KTT Cream Yellow vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The KTT Cream Yellow is renowned for its distinctively clacky sound profile, made possible by its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, which not only enhances auditory feedback but also delivers a uniquely bouncy feel thanks to its lengthened spring. This makes it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a dynamic and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) prioritizes a super smooth typing feel with its Ly stems that contribute to minimal friction during key presses. While it also offers a pleasing sound profile, it focuses more on the seamlessness of typing rather than the auditory feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to whether you prefer the lively clackiness of the Cream Yellow or the sleek smoothness of the Tomcat (Heavy). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
64g
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 (Heavy) feature polycarbonate top housings, which play a crucial role in delivering a sharper and more defined sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, results in a high-pitched and crisp audio experience when typing on these switches. Notably, both switches’ housings are designed to be translucent, effectively enhancing RGB lighting effects. This shared characteristic ensures that users can enjoy a visually appealing and sonically precise typing experience, regardless of the specific switch they choose.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are both made of nylon, resulting in fundamentally similar acoustic properties. The nylon's softer composition absorbs sound vibrations, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory profile when typing. This contrast in sound profiles between the polycarbonate top and the nylon bottom illustrates how the materials work in tandem to create a balanced overall auditory experience. Consequently, both switches will provide a unique typing feel, combining a crisp release sound from the polycarbonate top with a rounded bottom-out sound from the nylon bottom.
When considering the interplay of these materials, it becomes clear that while the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) may diverge in aspects such as branding and specific design intentions, their core sound characteristics remain closely aligned. The crispness and clarity from the polycarbonate top will be complemented by the fuller tones produced by the nylon bottom in both switches. Therefore, regardless of which switch a user selects, they can expect a balance of auditory clarity and rich depth, largely due to the harmonious integration of polycarbonate and nylon in the construction of both models.
Weight
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This difference in force makes the Cream Yellow lighter overall, which could appeal to users who favor extended typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the Tomcat offers a more substantial push feel, catering to those who prefer a firmer response during use. While both switches have their unique advantages depending on user preference, the KTT Cream Yellow is better suited for lighter touch typing, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) delivers a weightier keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the KTT Cream Yellow the shorter option, designed to offer a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers who prioritize quick keypresses. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Therefore, if you lean towards a faster response time, the Cream Yellow would be the ideal choice, whereas if you favor a more pronounced keypress feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be more suitable.
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 (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 KTT Cream Yellow switch stands out with its clacky auditory profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. The combination of its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem results in a bright and percussive sound that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch also produces a resonant sound profile, which suggests a satisfying auditory feedback as well, although it lacks the specific descriptive elements of the Cream Yellow's clack. As a general note, the acoustics of any switch can vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, meaning that customized setups could yield distinct sound experiences for both options.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch offers a lively and bouncy typing sensation, thanks to its lengthened spring that gives a spring-like response upon key presses. This is ideal for users who enjoy a dynamic typing experience that provides a noticeable rebound. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch, while noted for its Ly stems that promise a super smooth experience, does not specifically describe its tactile feedback, leaving it uncertain how the two would compare directly. However, the complete typing feel will be influenced by individual preferences and how each switch interacts with different boards and keycaps.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Cream Yellow and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches provide engaging auditory and tactile experiences, they excel in different areas. The Cream Yellow is notable for its distinct clacky sound and bouncy feel, making it highly satisfying for those who appreciate lively acoustic feedback. The Tomcat (Heavy), while resonant and conducive for smooth typing, lacks detailed descriptors for both sound and feel, so potential users may need to explore them firsthand. Ultimately, either switch can lead to a satisfying typing experience, but each brings its unique character to the table that will cater to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and typing experience. If you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Cream Yellow's clacky sound profile and bouncy feel, coupled with its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, make it an excellent choice for those looking for an engaging typing experience and a lively response. It's particularly suited for typists who thrive on a feedback-rich environment or for gamers who appreciate that extra auditory layer during play. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more subdued experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram medium-heavy bottom-out force and Ly stem design will provide you with an exceptionally smooth and consistent keystroke that minimizes any abrupt sounds. This makes it a suitable option for prolonged typing sessions or environments where noise may be a concern, allowing you to maintain focus without distraction. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal typing style and sound preference—select the Cream Yellow for a lively and resonant experience or the Tomcat for smoothness and subtlety.