Huano Elf vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stand out as compelling linear options, each with distinct characteristics suited to different user preferences. The Elf switch, renowned for its POK top housing, offers enhanced acoustics that produce a deep sound signature coupled with a medium-light actuation force, resulting in a satisfying typing experience that balances comfort and responsiveness. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is favored for its Ly stems, which contribute to an exceptionally smooth keystroke, delivering a resonant sound profile that many typists find appealing. Whether you prioritize the deeper acoustic engagement of the Elf or the silky feel of the Tomcat, both switches provide their own unique benefits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), notable distinctions arise, particularly in their top housing components. The Huano Elf features a top housing made from POK, or polyketone, which is recognized for its smooth texture and impressive durability. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a slightly slicker surface than the Tomcat's polycarbonate housing, which is vital for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. The POK material exhibits exceptional wear resistance, outperforming POM (polyoxymethylene) by a factor of 14 and demonstrating superior shock resistance compared to both Nylon and POM. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy)'s polycarbonate top housing offers a stiffer structure, enhancing sound clarity and resonance, particularly beneficial for users employing RGB lighting due to its translucency.

On the flip side, both the Huano Elf and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity infers an inherent consistency in the sound profile resulting from the nylon material, which is well-regarded for its ability to absorb sound. This absorption capability contributes to a deeper, fuller auditory experience when typing, as both switches produce a rounder sound that is characteristic of nylon. Even though the top housings differ significantly in material and sound profile creation, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when bottoming out on both switches.

The interaction between the top and bottom housing materials underscores how the overall sound and feel of each switch will manifest during use. The differences in the top housing materials—POK providing a smooth, clacky sound and polycarbonate yielding a sharper, crisper tone—add unique personality to each switch, affecting the auditory experience upon release. Conversely, the presence of nylon in both models ensures that the impact of the bottom-out sound remains deep and resonant. Ultimately, while the top housing brings distinct characteristics to the switches, the shared nylon bottom housing draws a commonality in sound profile, bridging the differences between the Huano Elf and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy).

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial push feel while typing. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Elf is unavailable, making it difficult to determine its feel when fully pressed down. The Tomcat (Heavy) has a bottom out force of 64 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when reaching the end of the key’s travel. Therefore, while the Elf provides a lightweight profile with an unknown bottom out force, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more robust typing experience with both a recognizable actuation and bottom out force, making it the heavier choice overall.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience and activate at the same depth. As a result, users can expect identical performance in terms of key travel, ensuring that both switches will deliver a consistent response during gameplay or typing. Since their travel distances are equal, there is no shorter or longer switch between the two; they are interchangeable in this aspect, making either option a viable choice for those looking for a uniform travel experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is well-regarded for its deep sound signature supported by the POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and contributes to a richer auditory experience. This is complemented by a medium-light feel, making it appealing to those who enjoy a satisfying feedback sound while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch produces a resonant sound profile, offering a distinct auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable. It's important to note that any switch's sound can vary based on the keyboard's construction, keycap material, and overall setup.

When it comes to feel, the Huano Elf switch provides a medium-light actuation force, allowing for a tactile experience that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. This makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, offering a pleasing resistance that doesn't tire the fingers during extended use. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is known for its super smooth operation due to its Ly stems, promoting effortless key presses while still delivering a satisfying linear feedback. This smoothness is ideal for users who prioritize fluid motion in their typing or gaming experience.

In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches offer unique experiences in sound and feel. The Elf's deep sound and medium-light actuation make for an engaging auditory and tactile experience, while the Tomcat (Heavy) impresses with its resonant sound and smooth keypress. While they cater to slightly different preferences, users can enjoy satisfying typing experiences with either switch, depending on their specific needs and setups.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as well as your typing style. If you favor a medium-light feel and a deep sound signature that enhances your overall typing experience with satisfying acoustics, the Elf is likely the better option for you. Its unique POK top housing contributes to a pleasant auditory experience, making it well-suited for those who enjoy an immersive sound profile while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy resistance that provides a bit more feedback and control during use, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be your go-to switch. Its Ly stems facilitate a smoother typing action, ideal for individuals who like a more deliberate typing style or engage in extensive gaming sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, so consider your typing habits, the kind of sound you enjoy, and how much resistance you prefer when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more