TTC Brother vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch. The TTC Brother is a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts, thanks to its lightweight actuation of just 37g and a satisfying, crunchy sound profile that provides both audible and tactile feedback. This switch strikes a superb balance, offering a distinct tactile bump without being overwhelming, making it ideal for those who revel in a classic, responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch delivers a smooth, linear action, characterized by its Ly stems that promote effortless key presses without the tactile feedback or sound of its clicky counterpart. This makes the Tomcat a great choice for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Bsun Tomcat show notable similarities, particularly in their top and bottom components. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which lends to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience, and its translucent nature enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is integrated into the design. This means that users of both the Brother and the Tomcat can expect a cohesive experience in terms of sound clarity and visual aesthetics, especially if they favor eye-catching lighting effects in their keyboards.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges in material choice, with both employing nylon. The use of nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted and round auditory experience. This difference in bottom housing material allows for distinct tactile feedback and modifies the perceptual sound quality when the switch is bottomed out. Users may find that while they experience a unified sound clarity and aesthetic at the top level through the polycarbonate, the characteristics at the bottom level can vary significantly, contributing to a unique feel when typing.
In essence, the combination of materials utilized for each switch influences the overall typing experience differently. With the polycarbonate tops of both models ensuring a consistent bright and clear sound signature, the nylon bottoms introduce a variance in depth and fullness. When these materials come together, the resulting sound profile and tactile feedback reflects the strength of the chosen materials – sharp tones from the polycarbonate above and rounded tones from the nylon below. Ultimately, while the auditory characteristics are similar in nature at the top level, the switch experience can vary due to the properties inherent in the bottom housing, leading to a balanced yet distinctive typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we see a notable difference in actuation forces, with the Brother requiring a lighter touch at 37 grams compared to the Tomcat's 45 grams. This means that the Brother switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended periods, while the Tomcat, with its heavier actuation force, might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel with each keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unavailable, making direct comparisons in that area difficult; the Tomcat, meanwhile, has a bottom out force of 54 grams, which is categorized as medium-light. Overall, the TTC Brother is the lighter switch, which could be advantageous for long typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Bsun Tomcat provides a heavier feel, catering to users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences that could impact user preference. The Brother switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for those who prefer a more responsive keystroke, the Brother switch may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, promoting quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Tomcat's slightly longer travel distance may cater to users who enjoy a deeper feel while typing, offering a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for response time versus tactile depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 sound profile of the TTC Brother clicky switch is distinctively crispy and satisfying, making it a quintessential choice for enthusiasts seeking a delightful auditory experience. Each keystroke produces a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on fresh autumn leaves, which adds a sensory layer that many users find rewarding. On the other hand, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, specific details regarding its sound signature are not provided. Therefore, it's unclear how it might compare audibly with the Brother.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Brother stands out with its lightweight and tactile characteristics. It offers an easy-to-press feeling, requiring only 37g of actuation force, which ensures a comfortable typing experience with minimal strain on the fingers over prolonged use. Its stepped tactile feedback provides a gentle resistance that can be felt distinctly during typing, making every keystroke engaging yet not overwhelming. Conversely, details about the tactile response or actuation feel of the Tomcat switch are not disclosed, leaving a gap in understanding how it measures up in terms of the physical typing experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Brother clicky switch excels in both sound and feel with its unique crispy audio and comfortable tactile feedback, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch remains an enigma without detailed descriptions of its sound and tactile feel. If you are drawn to the distinct clicky sensation and sound of the Brother, it likely will provide a satisfying experience. However, for those who may benefit from the smoothness of linear switches, the Tomcat could offer an equal measure of enjoyment, albeit with an unfamiliar tactile experience pending further information. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the signature feel and sound of clicky switches or seek a different tactile sensation with linear options.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a typing experience that offers both tactile feedback and an audible click, the Brother switch is your go-to option. Its lightweight actuation and satisfying crunch will enhance your typing pleasure, making it ideal for extended writing sessions or gaming where responsiveness is key. The Brother switch caters well to those who appreciate the classic clicky feel and sound, striking a balance between feedback and comfort, especially for individuals who type frequently. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother experience without the auditory distractions, the Tomcat linear switch is your best bet. With its medium-light bottom-out force and near-silent operation, the Tomcat allows you to type fluidly, making it suitable for both work environments that require focus and for those who enjoy rapid typing. Ultimately, it’s about what feels right for you—whether you lean towards the tactile satisfaction of a clicky switch or the understated elegance of a linear switch.
Mentioned in this article
