Jerrzi Coral vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Coral and the Bsun Tomcat are two linear options that cater to different preferences and needs. The Coral switch is celebrated for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, delivering a nuanced and sophisticated experience with every keystroke. It offers a silky smoothness that many typists find delightful, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a refined touch while typing. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch boasts Ly stems that promise an exceptionally smooth typing feel, accompanied by a resonant sound profile that some users may find particularly satisfying. While both switches provide a linear experience, their unique characteristics can appeal to different typing styles and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs perfectly.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Coral and the Bsun Tomcat keyboards both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which shares similar properties and benefits. This material is known for providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relative stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in the acoustic experience. Furthermore, both keyboards capitalize on the translucency of polycarbonate to support RGB lighting features, creating configurable and vibrant lighting effects. The similarity in top housing materials underscores a shared commitment to an engaging and visually appealing user experience while ensuring a consistent auditory profile across both models.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two keyboards introduces a stark difference, with both the Coral and the Tomcat opting for nylon for this component. Nylon is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties, which allow it to absorb more sound compared to stiffer materials. This results in a rounder, more muted sound when the keys bottom out. The decision to employ nylon in both bottom housings means that users can expect a broad range of sound dynamics: a sharper resonance from the polycarbonate tops complemented by a softer, more robust tone from the nylon bottoms. This combination effectively creates a balance between highs and lows, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the pairing of polycarbonate top housings with nylon bottoms across both the Jerrzi Coral and the Bsun Tomcat demonstrates a thoughtful engineering approach. The similar top housing materials yield a distinct sound profile that is consistent between the two keyboards, creating a lively and responsive feel when keys are released. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housings contribute a unique character to the bottoming out experience, allowing users to enjoy the best of both worlds—crisp acoustics alongside a fuller auditory sensation. This harmonious blend ensures both models cater to diverse preferences while maintaining a signature soundscape that typists can appreciate.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Coral has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Tomcat requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Coral may be more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming since it requires less force to trigger a keystroke, reducing finger fatigue over time. However, the Coral's bottom out force is unknown, which leaves some uncertainty regarding how it feels when pressing all the way down. In contrast, the Tomcat's bottom out force is specified at 54 grams, classified as medium-light, which indicates a more substantial typing experience when fully depressed. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch for comfort and ease of use, the Jerrzi Coral might be the better option, whereas the Bsun Tomcat would appeal to those who enjoy a heavier feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Coral features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Tomcat offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Although both switches fall within a shorter range, the Tomcat provides a marginally crisper response, making it potentially more appealing to gamers seeking quick input. Conversely, the Coral's longer travel distance may cater to those who prefer a more substantial press, allowing for a deeper keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for response time versus depth of keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral switch stands out with its low-pitched resonance, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that creates a pleasant auditory experience. Users can appreciate the distinct, crisp typing sound that gives each keystroke a refined character. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch is characterized by its resonant sound profile, though specific details about its pitch are not provided. If a user prefers a deeper, more muted sound, the Coral would deliver that best, while the Tomcat, with its unspecified tonal qualities, may present a different or more neutral auditory experience.
The tactile feedback of the Coral switch is described as silky, which indicates a superior smoothness in the typing experience. This smoothness minimizes any resistance when pressing and releasing keys, allowing for a fluid typing experience that feels refined and enjoyable. Conversely, the Tomcat switch utilizes Ly stems for a super smooth operation, suggesting a focus on providing an equally seamless experience. While the specifics of the Tomcat’s tactile feel are not detailed, both switches appear to prioritize smoothness, likely resulting in a similar satisfaction for users who enjoy fluid keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Coral and Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Coral excels with its low-pitched, resonant sound and silky smooth typing experience, while the Tomcat promises a smooth operation with a resonant sound profile, albeit without more explicit sound characteristics. Ultimately, whether opting for the refined auditory delight of the Coral or the smoothness of the Tomcat, users can expect a gratifying experience in their typing endeavors, appreciating the nuanced differences between these two impressive linear switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a switch that provides a crisp, silky typing feel with a low-pitched, resonant sound, the Coral switch would be an excellent choice. Its unique characteristics make it ideal for those who appreciate a refined typing experience, especially in quieter environments where the subtleties of sound matter. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial bottom-out force of 54 grams that provides a medium-light tactile feedback, the Tomcat switch could be the better option for you. Its Ly stem contributes to an exceptionally smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile that may appeal to users who enjoy a noticeable keystroke feedback without being too heavy. In summary, consider what you value more in your keyboard: the sophisticated smoothness and sound of the Coral, or the pronounced smoothness and tactile response of the Tomcat.