Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Bsun Tomcat offer unique experiences for users seeking a linear switch. The Smoothie Silver, crafted entirely from POM, is celebrated for its incredibly short travel distance and lightning-fast actuation, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists alike who prioritize speed and responsiveness. With a "thocky" sound profile and unmatched smoothness, this switch ensures each keystroke feels effortless. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat boasts Ly stems that deliver a supremely smooth typing experience, coupled with a resonant sound that adds a delightful auditory quality to your typing. While the Smoothie Silver is perfect for those who love a responsive touch, the Tomcat is suited for users who appreciate a more melodic keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Bsun Tomcat reveals distinct differences in the materials used for their respective housings, which affect not only their sound profiles but also the overall typing experience. The Smoothie Silver features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing that produces a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. This unique acoustic quality contributes to a more subdued auditory feedback, making it preferable for those who enjoy a less intrusive typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat’s polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for clearer and more resonant audio feedback. Consequently, while both switches may offer satisfying auditory responses, they cater to different preferences depending on the user's desired tonal characteristics.
Delving into the bottom housing materials, another interesting contrast arises between the two switches. The Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM bottom housing, which continues the trend of producing a unique and pleasing sound profile that is notably muted. The muted sensation feels satisfying under the fingers and contributes to a rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a more subdued auditory response when bottoming out. This fundamental distinction showcases how the bottom housing material profoundly influences the sound and feel, providing unique tactile experiences with each switch.
When considering the combination of both top and bottom housing materials, the overall sound profile and feel of the switches are distinctly influenced. The Gateron Smoothie Silver's POM top and bottom housings synergize to produce a consistently muted and deeper sound, ideal for users who prefer quieter keystrokes. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat presents a contrast with its hybrid of polycarbonate and nylon materials, creating a blend of sharper upper sounds and deeper lower tones. Users can achieve similar results to one another in terms of auditory satisfaction depending on their material preferences, as the combined characteristics of each housing dictate the overall typing experience. Thus, while the switches differ in material composition, the results can cater to similar sound-related goals, allowing users to select based on their auditory and tactile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it's noteworthy that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both switches require an equal amount of force to register a keystroke. This similarity means typists and gamers can expect a comparable light touch when pressing the keys of either switch, making both suitable for extended typing or gaming periods. However, the major difference comes with the bottom out force; the Tomcat switch has a defined bottom out force of 54 grams, which gives it a heavier feel upon full depression compared to the unavailable bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver. This could lead to a disparity in tactile feedback—while the Smoothie Silver may provide a lighter experience overall, the Tomcat will offer a more substantial "bottoming out" sensation, catering to those who prefer a firmer push feel. Hence, while both switches are equally light in their actuation, the Tomcat is heavier overall due to its bottom out force, making it more suitable for users who enjoy a stronger push during use.
Travel distance
The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Smoothie Silver measuring 3.4 mm and the Tomcat measuring 3.6 mm. This makes the Smoothie Silver the shorter option and the Tomcat the longer one. Gamers seeking quick response times may prefer the Gateron Smoothie Silver for its reduced travel distance, which can facilitate faster key presses. On the other hand, users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing might gravitate towards the Tomcat, as its longer travel distance offers a deeper tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 Smoothie Silver linear switch produces a thocky sound that is satisfying without being overly loud, making it a great option for both home and office environments. The Bsun Tomcat linear switch, on the other hand, offers a resonant sound profile that can be pleasantly deep and rich, enhancing the auditory experience during typing. While both switches deliver enjoyable sound characteristics, the Smoothie Silver leans toward a softer thock, while the Tomcat provides a more resonant quality, creating distinct auditory signatures that can appeal to different preferences.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch, allowing for effortless keystrokes that can be ideal for fast typists or gamers. In contrast, the Tomcat switch, featuring Ly stems, promises a super smooth typing experience as well, but the specific tactile feedback and resistance levels can vary slightly from that of the Smoothie Silver. Both switches manage to deliver an enjoyable linear feel, but the nuanced differences in actuation force and travel might influence personal preference.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing experiences. If you prefer a thocky auditory feedback paired with a light feel, the Smoothie Silver would be an excellent choice. Conversely, if a resonant sound profile and an equally smooth feel resonate more with your typing style, the Tomcat could be the way to go. Ultimately, despite their differences, both switches can provide satisfying conclusions regarding noise and tactile feedback, making either a valuable addition to your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Smoothie Silver and Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize speed and an incredibly light press, the Smoothie Silver would be your ideal option. Its short travel distance and feather-light touch are perfect for fast-paced gaming or for those who appreciate a nearly effortless typing experience. The smoothness and thocky sound add an enjoyable aspect for users who relish in auditory feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a balanced approach with a bit more weight, you might lean towards the Bsun Tomcat. With a medium-light bottom out force and its Ly stems, the Tomcat provides a satisfying typing experience with a resonant sound profile that many find appealing. This switch is a solid choice for typists who appreciate a tactile feedback while still enjoying a smooth travel. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you favor speed and lightness or a balanced, resonant typing experience.
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