Kailh Box White V2 vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, user preference can greatly influence the typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are celebrated for their distinct auditory feedback, producing a crisp and tactile click with each keystroke, making them an ideal choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced response and the nostalgic feel of traditional typewriters. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat switches are designed with a linear profile, featuring Ly stems that provide a remarkably smooth typing experience devoid of the clicking sound, appealing to gamers and those who prefer a quieter ambiance during use. Each switch offers unique advantages: the Box White V2 enhances the sensory experience with its feedback and sound, while the Tomcat prioritizes smoothness and silence for uninterrupted focus. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Tomcat keyboards both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar acoustic characteristics. The choice of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, providing a crisper auditory experience when typing. This plastic's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the switches, making it ideal for users who appreciate distinct sound feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through, creating visually appealing effects when using illuminated keyboards. Since both keyboards leverage this material, users can expect a comparable sound quality and aesthetic appeal based on the light diffusion properties incorporated into their designs.

On the other hand, both switches also feature nylon for their bottom housing, which stands in contrast to the characteristics of the polycarbonate. Nylon is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer consistence, which absorbs more sound and mitigates harshness. This results in a rounder auditory experience when bottoming out the keys. While the top housings of both the Kailh Box White V2 and Bsun Tomcat provide similar crisper sounds, the nylon bottom housing softens the overall auditory effect when key presses are fully engaged. The combination of harder polycarbonate on top and softer nylon below balances the sound characteristics, providing a multifaceted typing experience.

In summary, although the Kailh Box White V2 and Bsun Tomcat differ in terms of their top and bottom housing materials, each switch's unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon produces a nuanced sound profile. The polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, particularly evident when releasing a key, while the nylon softens the impact and sound during actuation. Therefore, users can achieve a similar experience in terms of sound quality and aesthetics due to the shared properties of the housing materials; however, the overall typing sensation and acoustic characteristics will reflect the individual characteristics of each respective housing material.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we see some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for similar ease of key presses, which is beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs: the Box White V2 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Tomcat offers a slightly heavier bottom out force of 54 grams. This makes the Kailh Box White V2 feel lighter overall, as it requires less force to reach the bottom of the keypress. Users who prefer a more substantial typing experience might find the heavier bottom out of the Tomcat switch more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and typing feel.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch both share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning users can expect a comparable experience in keypress depth regardless of which switch they choose. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches will provide a consistent tactile feel when pressing down on a key, making them equally suitable for those who prioritize key travel feedback in their typing experience. Therefore, whether opting for the clicky response of the Box White V2 or the smooth actuation of the Tomcat, users can anticipate similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box White V2 switches produce a distinct and sharp audible click, which is characteristic of clicky switches. This click adds a certain level of satisfaction during typing and can be quite pleasing to those who enjoy an audible feedback loop. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat linear switches are noted for their resonant sound profile, which tends to be more subdued and smooth compared to the Box White V2's pronounced click. The sound signature of any switch can also vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, but the overall character remains distinct between a clicky and a linear switch.

Regarding the feel, users of the Box White V2 can expect a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, giving a clear indication of actuation. This tactile bump, paired with the click, creates a unique sensation that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, courtesy of their Ly stems, meaning there’s no tactile bump or click involved. This results in a seamless keystroke from top to bottom, favoring users who prefer a quieter feel without distractions.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Bsun Tomcat switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard experience. The Box White V2 excels with its crisp clicky sound and tactile feedback, offering an engaging typing session, while the Tomcat provides a smooth and linear feel, ideal for those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile response or a smooth, silent experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 clicky switches and Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you favor a typing experience that offers tactile feedback along with an audible click, the Kailh Box White V2 is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force makes it suitable for extended typing sessions where you need to minimize finger fatigue. Additionally, the distinct sound profile of the Box White V2 can bring an engaging acoustic element to your workspace, making your typing experience more lively and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience without the distraction of clicks, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch would be more suitable. The medium-light bottom-out force combined with its smooth, linear feel enables faster keystrokes, which can significantly benefit gaming or typing tasks that demand rapid input. The resonant sound profile of the Tomcat also adds a unique aspect to your typing without being overly loud, creating an environment that is more conducive to concentration. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize feedback and sound or smoothness and silence in your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White V2 Clicky

$3.50

$3.00 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more