Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the advantages of various options to enhance their typing experience. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Bsun Tomcat are two notable linear switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium weight and quality build, featuring a unique all-POM construction that produces a satisfying thocky sound profile while ensuring an exceptionally smooth keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat boasts Ly stems, which are engineered for an ultra-smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile that many users find appealing. Both switches provide distinct tactile sensations and acoustic characteristics that can significantly influence your typing comfort and enjoyment. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Bsun Tomcat, significant contrasts are evident in the choice of plastics utilized for their top and bottom housings. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile, contributing to an overall pleasing acoustic experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffer composition that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This intrinsic difference highlights how the material of the top housing influences not only the tonal quality that users experience but also the acoustic clarity associated with the Tomcat's features, especially beneficial for setups involving RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucence.
The bottom housings of the two switches also exhibit differing material properties that further differentiate their acoustic characteristics. The Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing similarly contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, creating a cohesive sound profile throughout the switch. In comparison, the Tomcat’s nylon bottom housing promotes a fuller and richer sound due to nylon’s softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a more rounded auditory experience. Thus, while both the Sea Salt Smoothie and Tomcat offer distinct acoustic signatures, their housing materials create unique aural outcomes that reflect the nature of the plastics used.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches contributes significantly to the overall typing experience. While the Sea Salt Smoothie blends the muted qualities of POM in both top and bottom, leading to a harmonious, albeit subdued sound, the Bsun Tomcat offers contrasting qualities that differentiate the acoustic response between its stiffer polycarbonate top and softer nylon bottom. Users who prefer richer sounds might lean towards the Tomcat due to its dynamic tonal palette, while those favoring a more muted auditory experience may find the Sea Salt Smoothie's design more appealing. In either scenario, the unique interplay of materials ensures that each switch provides a distinct yet tailored typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, while the Tomcat's actuation force is slightly lighter at 45 grams. This means that the Tomcat may be more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making it a better choice for long sessions at work or during extended gaming. In terms of bottom out force, the Sea Salt Smoothie's value is unavailable, which makes it difficult to draw a direct comparison in that regard. However, the Bsun Tomcat's bottom out force is recorded at 54 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Consequently, the Tomcat switch offers a heavier overall feel due to its bottom out force, while the Sea Salt Smoothie provides less information on this aspect, leaving users to consider it based on its actuation alone. Overall, the Tomcat is the heavier switch in terms of actuation and bottom out force, while the Sea Salt Smoothie’s characteristics remain less defined, making it suitable for those who might enjoy a lighter typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a slight but notable difference between the two. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the longer of the two switches, while the Tomcat measures at 3.6 mm. This difference means that for users who prefer a more responsive feel during key presses—often favored by gamers—the Tomcat may offer a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who appreciate a more substantial key press might find the Sea Salt Smoothie more satisfying, as it provides a bit of extra depth. Both switches, while differing in travel distance, align with modern trends favoring shorter distances for faster response times, appealing to different user preferences overall.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is characterized by a thocky sound profile, which provides a deep and satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This thockiness can contribute to a more pleasant overall experience, enhancing the enjoyment of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch features a resonant sound profile that, while not specified, implies a distinctive acoustic experience that differs from the Sea Salt Smoothie. The sound of each switch can be influenced by several factors such as the keyboard build and the type of keycaps used, meaning that both switches can be tailored to produce a sound you may prefer based on those choices.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a medium-weight all-POM design that is marketed for its exceptional smoothness, making it a pleasure to type on. This smoothness can lead to reduced finger fatigue and an overall more comfortable typing experience. The Tomcat switch also promises a super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems, which suggests that it may deliver a similarly enjoyable tactile response. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, potentially allowing users to feel a sense of fluidity and ease, regardless of which one they choose.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer distinct sound profiles and exceptional smoothness, making them appealing choices for anyone looking to upgrade their mechanical keyboard. While the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a thocky sound, the Tomcat provides a resonant quality that may cater to different auditory preferences. With both switches promising a smooth typing experience, the ultimate decision may come down to personal preference for sound and the specific typing feel that users seek. Regardless of which switch you choose, both are positioned to provide satisfying results for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, your choice should largely depend on your typing preferences and sound profile sensitivity. If you prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a unique thocky sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie is your best bet. Its medium-weight feel and whisper-quiet operation make it an excellent option for both gaming and extended typing sessions without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a slight tactile feedback in a sound profile that resonates and enhances your typing feel, then the Bsun Tomcat switch is likely to be your preference. With its medium-light actuation force and exceptional smoothness courtesy of its Ly stems, it provides a delightful experience that can make longer typing tasks feel more engaging. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your personal preference for sound and feel: opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie for a softer, quieter experience or the Tomcat for a punchy resonance and a bit more resistance.
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