Gateron Mountain Top vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, particularly in regards to sound and feel. The Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed with professionals in mind, striking a careful balance between a quiet typing experience and a light actuation force, making it an ideal choice for office environments where discretion is key. Its character can be described as bouncy and snappy, allowing for smooth and efficient keystrokes without disturbing colleagues. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch takes a different approach, featuring Ly stems that enhance fluidity during typing; it produces a resonant sound profile that many enthusiasts find satisfying. While the Tomcat offers a more robust feel compared to the Mountain Top, it may not slide as seamlessly into a quiet workspace. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct needs: the Mountain Top for those seeking a stealthy office experience and the Tomcat for users who prefer a more pronounced, smooth keystroke. 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
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Mountain Top utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. This softer material effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a quieter, more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it a better choice for users who prefer a crisper typing auditory experience. The visual component further reinforces this difference, with polycarbonate often providing a translucent quality that can be appealing when utilizing RGB lighting.
On the other hand, both the Mountain Top and the Tomcat (Heavy) share a common component in their bottom housing, as they both utilize nylon. This material, favored for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound, ensures that the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound are consistent across both switches. The nylon bottom housing in both models helps to dampen sounds, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience on key presses. Thus, while the top housings of the two switches create distinctly different sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing means that the feeling and sound at bottom-out will have a similar characteristic across both switches.
Ultimately, the interaction between the differing top and bottom housing materials significantly shapes the typing experience of each switch. The Mountain Top's nylon top combined with its nylon bottom results in a consistent and muted sound experience, enhancing the softer auditory characteristics. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), with its distinct polycarbonate top, is designed to deliver a crisper sound that contrasts with its nylon bottom housing. As such, while the Mountain Top offers a more cohesive sound profile through its matching material for both housings, the Tomcat (Heavy) achieves a unique auditory experience that separates the sound produced by key presses and releases. Both switches, however, ultimately provide their users with fulfilling and satisfying experiences, albeit through different auditory presentations.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Mountain Top switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who favor a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch offers a firmer actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Therefore, the Mountain Top is the lighter switch overall, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is categorized as medium-heavy, providing a stronger push that some users might find more satisfying. For those seeking a lighter option for prolonged use, the Mountain Top would be the recommended choice, while the Tomcat (Heavy) would suit those preferring a robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Mountain Top offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Tomcat (Heavy), making it potentially more responsive and suitable for gamers who favor quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Tomcat’s longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced and hearty key feel, providing a deeper experience with each press. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Mountain Top is the preferred choice, whereas if you enjoy a more traditional depth, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for quiet operation, making it ideal for office environments where discretion is paramount. Its neutral sound profile offers a moderate actuation noise, which is not entirely silent but remains unobtrusive, allowing users to type without disturbing their surroundings. On the other hand, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is known for a resonant sound profile, specific details about its sound characteristics are currently unknown. However, the mention of its resonant quality suggests a more pronounced auditory response that contrasts with the Mountain Top’s emphasis on subtlety, potentially making it more suited for personal spaces rather than shared ones.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Mountain Top switch excels with several desirable characteristics. It is bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback that provides a lively rebound with each key press. The easy-to-press nature ensures minimal effort is required for actuation, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This switch delivers a mild yet snappy response, making for an engaging typing experience that balances comfort and responsiveness. Unfortunately, the specific tactile qualities of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch have not been detailed, leaving an unknown regarding its feel and whether it aligns or contrasts with the Mountain Top's attributes.
In summary, the Gateron Mountain Top switch stands out for its quiet operation and responsive bouncy feel, making it well-suited for office use and long typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch possesses a resonant sound profile that might lend itself to a more personal typing experience, although its tactile feedback characteristics remain unspecified. While both switches can deliver quality typing experiences, the Mountain Top effectively caters to environments where discretion and comfort are key. For those interested in either switch, understanding the unique sound and feel qualities will help in choosing the right fit for their typing preferences and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself primarily typing in an office or shared workspace, the Mountain Top is your best bet; its light actuation force of 50 grams and moderately quiet sound profile create an unobtrusive experience that allows for extended typing without undue noise or strain. This makes it ideal for long work sessions where you want to maintain productivity without disturbing colleagues. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and robust feel during your typing, especially for gaming or intensive typing sessions at home, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its higher bottom-out force of 64 grams would suit you better. This switch offers a more pronounced feedback that some users find satisfying, making it excellent for those who enjoy a slightly heavier key press and a resonant sound profile. Thus, consider your typical usage scenario and personal comfort when deciding between these two switches; each has distinctive advantages tailored to different typing experiences.
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