Huano Acacia vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and Bsun Tomcat stand out as two compelling options, both falling into the linear switch category. The Huano Acacia is well-regarded for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together create an impressive typing experience right from the start. Many users appreciate the balanced feel of the Acacia, making it a solid choice for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat offers a unique blend of performance and auditory feedback, featuring Ly stems that ensure a super smooth keystroke along with a resonant sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. While the Acacia may appeal to those who prioritize comfort and consistency, the Tomcat can attract users looking for a more engaging acoustic 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

Huano Acacia Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.39 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Tomcat exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. In both cases, the polycarbonate construction contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches but also allows for better light transmission, making it an ideal choice for setups that utilize RGB lighting. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate ensures that the lighting effects are pronounced, creating an engaging visual experience that complements the auditory qualities.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches utilize nylon, a classic material renowned for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound than tougher plastics. As a result, the sound produced when typing on these switches is rounded and warm, contributing to a more immersive typing experience. Thus, while the top housings emphasize clarity and brightness, the nylon bottom housings ensure that the overall sound profile remains well-balanced by providing a richness that complements the sharper tones from the polycarbonate top.

Overall, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing for both the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Tomcat suggests that comparable sound qualities are achieved through a careful synthesis of materials. The unique characteristics of each housing material serve to balance the overall auditory experience: polycarbonate enhances the clarity and sharpness of the sound when keys are released, while nylon softens the impact and dampens the sound when keys bottom out. This synergy of materials provides players with a well-rounded tactile and auditory feedback, making both switches appealing options for those seeking a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience.

Weight

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar feel when triggering a keystroke. This shared actuation force positions both switches in the medium-light category, ideal for long typing sessions or extended gameplay without causing excessive fatigue. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Acacia has a force of 55 grams, while the Tomcat has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 54 grams. This marginal difference indicates that while both switches are reasonably close in terms of overall feel, the Acacia will provide a slightly more substantial resistance when bottoming out. Therefore, users who prioritize a heavier feedback during that phase may lean towards the Acacia switch, while those who prefer an overall lighter experience, particularly at the bottom, might favor the Tomcat.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Acacia features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you’re seeking a quicker response time, the Acacia may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers who prefer rapid key activation. Conversely, the Tomcat’s longer travel distance might provide a more substantial keystroke experience for those who appreciate a deeper press. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, the Acacia is the shorter option, making it potentially more responsive, whereas the Tomcat offers a tad more depth in its keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by a relatively muted and neutral profile that can be conducive to a quieter typing experience, especially when paired with a well-constructed keyboard and suitable keycaps. This aspect makes it great for those who prefer a more subdued acoustic environment for both work and gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offers a resonant sound that might deliver a slightly more pronounced auditory feedback, which can add to the overall typing experience. The acoustic signature of each switch can still be influenced by the keyboard plate material and the type of keycaps used, so personal auditory preferences can play a significant role in the final sound characteristics regardless of the switches themselves.

When examining the feel, the Acacia switch is lauded for its medium-light weight, which provides a comfortable balance for extended typing sessions while minimizing fatigue. Its generous factory lubrication further enhances the smoothness of the keypress, allowing for fluid key action with minimal stem wobble, making it an appealing option for typists who enjoy a more tactile experience without excessive resistance. Conversely, the Tomcat switch is recognized for its super-smooth feel enabled by the Ly stems, which can deliver a highly refined typing experience. This smoothness may provide a slightly different sensation during use compared to the Acacia, appealing to those who prioritize a seamless keypress above all else.

Ultimately, both the Huano Acacia and Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer compelling performance qualities that cater to diverse preferences in sound and feel. While the Acacia provides a more muted auditory profile alongside a comfortable typing experience with minimal wobble, the Tomcat showcases a resonant sound and an exceptionally smooth key action. The choice between them will largely depend on whether you prioritize a quieter operation and stability, or if you desire a more pronounced sound profile paired with silky keypresses. In either case, users can expect quality linear switches that provide a satisfying experience with the right setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, consider your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you value a smooth typing experience with minimal stem wobble and pre-applied factory lubrication, the Acacia switch would likely be your best choice. Its medium-light actuation at 55 grams provides a nice balance, making it suitable for both gaming and typing without too much effort. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silky-smooth keystroke and enjoy a resonant sound profile that adds character to your typing experience, the Tomcat switch is the way to go. With its slightly lighter bottom-out force at 54 grams, it still offers that satisfying linear action while enhancing the auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you seek a stable and refined feel (Acacia) or a more fluid and resonant typing experience (Tomcat).

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more