TTC Flame Red vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, both the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Tomcat offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is particularly esteemed for its striking light diffuser, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize aesthetics in a backlit or RGB keyboard setup. Users will appreciate the weighty smoothness coupled with a distinctive clacky sound profile, characterized as 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' and 'Polished.' In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches promise a super smooth typing experience thanks to their Ly stems, complemented by a resonant sound profile that appeals to users seeking a satisfying auditory feedback. While both switches are linear and provide a fluid keystroke experience, it's clear that the Flame Red excels in visual appeal, whereas the Tomcat focuses on enhanced typing dynamics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Tomcat, a notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The TTC Flame Red utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer, sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile rooted in being a stiffer plastic. This difference means that while the Flame Red offers a rounder and more muted auditory experience, the Tomcat caters to users desiring a clearer and more resonant sound. Therefore, the choice between these switches can greatly influence the tactile and auditory feedback a typist experiences.
On the other hand, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which highlights an area of similarity in their construction. The use of nylon here leads to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile across both models, as the material's softer nature ensures sound absorption that dampens higher-pitched resonances. As such, regardless of the tonal differences introduced by their respective top housings, both the Flame Red and Tomcat benefit from the characteristic warmth and fullness attributed to their nylon bottom housings. This shared attribute provides a fundamental level of acoustic consistency.
In practical usage, the differences in top housing materials mean that the TTC Flame Red and Bsun Tomcat will evoke varied auditory experiences when typing. While the Flame Red delivers a plush, rounded sound when keys are pressed and released, the Tomcat’s sharper top will generate more pronounced auditory feedback. However, since both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, the overall typing experience retains a cohesive and moderated sound foundation. Ultimately, users can achieve a similar level of depth in sound thanks to the nylon bottom housing while distinguishing between the unique sound profiles afforded by the different top materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both switches have identical specifications when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. Specifically, both the Flame Red and Tomcat switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing them as medium-light switches. This parity in force means that users can expect a similar typing experience from both switches, making them suitable for extended use without excessive fatigue, ideal for those who type for long periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. As both switches maintain the same force specifications, neither can be labeled as lighter or heavier, and users will find equivalent results in terms of tactile feedback and keystroke activation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, one can observe a clear difference. The Flame Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Tomcat has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key, the Flame Red switch would be the better option, providing a more traditional and hearty depth. On the other hand, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance caters to users who prioritize responsiveness, making it potentially more suitable for gamers or those who favor speed in their keystrokes. Ultimately, while both switches serve their purpose, they cater to different preferences regarding key feel and actuation speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 considering the sound profile of the TTC Flame Red switch, users can expect a neutral tone that strikes a balance between moderate actuation force and a moderate sound level, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This sound quality contributes to an unobtrusive typing experience without being overly loud or distracting, appealing to both beginners and advanced users alike. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, which adds a unique character to the auditory feedback during typing, though specifics about its overall sound intensity or tonal quality are lacking. Therefore, while the Flame Red provides a more subdued auditory experience, the Tomcat injects a more prominent resonance, which might appeal to users looking for a distinct auditory cue during their typing sessions, though both sound characteristics could be influenced by external factors like the keyboard construction and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Flame Red switch offers a combination of mild and polished sensations. The mild descriptor implies that the typing experience is gentle and approachable, not overwhelming for either new users or seasoned typists. This softness is complemented by a polished quality that ensures smooth key travel and minimal friction, enhancing overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions. Unfortunately, the Bsun Tomcat switch does not have specific descriptions available regarding its feel, leaving a gap in comparative analysis. Nonetheless, the emphasis on Ly stems in the Tomcat hints at a potentially smooth typing experience, suggesting it may aim to deliver smoothness similar to what users appreciate in the Flame Red, though the absence of detailed feedback makes this uncertain.
In summary, both the TTC Flame Red and Bsun Tomcat linear switches cater to users looking for smooth typing experiences, albeit with different auditory profiles. The Flame Red stands out with its neutral sound and polished feel, making it a versatile choice for various settings. While the Tomcat’s resonant sound adds a distinctive flair, its feel characteristics remain largely unknown, leaving potential users to weigh their options carefully. If sound and feel are paramount in your decision-making, the Flame Red is a more defined choice, while the Tomcat could add an intriguing twist, albeit with some uncertainties.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, you should consider your specific preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you value striking visuals alongside a moderate typing experience, especially if your setup features RGB lighting, then the Flame Red would be your ideal choice. Its medium-light bottom out force provides a weighty smoothness coupled with a clacky sound profile, making it suitable for both home and office environments where a neutral sound is preferred. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth typing experience with a more resonant sound and do not require the LED-friendly aspects, the Tomcat switch might be your best bet. Although it shares the same bottom-out force as the Flame Red, its unique Ly stems are designed for a slicker feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying linear experience, so your decision should hinge on whether you seek enhanced visual appeal or a purely smooth keypress.
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