TTC Flaming Pink vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and Bsun Tomcat are two compelling linear options that cater to different preferences and styles. The Flaming Pink switches stand out for their smooth and responsive feel, accompanied by a subtle yet satisfying bottom-out sound. This makes them a fantastic choice for users who appreciate a polished typing experience that seamlessly transitions between gaming and everyday tasks. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches boast Ly stems, which contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience and offer a resonant sound profile that many users find enjoyable. While both switches provide the benefits of a linear feel, the Flaming Pink excels in delivering a balanced sound for a premium experience, whereas the Tomcat offers a unique auditory feedback that sets it apart. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the Bsun Tomcat both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is notably sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. This shared feature can be attributed to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, allowing for greater resonance and clarity in sound production. Additionally, its translucency enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it an excellent choice for setups featuring RGB lighting, as it diffuses light beautifully. The identical material choice in the top housing underscores how both switches are designed to excel in scenarios where enhanced auditory feedback and visual appeal are valued, ensuring a consistently vibrant experience for users.
In contrast, both the Flaming Pink and the Tomcat adopt nylon for their bottom housing, which distinctly shapes the auditory characteristics experienced during typing. Nylon's softer composition contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, enabling it to absorb sound effectively and soften the auditory feedback compared to harder plastic alternatives. This similarity further solidifies the harmony between the two switches, as the nylon bottom housing enhances the tactile experience, giving users a rounded and warm bottom-out feel. While the polycarbonate top delivers brightness in sound, the nylon base complements it by deepening the auditory quality, ensuring a wonderfully balanced typing experience.
When evaluating the overall sound and feel of these two switches, it is important to consider how the different housing materials interact. In both cases, the top polycarbonate housings contribute to clarity and resonance during key release, while the bottom nylon housings lend a fuller sound and a softer feedback on bottoming out. This interplay showcases how even with identical materials, the unique combination of properties results in a nuanced user experience. Ultimately, both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Bsun Tomcat epitomize the effective blend of materials, where the top and bottom housing elements work in tandem to create a rich auditory experience that caters to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Flaming Pink features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for those who prefer extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference indicates that while both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, the Tomcat provides a bit more resistance, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Consequently, if a user prioritizes a lighter touch, the Flaming Pink would be the more suitable choice, whereas those seeking a firmer push should consider the Tomcat.
Travel distance
The TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Since both switches exhibit the same travel distance, users can expect similar tactile feedback and keystroke performance when typing or gaming. This uniformity in travel distance offers a consistent experience, regardless of which switch is used, allowing for seamless transitions between keyboards equipped with either switch type. Therefore, the travel experiences provided by the Flaming Pink and Tomcat switches will be identical, catering well to those who prioritize consistency in their typing or gaming scenarios.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch delivers a bright yet not overly loud profile, making it suitable for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback without overwhelming their environment. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, which suggests a deeper or more pronounced auditory experience. Both switches' sound characteristics can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so users might find similar results if paired with equivalent setups.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch is renowned for its smooth and responsive action, providing a premium typing experience that appeals to both gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Tomcat switch features Ly stems that contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience as well. While both switches offer a pleasing tactile sensation, the Flaming Pink distinguishes itself through its responsive nature, whereas the Tomcat focuses on ultimate smoothness.
In conclusion, both the TTC Flaming Pink and Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, yet they share a commitment to a smooth typing experience. The Flaming Pink is ideal for those who value a balanced sound with a responsive feel, while the Tomcat is suited for users who prioritize a resonant auditory experience combined with seamless keystrokes. Depending on your specific needs, either switch can provide a satisfying result, making them both worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Flaming Pink and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you favor a lighter bottom-out force that offers a smoother and more responsive feel, the Flaming Pink switch would be an excellent choice for your typing and gaming needs. Its pleasant sound profile adds a subtle auditory feedback that can enhance the overall experience without being overly distracting. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation with a bit more resistance, the Tomcat switch, with its Ly stems, provides a super smooth typing sensation alongside a more resonant sound profile. This makes it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a richer auditory experience while typing or gaming. Therefore, consider your typing style, the sound profile you enjoy, and the resistance level that feels right for you when making your decision between these two standout options.
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