Gateron Smoothie Silver vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two notable contenders are the Gateron Smoothie Silver and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Gateron Smoothie Silver is celebrated for its all-POM construction, offering a feather-light touch and a short travel distance that allows for lightning-fast actuation, making it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who crave responsiveness and speed. Its thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness further enhance the typing experience, providing both a tactile satisfaction and an auditory pleasure. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems, which contribute to a super smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile that appeals to individuals who appreciate a more substantial feel under their fingers. Each switch caters to different user preferences, with the Smoothie Silver focusing on speed and lightness, while the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes a smooth, weighted response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a distinct difference emerges between the two. The Smoothie Silver features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile. This quality lends itself to a soft and pleasing auditory experience, ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing environment. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. This distinction in sound quality highlights a fundamental contrast between the two switches; while the Smoothie Silver offers a subdued acoustics experience, the Tomcat's polycarbonate housing is designed to enhance the clarity of sound, particularly beneficial for settings where a more pronounced auditory feedback can be desirable.

In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Smoothie Silver maintains its POM consistency, leading to a similarly deep and muted sound profile. However, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that produces a fuller and more rounded sound. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a distinct sound character that complements the sharper tone of the polycarbonate top. This combination creates a richer auditory experience, where the nylon's fuller sound contrasts with the polycarbonate's brightness. Thus, while both switches might share a commitment to unique sound profiles through their specific materials, the nuances of the bottom housing further enhance their overall acoustic experiences.

These contrasting materials highlight how each switch’s design influences its sound and tactile feel. The POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver will deliver a deeper sound when released, while the polycarbonate top of the Tomcat (Heavy) lends a more defined sound signature upon key release. On the other hand, the bottom housing's contributions are significant as well; with POM offering a muted bottom-out sound and nylon facilitating a fuller experience, the differences in material enhance the overall typing experience in complementary ways. Ultimately, for users seeking specific auditory feedback and typing sound profiles, the interplay of these materials allows both switches to deliver satisfying results tailored to different preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where quick responses are key. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and features a bottom out force of 64 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile feedback experience. Since the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown, it complicates a direct comparison. However, it’s clear that the Tomcat offers a heavier tactile response overall, appealing to those who appreciate a firmer push when typing. Ultimately, your preference for lighter versus heavier switches will guide your choice between these two options.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Smoothie Silver measures 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) extends slightly further at 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Tomcat switch offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel and a deeper keypress, reminiscent of traditional switch designs. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel, may cater more to gamers and users seeking faster response times for quick actions, allowing for smoother keystrokes and less effort. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Smoothie Silver would be the preferable choice, while those who favor a more substantial keypress may opt for the Tomcat.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch produces a thocky sound that is pleasing to the ear, giving it an auditory richness that many enthusiasts appreciate. This sound consistency can make for an enjoyable typing experience, especially on a suitable keyboard. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch features a resonant sound profile, which may provide a distinct auditory feedback that could appeal to users looking for a more pronounced acoustic experience. However, it's essential to note that the sound of both switches can vary significantly depending on the keyboard and keycap materials used, leading to a wide range of auditory outcomes.

When it comes to feel, the Smoothie Silver is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, making it exceptionally comfortable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. This smoothness translates into a seamless keystroke experience, allowing for quick and easy actuation. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is designed with Ly stems that enhance the smooth typing experience, but it is classified as a "heavy" switch, suggesting a firmer actuation force compared to the Smoothie Silver. Therefore, while both switches prioritize smoothness, the overall feel will differ due to the weight of the actuation.

In conclusion, both the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Smoothie Silver excels in producing a thocky sound and a light touch, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a resonant audio experience and a firmer actuation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you may find satisfaction in either choice, but it’s important to recognize the unique qualities each switch brings to your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Smoothie Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard. If you favor an exceptionally light touch and lightning-fast actuation with a focus on speed—perhaps if you're into gaming or rapid typing—the Gateron Smoothie Silver is an excellent choice thanks to its feather-light feel and short travel distance. Its thocky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory element to your keystrokes without being too distracting. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tactile and substantial feel, especially for typing or tasks that require deliberate keystrokes, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch may be the better option for you. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 64 grams, it provides a sense of control and resistance that many find satisfying. Additionally, the Tomcat’s resonant sound profile and Ly stem construction contribute to a super smooth typing experience, making it appealing for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a more robust tactile sensation. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, whether you prioritize speed and lightness or a more solid and pronounced keystroke.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Silver Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more