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TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Bsun Tomcat

An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing and gaming preferences, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Bsun Tomcat linear switches present two distinct yet appealing options. The TTC Gold Red Pro is lauded for its remarkable versatility, delivering a seamless and effortless typing experience suitable for all types of users, whether you're gaming, working in an office, or enjoying a leisurely typing session. Its neutral sound signature strikes a balance in auditory environments, making it a great choice for those who desire a quieter setup without sacrificing feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch stands out with its Ly stems, promoting an exceptionally smooth tactile experience complemented by a resonant sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. While the Gold Red Pro caters to users seeking adaptability and subtlety, the Tomcat offers a unique auditory character that can enhance the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

43g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

54g

Pre-travel

1.80 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

18.5mm spring

Spring

Extended spring

Housing materials

The housing materials used in both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Tomcat are notably similar, as each utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This shared use of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness and resonant qualities. Furthermore, both switches exhibit an aesthetic advantage as they incorporate translucent polycarbonate, which ensures vibrant RGB lighting effects shine through beautifully. As a result, users can expect a visually appealing experience in conjunction with a clear audio performance when utilizing either switch.

While the top housing materials are identical in both switches, the bottom housings showcase a classic nylon material that creates a distinctly deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency in nylon usage means that when typing on either the Gold Red Pro or the Tomcat, users will experience a sound that absorbs more noise, leading to a rounder and quieter bottom-out feedback. The contrasting qualities of the two different housing materials allow for a well-balanced auditory experience, where the top end is characterized by clarity and brightness from the polycarbonate, while the low end benefits from the softer, dampening properties of nylon.

Overall, the blending of these materials in the TTC Gold Red Pro and Bsun Tomcat ensures a harmonious balance between sound quality and aesthetic appeal. The polycarbonate top provides crispness in sound associated with keystrokes, while the nylon bottom enhances the auditory landscape by contributing depth and fullness. Although there are variations in sound characteristics due to the positions of the housings, the overall experience can be expected to deliver similar results in responsiveness, clarity, and appeal for users seeking an engaging typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro remains unknown. The Gold Red Pro features an actuation force of 43 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Tomcat's 45 grams, which may favor typists who prefer a less strenuous key press for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat has a bottom out force of 54 grams, providing a more substantial feedback when fully pressed down, which caters to those who enjoy a heavier and more defined key feel. Since the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unavailable, we can't make a direct comparison in that regard. However, if both switches were to have similar bottom out forces, users would likely experience comparable results; otherwise, the Tomcat’s heavier profile overall suggests it might be the better choice for those who value a stronger push feel in their typing experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm positions the Tomcat as the more responsive option, aligning with the preferences of gamers seeking quicker response times during gameplay. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro's longer travel distance may appeal to users who favor a more substantial key press and a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, those who prioritize speed and rapid activation would likely opt for the Tomcat, while those who prefer a fuller feel when typing may gravitate towards the Gold Red Pro.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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

When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Gold Red Pro is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound signature. This makes it versatile for many environments, providing a satisfying auditory experience without being overwhelming. The deep thud sound it produces upon actuation is pleasant and resonates well in both gaming and office settings. In contrast, the sound profile for the Tomcat remains unspecified, leaving room for speculation about its aural characteristics. Sound perception can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the chosen keycaps, which could affect the overall auditory experience.

As for the feel of these switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro shines with its polished, silky characteristics, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. This switch minimizes resistance while offering a mild and approachable tactile response, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The subtle resistance it provides ensures that typing is both gentle and satisfying, working well in shared environments. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Tomcat remain unknown, which makes it challenging to compare directly in this aspect. The overall typing sensation, dictated largely by the switch’s design, materials, and construction, will ultimately influence user preference.

In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch presents a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience, exemplifying versatility and smoothness, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch lacks sufficient information to make a direct comparison. If you prioritize sound and feel, the Gold Red Pro offers a reliable choice for various uses, while the Tomcat's performance remains to be seen. Users seeking a balanced experience may find the Gold Red Pro more appealing, whereas those intrigued by untested options might choose the Tomcat, hoping for unique qualities yet to be described.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize versatility and a smooth, easy typing experience across a variety of applications, the Gold Red Pro is your best bet. Its neutral sound profile and polished feel make it suitable for any environment, whether you're gaming, working in an office, or casually typing at home. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and desire a more resonant sound that enhances your typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat switch may be more appealing. The Tomcat's Ly stems contribute to an exceptionally smooth feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a premium typing sensation. Ultimately, think about how you intend to use your keyboard, and let your preferred balance of sound, feel, and actuation force guide your decision.

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