Bsun Tomcat vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the options can be overwhelming, but two standout linear switches are the Bsun Tomcat and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°. The Tomcat is celebrated for its Ly stems, which provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile that adds character to each keystroke. This switch is ideal for users seeking tactile satisfaction and a clean acoustic backdrop for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° takes a different approach, focusing on silent operation through its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure. This design not only delivers remarkable smoothness and stability but also creates a soft, elastic feel that effectively absorbs sound, making it a great choice for those in shared or quiet environments. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Tomcat for those who appreciate an engaging auditory feedback and the Zero Degree 0° for those prioritizing a whisper-quiet experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Tomcat and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing that fundamentally impacts their auditory characteristics and aesthetic appeal. As described, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its resonance qualities. The translucency of the polycarbonate in the top housing allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually striking for gamers and typists alike. The uniformity in the material choice not only elevates sound clarity but also enhances light diffusion, which means that users can expect a similar performance in terms of acoustics and aesthetics when utilizing either switch.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Tomcat and Zero Degree 0° switches diverges in their materials, with both utilizing nylon for the bottom. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder materials, leading to a more muted auditory experience on bottoming out. As both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, users can anticipate a consistent, rounder sound when typing, creating a familiar tactile feedback and auditory experience regardless of the switch being used.
When considering the overall sound profile of these switches, the combination of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom creates a balanced auditory experience. The polycarbonate top contributes clarity and resonance during key releases, while the nylon bottom dampens sound for a fuller bottoming-out effect. Thus, even though the top housing materials are the same for both switches, which impacts the sound when releasing a key, the shared nylon bottom housing means that the deeper sound profile will be consistent across the Bsun Tomcat and Gateron Zero Degree 0°. Ultimately, users will find familiarity in the deep, rich sounds produced while typing, regardless of which switch they choose.
Weight
The Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer interesting comparisons in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which makes them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions and extended gaming periods. However, the bottom out force of the Tomcat is documented at 54 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the switch is fully depressed. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Zero Degree 0° is unknown, leaving its overall pressing experience less defined. As a result, the Tomcat provides a more defined threshold and resistance at full depression, while the Gateron switch may present an unpredictable bottoming out experience. For users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Tomcat would be the better choice due to its heavier bottom out force. Therefore, if you're leaning towards lighter switches for comfort, both the Tomcat and the Zero Degree could serve this purpose, but anticipate a firmer bottom-out with the Tomcat.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed, both switches will provide the same feel and response in terms of key travel. This equivalence in travel distance ensures that users will experience similar performance when using either switch, making them interchangeable from this perspective. Since both switches share the same travel distance, it eliminates any concerns about differences in how far the keys must be pressed before registering an input.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 Bsun Tomcat linear switch has a resonant sound profile, which suggests that while it produces a smooth typing experience, it does carry some audible characteristics that may not be ideal for those seeking complete discretion. Conversely, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is specifically designed for silent typing, featuring an innovative self-padding design and a dual-rail structure that effectively absorbs sound. This means that users seeking a quieter environment will find the Zero Degree switch to be significantly more suitable, as it minimizes noise during typing while still maintaining a smooth operation.
When it comes to feel, the Tomcat switch is celebrated for its super smooth typing experience, thanks to its Ly stems, which contribute to an effortlessly fluid keystroke. This smoothness is essential for typists who prefer a responsive and consistent feedback from their switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offers a soft, elastic feel that enhances comfort during prolonged use. The dual-rail structure adds a level of stability that complements this softness, creating an overall typing experience that feels both gentle and secure. While both switches emphasize a smooth feel, the Zero Degree leans towards a softer and more cushioned sensation, which can be appealing to different user preferences.
In summary, the Bsun Tomcat and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches cater to different audiences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Tomcat offers a resonant sound with an exceptionally smooth keystroke, making it a great choice for typists who enjoy auditory feedback. In contrast, the Zero Degree excels in providing a silent and cushioned typing experience, perfect for those needing to minimize noise. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize the pleasing sound and smoothness of the Tomcat or the quiet comfort of the Gateron Zero Degree 0°.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Bsun Tomcat linear switches and Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall use case. If you favor a smooth and responsive typing experience with a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat switch, with its medium-light 54 grams bottom out force and unique Ly stems, would be the ideal pick for you. This switch excels in scenarios where tactile feedback and a bit of auditory engagement enhance your typing experience, making it suitable for general typing tasks and even gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize quiet operation without sacrificing smoothness, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch will serve you well. Its innovative self-padding design eliminates sound and creates a soft, elastic feel, making it exceptional for office settings or environments where minimal noise is essential. Therefore, consider your main activities and working conditions to make the right switch selection that will maximize your keyboard enjoyment.
Mentioned in this article
