Gateron Smoothie vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable contenders in the linear category are the Gateron Smoothie and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy). The Gateron Smoothie stands out for its innovative all-POM construction, providing a delightful thocky sound signature and an impressively smooth, lightweight touch that many users enjoy. This switch is often labeled as buttery and silky, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a soft yet tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems that contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing feel, complemented by a resonant sound profile that can enhance the auditory feedback while typing. While the Smoothie may appeal to users looking for a more subtle sound and feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those preferring a robust and pronounced 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 Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Smoothie and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) embody distinct characteristics that are largely attributed to their housing materials, with each contributing uniquely to the overall sound profile experienced by users. The Smoothie utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is renowned for producing a sound that is deeper and more muted. This leads to a pleasant auditory experience that is less piercing and more subdued, making it ideal for environments where low noise levels are preferred. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that generates a sharper and crisper sound. This heightened clarity makes the Tomcat a compelling option for users who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing, particularly in setups that incorporate RGB lighting to enhance visual appeal.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches are equally pronounced. The Smoothie’s POM bottom housing mirrors the top housing's qualities, providing a consistent deep and muted sound profile. This contributes to a harmonious sound experience that may feel more cohesive for users. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a nylon bottom housing, which is classic and well-regarded for facilitating a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a rounder, more cushioned auditory experience, particularly at the point of bottom-out. Thus, beneath the surface, the contrasting materials used in the bottom housings set the two switches apart in terms of tactile feedback and sound quality.

Ultimately, despite the differences in materials, both switches can yield satisfying results, depending on user preferences and expectations. The diverse sound qualities of the Smoothie and Tomcat can be appreciated for their individual characteristics — the Smoothie offering a muted yet pleasing sound, while the Tomcat provides a crisp, resonant experience. Users may also find that the interplay of the materials in both switches allows for a rich and balanced auditory experience, illustrating how differences in housing can create unique sound profiles while still achieving enjoyable results. Whether one prefers the deep notes of the Smoothie or the sharper tones of the Tomcat, both switches contribute uniquely to the experience of mechanical keyboards, catering to varying tastes within the community.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a notable difference is found in their actuation forces. The Smoothie requires an actuation force of 40 grams, making it the lighter option, suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) demands a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more resilient push feel during their typing or gaming. The bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown, while the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a bottom out force of 64 grams, indicating a firmer feel when fully pressed down. This suggests that the Tomcat offers a more substantial experience overall, especially for users who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing feel and fatigue over extended use.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar feel when typing or gaming. Since both switches provide the same travel distance, users can expect comparable performance and key press feedback, making either option suitable for those who prefer linear switches with a consistent actuation feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Smoothie offers a distinctly thocky profile, characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying sound that resonates pleasantly when keys are pressed and released. This switch's low-pitched tone results in a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience, complemented by a subdued quality that dampens the sound slightly compared to other switches. The rich and warm characteristics contribute to a more immersive typing experience, making it well-suited for those who appreciate auditory feedback without it being overwhelming. Meanwhile, the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is noted to be resonant, though specifics about its tonal qualities are less defined. Given that the sound of keyboard switches can be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, users may find both switches perform similarly in acoustic response under specific conditions.

In terms of feel, the Smoothie excels with descriptors that paint a picture of an incredibly smooth typing experience. It is often referred to as buttery, creamy, and silky, alluding to a seamless, effortless keystroke sensation. This switch promises a uniform typing experience, where fingers glide gracefully over the keys as if melting into each stroke. The deliberate design and materials lend to this exceptional smoothness, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming where speed and accuracy are paramount. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) is not provided, leaving potential users to speculate on how it measures up against the Smoothie’s superior tactile qualities.

In summary, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is celebrated for its thocky sound and supremely smooth feel, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is acknowledged for its resonant sound, with less clarity on its tactile feedback. For those who prioritize a satisfying auditory experience and an effortless typing sensation, the Smoothie stands out as a fantastic option. However, if you find yourself drawn to the Tomcat, it may still deliver a pleasing experience, albeit with less known about its feel, making both switches potentially suitable depending on your personal preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience with a thocky sound signature, the Gateron Smoothie is an excellent choice. Its buttery, creamy, and silky feel makes for a highly pleasurable typing experience, especially suited for those who enjoy a more tactile and satisfying sound profile without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and pronounced keystroke, the Tomcat (Heavy) might be the better option for you, given its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 64 grams, which caters to users who like a firmer touch. Although it lacks detailed sound descriptors in the information provided, its construction is likely designed for durability and responsiveness. Thus, if you enjoy a more pronounced typing experience that demands a bit more force and provides a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat (Heavy) will cater to your needs. Ultimately, it's all about which experience resonates more with your typing style—whether you lean towards the smooth and soft touches of the Smoothie or the more grounded and firm feel of the Tomcat (Heavy).

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more