TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both present compelling options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility; its smooth actuation and neutral sound signature make it an excellent choice for a variety of settings, from competitive gaming to professional office work and relaxed typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stands out with its Ly stems that deliver an exceptionally smooth keystroke and a more resonant sound profile, appealing to those who favor a richer auditory feedback while typing. While the Gold Red Pro caters to users looking for a balanced and adaptable switch, the Tomcat (Heavy) might be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience. Both switches have their unique advantages, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
64g
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 TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches share a significant similarity in housing materials, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize this stiffer plastic, which inherently produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The sound characteristics afforded by the polycarbonate contribute to a clearer and more resonant typing experience, making it an excellent material choice for keystrokes, especially for those who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing vibrant backlighting to shine through, which can be an important aesthetic consideration for users who value visual customization in their keyboard setups.
In contrast to their matching polycarbonate tops, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, a classic material known for its acoustic properties. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This material choice leads to a more muted and rounded sound when bottoming out the switch. While the polycarbonate top excels in elevating the sound when a key is released, the nylon bottom counters this with its ability to soften the overall auditory experience. Thus, both switches provide a distinctly balanced typing experience, where the materials work in concert to combine high-pitched resonation with deep, soft undertones.
Ultimately, while the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) differ in their top and bottom housing materials, these differences complement each other to create a cohesive typing experience. Users will notice that the impact of the nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in how the switch feels upon bottoming out, while the polycarbonate top housing enhances the auditory feedback upon releasing the key. Therefore, despite the distinct qualities of each housing material, players can expect similar results in terms of overall typing sound and feel, delivering a well-rounded performance that appeals to both enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences exist in their actuation forces. The Gold Red Pro features an actuation force of 43 grams, which makes it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel in their keystrokes. Additionally, the Bsun Tomcat has a defined bottom out force of 64 grams, indicating that it provides a heavier resistance when fully pressed down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it compares in that aspect. Overall, the Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier switch due to its greater actuation and bottom out forces, while the Gold Red Pro is lighter, offering a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find some notable differences. The Gold Red Pro boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prioritize a quicker response time associated with shorter travel distances, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be the better choice. However, the Gold Red Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press and find shorter distances to be too abrupt. Ultimately, while both switches cater to varying preferences, choosing between them hinges on whether you value faster actuation or a more pronounced typing experience.
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 (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 Gold Red Pro linear switch is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral profile. This means it delivers a deep and satisfying sound upon actuation, making key presses feel impactful without being overbearing. Its versatile sound signature allows it to blend seamlessly in various environments, whether gaming, working, or casual typing. Conversely, details about the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch remain unspecified. Given that switch sound can also be affected by the keyboard itself and its accompanying keycaps, users might find that they can achieve a similar auditory experience with both switches depending on their setup.
Regarding feel, the Gold Red Pro switch stands out with its polished, silky texture that provides an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. The actuation is mild and gentle, creating an approachable typing environment that's suitable for users of all skill levels. This makes it particularly appealing for prolonged usage without fatigue. The Tomcat (Heavy), on the other hand, does not have available information on its feel characteristics. Therefore, while we can draw conclusions about the Gold Red Pro's superior smoothness and general comfort, the tactile sensation offered by the Tomcat remains uncertain.
In summary, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is lauded for its neutral sound profile and a smooth, mild feel that caters to a variety of settings and user preferences. Its design emphasizes versatility and a comfortable typing experience, making it an excellent choice for many users. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch leaves some areas undisclosed, particularly in terms of sound and feel, creating a gap for potential users who might want more specific insights into its performance. If sound or feel qualities are a priority, the Gold Red Pro offers well-defined attributes that can guide choices towards a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and the specific use cases you have in mind. If you're seeking a versatile switch suitable for a variety of environments, the Gold Red Pro is undeniably an excellent choice. Its easy press and polished, silky feel provide a seamless typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions in the office or for casual gaming. The neutral sound profile further enhances this adaptability, ensuring it fits in both quiet and bustling settings without drawing too much attention. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial actuation when typing, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram bottom out force delivers a firmer feel that can be satisfying for those who enjoy feeling the weight of each key press. While it offers a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, it also adds a resonant sound profile that may cater better to those who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing or gaming endeavors. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you value flexibility and a lighter touch with the Gold Red Pro or a more tactile and pronounced experience with the Tomcat (Heavy).
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