Gateron Quinn vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Quinn and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its unique blend of light, switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, which stems from its specially designed nylon housings. This switch provides a precise tactile bump alongside a rich auditory experience, making it ideal for typists who savor feedback and a lively sound while they type. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) prides itself on delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, bolstered by its Ly stems that ensure seamless key presses. With its resonant sound profile, the Tomcat (Heavy) appeals to users seeking a quieter yet refined touch without the distractions of tactile bumps. Ultimately, both switches have their merits: the Quinn for those who enjoy tactile feedback and vibrant acoustics, and the Tomcat (Heavy) for those who prioritize smoothness and subtle sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Quinn Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Quinn and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches, the most noticeable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from the material's relative softness, enabling it to absorb sound effectively and create a more rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and emits a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This distinction not only affects the auditory feedback but also influences the overall tactile experience each switch provides. For users who prioritize the soundscape of their typing experience, these differences could lead to a clear preference for one switch over the other, depending on whether they favor the warmth of nylon or the brightness of polycarbonate.

The bottom housings of both switches present an interesting contrast, but they share a commonality that markedly impacts their performance. Both the Quinn and the Tomcat (Heavy) sport nylon bottom housings, which contribute to the switches' auditory characteristics. As nylon is a softer plastic that muffles sound, both switches will exhibit similar fuller bottom-out sound profiles when pressed. This striking similarity means that, despite their top housing differences, users can expect a comparable deep sound when the key is actuated. Therefore, while the top housing drastically alters the sound profile when a user releases the key, the bottom housing retains that rich, muted quality that characterizes nylon.

Ultimately, the interplay of materials in the Quinn and Tomcat (Heavy) switches provides a compelling study in how top and bottom housings can impact sound and feel. With the Quinn’s nylon top producing a deeper sound combined with its nylon bottom’s fullness, users might gravitate towards it for a more muted and cushioned typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a dynamic auditory interaction, featuring the crispness from its polycarbonate top while maintaining the nylon-bottom's depth upon actuation. Thus, despite their differences in top housing, users can anticipate a similar experience in terms of tactile and auditory feedback when pressing the keys, marrying the softness of nylon in the bottom housing with the unique characteristics imparted by their respective top materials.

Weight

The Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch display some key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact typing experiences. The Quinn switch has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch features a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams. This makes the Tomcat slightly easier to press, allowing for potentially longer usage periods without fatigue. While both switches fall under the medium-heavy category, the Tomcat’s lower forces may make it more appealing for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Quinn will cater to those who prefer a firmer feel. Overall, the lighter Tomcat switch may offer longer typing sessions with less strain, while the heavier Quinn switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there is a notable difference in their travel distances: the Quinn has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Quinn the shorter option and the Tomcat (Heavy) the longer one. For those who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Quinn may provide a more responsive experience, which aligns with modern preferences among gamers. However, the Tomcat's slightly longer distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel and depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preference regarding the trade-off between responsiveness and tactile feedback depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Quinn stands out with its deep, resonant sound, which can be characterized as both bassy and clacky. This duality creates a rich auditory experience that contributes a depth to each keystroke, enhanced by the switch's specially designed nylon housing. In contrast, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is noted to also provide a resonant sound profile, specific descriptors are lacking, making it difficult to compare directly. However, users can generally expect a rich sound experience from the Tomcat switch as well, although it may not match the complexity of the Quinn’s sound dynamics.

In terms of feel, the Quinn tactile switch excels with its snappy and polished characteristics, offering responsiveness that makes each keypress invigorating. Its tactile bump is accentuated yet not overly aggressive, making for a lively typing experience that is further complemented by a smooth key travel, likely aided by the use of refined materials or factory lubing. The presence of bouncy and buttery traits contributes to a sensation of lively elasticity and fluidity. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is described simply as providing a "super smooth typing experience," suggesting that it also delivers a high level of comfort and ease of use, albeit without the tactile feedback that defines the Quinn's character.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron Quinn and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer a commendable auditory experience characterized by richness and resonance, the Quinn ultimately provides a more vibrant sound profile with its unique bassy and clacky qualities. On the feel front, the Quinn's tactile feedback and polished experience create an engaging typing rhythm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) prioritizes smoothness, appealing to users who prefer uninterrupted motion. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying performance depending on personal preference, allowing newcomers to choose based on whether they favor tactile responsiveness or linear smoothness.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a pronounced tactile feedback combined with a rich sound experience, the Quinn is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams ensures that you receive a clear and responsive tactile bump with every keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience, whether you're typing or gaming. The deep, resonant sound profile of the Quinn adds an immersive character to your interactions with the keyboard, which can be particularly rewarding if you appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother and more fluid typing experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) is the way to go. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 64 grams and its Ly stems, this switch excels in providing a polished and buttery feel, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where speed and agility are crucial. In conclusion, consider what aspects matter most to you: choose the Gateron Quinn for its tactile feel and sound richness, or opt for the Bsun Tomcat for its smoothness and ease of use.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more