Do proton bombs trigger the rattled condition?

Is there a difference between suffering damage and being dealt a damage card?

Yes, there is a difference. Page 9 of the rulebook:

Quote

If an effect instructs a player to deal a Damage card to a ship, this is different from the ship suffering damage. The card is dealt to the ship regardless of whether the ship has any shield tokens remaining.

So, no, Proton Bombs will not trigger the Rattled condition.

Yes, there is a difference. Proton Bomb thus won't trigger the Rattled condition.

EDIT: Accursed ninjas!

Thanks, that's how we ruled it but just wanted to double check.