KTT Ash Gray vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, with the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Tomcat offering distinct advantages appealing to different preferences. The KTT Ash Gray switch stands out for its tactile response that strikes a balance between substantial feedback and unobtrusiveness, making every keystroke feel satisfying without being overly pronounced. Its slightly lighter touch and mild actuation provide a comfortable typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a gentle yet perceptible note of tactile feedback. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat switch is designed for those who prioritize smoothness, featuring Ly stems that deliver a seamless typing motion complemented by a resonant sound profile. This linear switch eliminates any tactile bump, appealing to users who prefer a quieter, more fluid keypress without the distraction of feedback. Each switch caters to unique user needs—whether you desire a tactile sensation or a fluid experience—offering compelling reasons to consider them. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Tomcat share similarities in their housing materials, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This choice of material leads to a consistent audio profile, characterized by a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, ensuring that both switches deliver a pleasing auditory experience. Additionally, because both tops utilize translucent polycarbonate, they are well-suited for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant colors to shine through and amplify the aesthetic experience of any keyboard setup.
In contrast to the similarities in their top housings, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which influences the sound and feel during typing differently than the top. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio profile that contrasts with the more treble-heavy characteristics of polycarbonate. Therefore, while the tops of both switches produce clarity and brightness, the bottoms contribute a rounder, bass-oriented sound. This combination means that the overall auditory experience of each switch is a blend of sharper highs from the polycarbonate tops and softer lows from the nylon bottoms, creating a balanced sound profile.
The interplay between the materials used in both the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Tomcat serves to enhance the typing experience, with each material making a distinct contribution. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will dominate in the bottom-out sound and feel, producing a satisfying tactile response. Conversely, upon releasing the key, the polycarbonate top housing will take precedence, maintaining a crisp and clear audio signature. As such, despite their differences in sound characteristics from each housing, the similarities in materials allow users to enjoy an overall coherent audio experience when using either switch, reinforcing the importance of material selection in producing specific auditory feedback.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch provide distinctive keyboard experiences due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Tomcat has a higher actuation force of 45 grams but a similar bottom out force of 54 grams. This means that while both switches fall into the medium-light category, the Tomcat requires a bit more effort to trigger a keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. The marginal difference in bottom out force suggests that both switches will feel quite similar upon complete depression, which may contribute to a relatively consistent typing experience. Ultimately, the Ash Gray is the lighter switch, ideal for users seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Tomcat may better suit those who favor a heftier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Ash Gray features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both switches have relatively short travel distances, which are beneficial for gamers seeking quick response times, the Tomcat’s travel distance is marginally greater, offering a touch more depth. This difference may appeal to users who prefer sustained key presses that aren't too abrupt. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Ash Gray is the shorter option, while the Tomcat provides a slightly longer feel. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
The KTT Ash Gray switch produces a sound characterized as neutral, striking a balanced sound profile that is neither too loud nor too soft. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting, appealing to both beginners and experienced users alike. The sound produced during key presses is moderate enough to allow for an enjoyable typing experience without being overly distracting, aligning well with its easy-going, versatile design intent. The Bsun Tomcat switch, while unspecified in terms of sound description, is noted for its resonant sound profile, indicating that it likely features a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, the overall sound experience will still depend on variables such as the keyboard build and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is designed to offer an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance that facilitates comfortable typing with minimal finger fatigue. Its mild tactile feedback ensures that users can type effortlessly, ideal for lengthy sessions or casual use. The design focuses on accessibility and a comfortable experience, making it approachable for a wide audience. The Tomcat switch, on the other hand, is known for its super smooth typing experience attributed to its Ly stems, offering a linear sensation that likely provides a very different tactile experience than the Ash Gray. This smoothness could result in a more fluid keypress compared to the tactile feedback of the Ash Gray.
Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the KTT Ash Gray provides a gentle, tactile feel with a neutral sound profile that is ideal for a wide range of users. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat appears to focus on a smooth, linear experience that may appeal to those who prefer a quieter and more seamless pressing action. Choosing between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes tactile feedback or a smooth keypress, yet both switches promise a satisfying typing experience tailored to different styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice, especially for typing or gaming, where you want a delicate balance of feedback and smoothness. Its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for both home and office use, ensuring that your typing doesn’t disrupt others while still providing you with the comforting response you need. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth typing experience with a focus on speed and minimal actuation force, the Tomcat would serve you well, particularly in scenarios where rapid keystrokes are essential—like gaming or coding sessions. The distinct resonant sound character can also add a unique auditory satisfaction to your typing experience. Ultimately, your choice comes down to whether you prefer a tactile sensation or an ultra-smooth keypress.
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