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KTT Cream Yellow vs. Bsun Tomcat

An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular linear options are the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat. The Cream Yellow switch stands out with its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which not only delivers resonant audio feedback but also contributes to a uniquely bouncy typing feel. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience alongside a tactile response. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat is designed for aficionados who prioritize a super smooth typing experience, featuring Ly stems that ensure fluid keypresses and a pleasant resonance without compromising on response. While both switches offer linear characteristics, the Cream Yellow leans towards a more dynamic sound profile and bouncy touch, whereas the Tomcat is all about delivering that seamless glide. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

50g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

58g

Bottom-out force

54g

Pre-travel

1.90 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

Both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat feature polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similarity in sound characteristics. The polycarbonate material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio experience, making both switches suitable for those who appreciate detailed sound quality while typing. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate not only enhances the visual appeal of the switches but also optimizes the diffusion of RGB lighting, ensuring that both options can deliver vibrant illumination when paired with the right setups.

In contrast, when examining the bottom housing of these switches, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat utilize nylon, a material known for its capacity to absorb sound. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a softer typing experience. The nylon's unique properties allow it to dampen noise more effectively than harder plastics, which contributes to a more subdued tonal quality during keystrokes. This compatibility of materials implies that users will enjoy a rounded bottom-out sound and feel across both switches, further enhancing the overall acoustic signature.

Ultimately, while both the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat utilize similar materials in their top and bottom housings, their distinctive sound profiles blend the attributes of their respective materials. The polycarbonate top ensures crispness and clarity during key release, while the nylon bottom enriches depth and warmth in the bottom-out experience. This harmonious combination guarantees that users can expect a cohesive typing experience, as each housing material harmonizes to deliver a well-rounded sound profile, regardless of the specific model chosen.

Weight

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch exhibit some notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Yellow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Tomcat switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams. This means that the Cream Yellow is the heavier option, potentially providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer key feel. In contrast, the Tomcat's lighter actuation force caters to users seeking comfort for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Despite both switches being classified as medium and medium-light, respectively, the differences in their forces suggest that users will experience varying feedback and strain based on their preference for weight, with the Cream Yellow requiring more effort to press down compared to the Tomcat.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prioritize a quicker response time, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice for you, as it offers a shorter travel distance that aligns with the preferences of many gamers. However, if you appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance might be more appealing, providing a deeper sensation with each keystroke. Ultimately, the difference is minimal, but it can affect your typing or gaming experience depending on your personal tactile preferences.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow 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

When it comes to the sound profile, the KTT Cream Yellow switch stands out with its distinctively clacky audio feedback. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, generating a crisp and bright noise that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch also delivers a resonant sound profile, though specific descriptors are not provided. Given that the sound experience can vary widely based on the keyboard construction and keycap choice, both switches can yield enjoyable auditory experiences, albeit with the Cream Yellow leaning towards a more prominent clack.

In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is well-known for its bouncy nature, providing a spring-like feedback that gives typists a lively sensation with each keystroke. This elastic response not only enhances the tactile experience but also contributes to a dynamic typing rhythm. The Tomcat switch, while recognized for its super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, lacks further detailed descriptors regarding its tactile feedback. However, typists who favor uninterrupted smoothness may find the Tomcat appealing, while those looking for a more responsive tactile experience might prefer the lively feel of the Cream Yellow.

In conclusion, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cream Yellow excels in producing a clacky sound and a bouncy feel, making it great for those who enjoy a prominent auditory feedback and a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the Tomcat offers a smooth sound and may appeal to those who prioritize seamless gliding over any pronounced auditory or tactile cues. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference, as each will deliver a notable, yet distinct keyboard typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel during your typing or gaming experience. If you enjoy a lively, bouncy typing sensation with a distinct clacky sound, the Cream Yellow switch will be an excellent fit for you. Its 58-gram actuation force provides that medium resistance, making it suitable for users who appreciate a bit more feedback from their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat switch, with its 54-gram actuation force, may be more to your liking. The Tomcat’s emphasis on smoothness, combined with a resonant sound profile, makes it ideal for those who prefer a quieter yet satisfying typing experience. In essence, choose the Cream Yellow for a more dynamic and expressive feel and sound, while the Tomcat will serve you better if you seek effortless keystrokes with understated audio feedback.

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