TTC Gold Silver vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and Bsun Tomcat are two impressive linear options that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, characterized by a shortened travel distance that culminates in a satisfying and solid bottom-out. This switch provides a harmonious blend of speed and a mild, resonant sound signature, allowing for a seamless typing experience that feels both polished and silky. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches stand out with their unique Ly stems, which contribute to an incredibly smooth feel during each keystroke, also accompanied by a resonant sound profile. While the Gold Silver emphasizes responsiveness and closure, the Tomcat focuses on a consistently smooth typing experience. Both switches have their distinct merits, making them appealing to different types of users. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Silver Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Silver and the Bsun Tomcat switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, and as a result, they share important sound characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in both models leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound emitted when typing, allowing users to enjoy a more distinct auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucent property of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, making both switches visually appealing in setups that incorporate customizable lighting. Thus, both the Gold Silver and the Tomcat provide similar acoustical advantages thanks to their matching top housing materials.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches utilizes different materials, with both the Gold Silver and the Tomcat employing nylon. As a classic material for switch housings, nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting from the material's softer properties that absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This means that when typing on either switch, users are likely to experience a duller and rounder auditory sensation, contributing to a satisfying typing experience. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches reinforces their shared commitment to comfort and sound quality during extended use, making them appealing options for typists who value tactile feedback.

Overall, while the TTC Gold Silver and Bsun Tomcat switches exhibit similarities in their top housing materials—offering crisp sound profiles and aesthetic advantages—their equal use of nylon for the bottom housing provides them with a complementary tonal richness. This combination allows for a distinct separation of sound qualities: the polycarbonate contributes to a clearer sound upon releasing the key, while the nylon creates a fuller sound at the point of bottoming out. Users can expect a harmonious blend of these audio characteristics, regardless of the switch they choose, leading to a pleasurable typing experience that combines both clarity and depth.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require an identical amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity may lead to comparable typing experiences in terms of the actuation feel. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; while the Gold Silver switch has an unspecified bottom out force, the Tomcat switch features a bottom out force of 54 grams. This suggests that the Tomcat provides a more tactile and resistant feedback upon fully pressing down the key, which may appeal to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Consequently, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, with its heavier bottom out force, is better suited for those seeking a more substantial feedback during use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This difference is minimal, but it can affect the overall feel and response when typing or gaming. For those who favor shorter travel distances for enhanced responsiveness, the Gold Silver may be the preferable choice, offering a slightly quicker actuation. Conversely, for users who enjoy a more robust, tactile experience, the Tomcat's longer travel distance might be more appealing, providing a bit more depth with each keystroke. Ultimately, the distinction between these two switches highlights the personal preferences surrounding key travel distances in the context of either fast-paced gaming or a more traditional typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch produces a notably thocky and low-pitched sound, characterized by its deep, rich tones that create a satisfying auditory experience when pressed. This sound profile resonates well, offering a powerful acoustic presence with each keystroke, making it suitable for typists who appreciate a bit of audio feedback. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Bsun Tomcat remain unknown, indicating that it could potentially offer a different auditory experience. However, both switches are affected by external factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that the true sound signature may vary.

When discussing the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch stands out for its polished, silky, and mild typing experience. The smoothness is a result of the refined design and materials used, allowing for minimal resistance and friction during keypresses. This creates a remarkably fluid typing experience, appealing to both new and experienced users. In comparison, the feel qualities of the Bsun Tomcat switch are not specified, leaving a gap in understanding how it measures up against the Gold Silver. Thus, while you can expect a seamless feel from the Gold Silver, the Tomcat’s performance in this regard remains uncertain.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch impresses with its robust sound and smooth, polished feel, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking speed and responsiveness in their typing experience. While the Bsun Tomcat switch offers an unknown auditory and tactile experience, there is potential for them to provide satisfying results as well, depending on their unique characteristics. Ultimately, if you opt for the Gold Silver, you can anticipate a harmonious blend of sound and feel, while the Tomcat may be worth exploring for those interested in discovering various linear switch qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, consider your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, particularly for competitive gaming or fast-paced typing, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent choice. Its polished, silky feel and rapid travel distance will greatly enhance your efficiency, making every keystroke feel fluid and decisive, while the thocky and low-pitched sound adds to the satisfaction of each press. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force and a more subtle sound profile, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch may be the better option. This switch is designed for a satisfying tactile experience, ideal for a balanced blend of typing and gaming, making it suitable for both casual use and long sessions at your desk. By assessing your priorities in terms of feel, sound, and bottom-out force, you can confidently choose the switch that best aligns with your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more