Jerrzi Coral vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Coral and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present two enticing options for enthusiasts and casual users alike, both classified as linear switches. The Coral is celebrated for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance. It strikes an exquisite balance between nuanced sophistication and stellar performance, making every keystroke a pleasure, particularly for those who appreciate a silky typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is renowned for its Ly stems, delivering a super smooth typing experience coupled with a resonant sound profile that many users find satisfying. While the Coral may appeal to those who desire a refined auditory and tactile experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) is perfect for those seeking a seamless and engaging connection with their keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your unique preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
64g
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 Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in an alike acoustic signature characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s relatively stiff nature enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the switches are actuated. Furthermore, both switches share a functional aesthetic advantage: their clear polycarbonate housings allow for optimal RGB lighting effects. Consequently, users seeking both sound performance and visual appeal are likely to find that both switches deliver similar results in these regards.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Coral and Tomcat (Heavy) are made from nylon, a classic material cherished for its acoustic properties. Nylon contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which effectively absorbs sound that would otherwise resonate in harder plastics. This choice of material ensures consistent performance between the two switches, as the nylon helps create a rounder and more pleasant sound experience during typing. Therefore, while the top housings are identical in material, the uniformity in the bottom housing further ensures that the overall auditory experience remains similar.
When analyzing the interaction of the different housing materials on the overall feel and sound profile, both switches demonstrate clear parallels. The polycarbonate top is responsible for the initial sound produced during a keypress, while the nylon bottom gets deeply involved in the bottom-out sound and feel. This division of acoustic characteristics ensures that users can anticipate a balanced and harmonious auditory experience, regardless of the switch being used. As both switches utilize the same materials for their respective housings, users can expect a sound profile that marries the crispness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon, culminating in a cohesive and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Coral requiring only 40 grams to actuate, while the Tomcat (Heavy) necessitates a heftier 55 grams. This variation implies that users of the Coral switch may experience a lighter typing feel, potentially benefiting those engaged in prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it may reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more robust actuation, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. While the Coral's bottom out force remains unspecified, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a bottom out force of 64 grams, classified as medium-heavy. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch should opt for the Coral, while those desiring a firmer response would be more satisfied with the Tomcat (Heavy).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Coral switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly longer than the Tomcat (Heavy), which measures at 3.6 mm. This indicates that users who opt for the Coral switch may appreciate a deeper keystroke, providing a more substantial tactile experience. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are often associated with increased efficiency. Both switches, however, can provide an appealing typing experience depending on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness. Ultimately, users who prioritize a more responsive feel may lean towards the Tomcat (Heavy), while those who enjoy a bit more travel can opt for the Coral switch.
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 (Heavy) 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 linear switch stands out with its low-pitched resonance, which gives it a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is pleasing and unobtrusive. This makes the typing experience feel refined, offering a softer auditory feedback that complements the overall writing process. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) also features a resonant sound profile, although specifics about its pitch are not provided. It's important to note that the sound of both switches can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction and keycap choice; however, both switches are likely to produce a sound profile that is harmonious with their respective typing experiences.
In terms of typing feel, the Coral switch is characterized by its silky smoothness, enhancing the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance both when pressing and releasing the keys. This delightful tactile quality can make long typing sessions more enjoyable and less fatiguing. Conversely, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, while heralded for its smoothness due to the Ly stems, lacks further detail. Nevertheless, both switches seem to promise a comfortable and pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Coral and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches cater to those seeking a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, although they present unique sound qualities. The Coral's low-pitched tone and silky feel create an exquisite balance that many users appreciate. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) is designed for smoothness, suggesting that typists will find both models appealing. Ultimately, regardless of personal preference for sound or feel, opting for either switch can yield similarly satisfying results.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're seeking an exquisite, silky smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Coral switch would be your ideal choice. Its unique blend of sophistication and performance makes it perfect for both typing and gaming, providing a blissful feel that enhances your overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer keypress with a more resonant sound, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch may suit you better, especially if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force. Its robust feel can offer a more substantial typing feedback, which many users appreciate, especially for long writing sessions or gaming scenarios where every keystroke matters. Ultimately, listening to your own preferences for sound, feel, and force will guide you in selecting the switch that best complements your typing style and enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.