicky

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more