TTC Flaming Pink vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flaming Pink and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct yet complementary experiences for any typist or gamer. The TTC Flaming Pink switches are renowned for their smooth feel and satisfying bottom-out sound, providing a premium typing experience suitable for both gaming and everyday use. Their sound profile strikes a balance—bright enough to be enjoyable without being overly loud, making them ideal for those seeking a touch of excitement without disturbing their surroundings. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches are characterized by their Ly stems, delivering a super smooth typing experience that many users find particularly advantageous for long typing sessions. Additionally, these switches produce a resonant sound profile, which may cater to individuals who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback. Both switches excel in linear responsiveness, and your choice may ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound ambiance or the pure tactile experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
64g
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 housing materials of the TTC Flaming Pink and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share significant similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a material renowned for its rigid structure, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic allows for a clear and resonant auditory experience when the switches are engaged, making both the Flaming Pink and Tomcat (Heavy) suitable for users who appreciate pronounced sound feedback when typing. Additionally, polycarbonate’s translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, ensuring vibrant illumination that accentuates the overall visual effect.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Flaming Pink and Tomcat (Heavy) are made from nylon, a material known for its sound-absorbing qualities. This choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch. Because nylon is softer than polycarbonate, it tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it, resulting in a more muted auditory experience that complements the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver a dynamic typing experience, they achieve this through a combination of crisp highs from the polycarbonate top and warmer lows from the nylon bottom.
When these housing materials are paired, the overall sound profile of each switch becomes a blend of their distinctive qualities. The polycarbonate top contributes bright and clear sounds during key release, while the nylon bottom provides a rounder and deeper tone upon bottoming out. This interplay between the two materials is responsible for delivering a comprehensive auditory experience that balances the high and low frequencies. Consequently, while there are distinct differences in materiality between the top and bottom housings, the combination ensures that both the TTC Flaming Pink and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) can offer a satisfying and nuanced typing experience—highlighting the effectiveness of thoughtful material selection in mechanical switch design.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Flaming Pink switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as the lower resistance can reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 64 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience for those who prefer heavier switches. Consequently, the Flaming Pink switch is the lighter option, while the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those who appreciate a firmer push feel. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that is easier to press over longer durations, the Flaming Pink would be more suitable, whereas the Tomcat is better suited for typists who prefer a more robust key feel.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users pressing down on keys equipped with either switch will experience the same amount of travel. This similarity indicates that both switches will provide a comparable tactile response and feel when typing or gaming, leading to a uniform experience in terms of keystroke depth. As a result, users seeking a consistent performance between these switches can expect similar results in their interactions, regardless of which switch they choose to use.
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 (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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Pink switch has a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, providing a pleasant experience that strikes a balance between being audible without being intrusive. This makes it suitable for both gaming and daily typing without disturbing others. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch features a resonant sound profile, which may add a certain richness or character to each keystroke. However, as sound is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard itself and the choice of keycaps, users may find that both switches can produce satisfying auditory feedback depending on their overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch is renowned for its smooth and responsive characteristics, delivering a premium typing experience that many users enjoy. This smoothness facilitates effortless keystrokes, enhancing efficiency during both gaming and typing tasks. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch boasts Ly stems that contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience as well. This similarities in feel suggest that both switches prioritize fluidity, making them excellent choices for users who value seamless key presses in their mechanical keyboard use.
Overall, both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches offer unique yet comparable qualities in sound and feel. While the Flaming Pink is noted for its bright sound and responsive feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) stands out with its resonant auditory feedback and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to users looking for high-quality performance, ensuring that regardless of choice, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, your unique preferences and typing style should guide your choice. If you appreciate a lighter switch that offers a smooth, responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the Flaming Pink is an excellent option. Its 50-gram force makes it particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming or long typing sessions, where you might prefer less resistance to minimize fatigue. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more substantial tactile experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram bottom-out force could be your ideal match. This switch provides a medium-heavy feel that can enhance keystroke satisfaction, making it better suited for users who prefer more feedback and might typify a heavier hand while typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider how these switches fit into your regular activities; if you enjoy speed and finesse, go with the Flaming Pink, but if you want a robust, resonant sound and a firmer pushback, the Tomcat (Heavy) will serve you well.