Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a vibrant landscape of options tailored for different preferences. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are two notable linear switches that stand out for their unique characteristics. The Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium weight and all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound profile that combines quality and affordability, making it an attractive choice for both casual users and serious typists. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems that provide a notably smooth typing experience, paired with a resonant sound profile that adds depth to every keystroke. While both switches cater to lovers of linear feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in its weight distribution and sound, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is favored for its silky actuation and rich auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) in terms of housing materials, significant differences can be observed in both the top and bottom housings. The Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile that is often described as unique and pleasing. This characteristic gives the Sea Salt Smoothie a characteristic sound that makes it distinct among mechanical switches. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as the stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Consequently, the different sound profiles of these switches can significantly influence the overall typing experience, catering to preference regarding sound signature.

Looking at the bottom housing materials, the Sea Salt Smoothie maintains its POM construction, which echoes the tonal qualities of its top housing by ensuring a consistent sound profile that is still deep and muted. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer makeup, which effectively absorbs sound better than harder plastics. This leads to a sound that feels rounder and less defined compared to the sharper tones of the Sea Salt Smoothie. The varying materials for the bottom housings thus add another layer to the switches' acoustic performance, though they both maintain a focus on achieving a satisfying keypress experience.

Ultimately, when considering how the different housing materials of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) influence their overall performance, one can see how the distinct properties of each material create varied sound profiles. For users seeking a deeper, more muted typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM housings excel. Conversely, those who prefer a brighter, crisper sound might gravitate towards the polycarbonate construction of the Tomcat (Heavy). Despite the differences, it's worthwhile to note that if you were to combine the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie with the polycarbonate top, or vice versa, you could potentially arrive at a hybrid switch that captures some key attributes from both materials, leading to a unique typing experience that balances the qualities of both sound profiles.

Weight

The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, which can lead to less finger fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the Tomcat switch has a defined bottom out force of 64 grams, indicating a more pronounced resistance when the key is fully pressed down. The bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown, which leaves some uncertainty about its overall responsiveness compared to the Tomcat. Therefore, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is positioned as the lighter option, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a firmer feedback, catering to users who appreciate a stronger push feel in their typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Sea Salt Smoothie the option with the longer travel distance, offering a deeper press compared to the Tomcat (Heavy). The minimal difference of just 0.1 mm suggests that gamers or typists seeking quick response times may find the Tomcat (Heavy) more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for rapid key presses. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feeling when typing might prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie for its greater depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either responsiveness or a more pronounced keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many users appreciate. This sound is a result of its construction and design, making it ideal for those who enjoy a deeper, more resonant keypress. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch also produces a resonant sound profile, which likely complements its overall design while maintaining a distinct acoustic character. Both switches are quiet compared to tactile or clicky options, yet their sound qualities can be influenced by the keyboard's build, materials, and keycap choices.

When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie excels with a smoothness that stems from its all-POM construction, making it pleasant to type on for extended periods. This medium-weight switch strikes a balance that appeals to many typists and gamers alike. The Tomcat (Heavy), featuring Ly stems, also offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, which is a crucial aspect for enthusiasts looking for fluid keystrokes. In comparison, both switches aim to provide smooth actuation, catering to users who prioritize a seamless typing flow.

In summary, both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches offer high-quality experiences, each with its unique sound and feel. While the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a thocky sound and smooth action from its all-POM design, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a resonant sound profile and a similarly smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems. Ultimately, both switches will likely yield satisfying results, whether you're prioritizing sound or feel, but your final preference will depend on your specific typing style and aesthetic preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and prioritize smoothness and a thocky sound with a unique character in your keystrokes, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the ideal choice for you. Its exceptional smoothness makes it great for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, allowing for a more relaxed experience without straining your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial, controlled feel under your fingertips, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is worth considering. With its medium-heavy actuation force, it is designed for those who appreciate feedback and resistance when typing, providing a reliable and gratifying experience. The resonant sound profile of the Tomcat (Heavy) adds an extra layer of tactile satisfaction, making it a better fit for environments where acoustic feedback is appreciated. In summary, consider the Sea Salt Smoothie for ease of use and smoothness, while opting for the Tomcat (Heavy) if you enjoy a firmer, more engaged typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more