TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Bsun Tomcat stands out for those who prioritize different typing experiences. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch known for its subtle, nuanced feedback, providing a gentle tactile bump that allows typists to engage deeply with their work without overwhelming reminders of each keystroke. Its low-pitched sound profile ensures a quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept in check. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch is a linear switch that features a smooth, uninterrupted actuation, delivering a sleek and fast typing experience. With its resonant sound profile, the Tomcat caters to gamers and typists who favor a seamless action without any tactile interruption. While both switches offer unique advantages—immersive tactility for the Gold Brown Pro and smooth, noise-free performance for the Tomcat—understanding their specific characteristics is key to making an informed choice. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Bsun Tomcat, it is noteworthy that both switches utilize identical materials for their top and bottom housings. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing which is primarily responsible for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The intrinsic properties of polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic, contribute to a clear and resonant sound. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for enhancing the effects of RGB lighting due to the translucence of polycarbonate, which allows the illumination to shine through effectively. Therefore, users can expect similar acoustic results when using either switch, with both providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance that complements RGB setups.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown Pro and Tomcat incorporate nylon, which has been recognized as a classic material for switch housings. The use of nylon leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, owing to its properties as a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This creates a distinct audible experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, when typing on either switch, users will experience the comfort and richness provided by the nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall feel of the switch during use.
Although the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Bsun Tomcat are constructed from the same top and bottom housing materials, the resulting sound profiles will juxtapose the clearer, higher-pitched notes from the polycarbonate top with the deeper, fuller tones from the nylon bottom. This synergy between the components facilitates a multifaceted auditory experience, where the top housing contributes to the sound produced upon release of the key, while the bottom housing primarily influences the sound and feel upon bottoming out. As a result, users will enjoy a harmonious blend of sound characteristics from both switches, underlining their similarity in material choice while enhancing the typing experience overall.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch share a common actuation force of 45 grams, making them both equally responsive when it comes to triggering a keystroke. This similarity allows users to experience similar results in terms of keystroke activation, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the two switches diverge in their bottom out forces, as the Tomcat switch features a measurable bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro’s bottom out force is unspecified. This indicates that the Tomcat switch has a heavier overall feel due to the additional force required to press down completely. Consequently, while both switches offer a light actuation feel, the Tomcat's increased bottom out force may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, whereas the Gold Brown Pro is more suited for users seeking a lighter touch overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Gold Brown Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference, although subtle, may influence user preference based on their tactile needs. Those who favor a deeper keypress may appreciate the Gold Brown Pro for its longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial tactile feedback. Conversely, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation with less effort. Overall, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Tomcat would be suitable, whereas those who enjoy a hearty keypress might prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its greater depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
The sound profile of the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral attributes. This means that when pressed, it produces a deep and soft sound, reminiscent of a gentle knock rather than a loud clatter. This makes it suitable for various environments, such as an office setting or a quiet home workspace, allowing for unobtrusive typing. Unlike the Tomcat switch, which has an unspecified sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro prioritizes subtlety and minimal distraction through its acoustic qualities.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro offers a polished and silky typing experience. Users can expect smooth key travel with reduced friction, providing a mild tactile feedback that is gentle yet noticeable. This switch embodies a stepped feel, where users can sense both pre-travel and post-travel, creating a nuanced typing experience that is neither overwhelming nor too dull. On the contrary, the Tomcat switch lacks a clear description of its tactile characteristics, leaving its specific feel open to interpretation.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch excels in providing a refined and subtle experience, both acoustically and in feel, making it ideal for those who seek a harmonious balance while typing. The distinguished sound and feel of the Gold Brown Pro makes it an excellent choice for users looking for nuance in their keystrokes. In contrast, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offers a smooth typing experience, it lacks detailed descriptions that could help define its unique qualities. Therefore, those who find themselves drawn to the Tomcat will need to test it further to uncover its specific traits.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a subtle typing experience with gentle tactile feedback and a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro is well-suited for you. Its polished and silky feel allows for a smooth typing experience, making it excellent for extended typing sessions without being overly distracting, whether you’re working in a quiet office or at home. On the other hand, if you crave a super smooth typing experience and the satisfying sound of key presses, the Tomcat linear switch might be your go-to. With its 54 grams medium-light bottom-out force, it’s ideal for those who enjoy a seamless keystroke without any tactile bumps, making it perfect for rapid typing or gaming. In essence, choose the Gold Brown Pro for a nuanced tactile response with minimal noise, and opt for the Tomcat for a fluid, linear experience that emphasizes speed and smoothness.
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