Gateron Quinn vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, especially between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch. The Quinn stands out with its combination of a crisp tactile bump and a deep, resonant sound profile, making it an engaging choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a more pronounced interaction with their keyboard. Its specially designed nylon housing contributes to a rich, immersive sound that can enliven the typing experience while offering a polished and bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch presents a different appeal, prioritizing a super smooth typing experience with its Ly stems, favoring a quieter operation that suits users who prefer a linear feel without any tactile disruption. The Tomcat's resonant sound profile also provides a satisfying acoustic experience, albeit with a more subtle essence compared to the Quinn. Both switches cater to different typing preferences—whether you lean towards tactile feedback and auditory richness or a fluid and silent efficacy. 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
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 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 gold-plated
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Quinn and the Bsun Tomcat exhibits notable differences in their top housing materials, which profoundly influence the auditory experience and tactile feedback they offer. The Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer composition, allowing it to dampen vibrations, resulting in a smoother typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat's polycarbonate top housing leads to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, attributed to the hardness of polycarbonate, which accentuates sound resonance and creates a crisper auditory result. Thus, while the Quinn sets itself apart with its warmer, more subdued sound, the Tomcat appeals to users who prefer a more pronounced and clear reactive sound when typing.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, it becomes evident that the two models share common ground. Both the Quinn and the Tomcat are equipped with nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper, rounder sound profile that is characteristic of nylon materials. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that regardless of the differences observed in top housing, both switches will deliver a consistent bottom-out experience with a softer and muted sound. The nylon bottom housing tends to absorb sound effectively, ensuring that both switches echo a deeper auditory tone when pressed down, regardless of the stylistic variance of the top housing.
The distinct sound profiles created by the mismatched top materials highlight how the interaction between the two housings can influence the overall typing experience. With the nylon bottom housing shared between the two models, both switches inherently maintain a degree of similarity in the way they feel at the bottom-out stage. This harmony allows for a nuanced contrast in sound when the keys are released, showcasing how the top housing material significantly influences the resulting audio. Ultimately, while the Quinn provides a more enveloped auditory experience from its nylon top, the Tomcat presents a sharper sound, resulting in a unique blend of auditory feedback that is shaped by the differing qualities of each switch’s material composition.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Quinn switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat switch features a lighter actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, appealing to users seeking a softer touch, which can be particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or extensive gaming. Consequently, users looking for a lighter switch will find the Tomcat to be more suitable, while those who desire a heavier touch should opt for the Quinn. The differences in force responses ultimately create distinct typing experiences tailored to individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Quinn features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Quinn the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, especially beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, the Tomcat's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel, catering to users who prefer the depth and feedback of a more traditional switch experience. Overall, the Quinn offers a more rapid actuation, while the Tomcat delivers a more pronounced keypress, allowing users to choose based on their tactile preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
The Bsun Tomcat 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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Quinn excels with its deep, resonant sound profile, enriched by its nylon housing. This switch offers a distinct combination of bassy and clacky tones, producing a rich auditory experience with each keystroke. Users can expect low-pitched sounds that provide a satisfying resonance, making the typing experience feel immersive and sonorous. In contrast, details regarding the Tomcat's sound qualities are less defined, but it does feature a resonant profile, which suggests it may also deliver a pleasant auditory feedback, although specifics about its tonal characteristics remain unknown.
In terms of feel, the Quinn switch presents a compelling tactile experience. It is described as snappy, polished, and accented, which implies a highly responsive and refined typing sensation. The tactility of the Quinn strikes a balance; it’s neither overwhelming nor too subtle, providing a medium tactile response that is enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Its smoothness is enhanced potentially by factory lubing, minimizing friction for a seamless experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch lacks detailed descriptors regarding its feel, leaving much of its tactile performance unknown. However, linear switches typically offer a smooth and straightforward keystroke, which might imply a softer and more fluid typing experience compared to the pronounced tactility of the Quinn.
In conclusion, users looking for an engaging auditory and tactile typing experience may find the Gateron Quinn switch particularly appealing due to its rich sound profile and responsive feel. Its combination of snappy feedback and deep resonance sets it apart from the Tomcat switch, which remains less defined in its sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, while users can expect a smooth typing experience with both switches, the Quinn stands out with its distinct tactile feedback and immersive acoustic properties, making it suitable for those who appreciate a combination of both sound and tactility in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a more dynamic and engaging typing experience, the Quinn should be your go-to. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, combined with its crispy tactile bump and a rich, resonant sound profile, makes it ideal for those who seek feedback and auditory satisfaction while typing. This switch excels in scenarios like coding or writing, where tactile precision can enhance your productivity. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter feel, the Tomcat linear switch, with its medium-light actuation force of 54 grams and ultra-smooth Ly stems, may be more suitable for you. It offers an understated yet pleasurable typing experience, perfect for tasks that require fast and uninterrupted keystrokes, such as gaming or lengthy document editing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits and the kind of feedback and sound you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
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