Bsun Hutt vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Hutt and the Bsun Tomcat present two contrasting yet appealing options for different typing preferences. The Hutt, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing a snappy and invigorating feedback that many typists find satisfying and engaging. Its balanced sound profile adds a layer of auditory pleasure to the typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy tactile sensations while typing and value the assurance of feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat, a linear switch, offers a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, which eliminate any tactile bumps or resistance as you press the keys down. The resonant sound profile of the Tomcat enhances the feel of fluid, uninterrupted keystrokes, appealing to gamers and typists looking for speed and efficiency without distractions. Both switches possess unique attributes tailored to different ergonomic and gaming needs; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide which switch is ideal for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the Bsun Tomcat are remarkably similar, both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This choice in material contributes to a sound profile that is characterized by its sharpness, high-pitched clarity, and resonance. Due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, it effectively enhances the articulation of sound when the keys are pressed. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate offers an aesthetic advantage, especially for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboards. This commonality ensures that both the Hutt and the Tomcat will deliver a vibrant visual effect and a crisp auditory experience when engaged.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Hutt and the Tomcat is crafted from nylon, which dramatically alters the acoustic qualities of the switches. Nylon is well-known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which effectively absorbs more sound compared to harder materials. This contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing, an experience that many users find appealing. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches are identical in terms of materials and the benefits they offer, the nylon bottom housings contrast with each other, bringing a balance of sound quality and tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a unique sound experience for each switch. Tips from the top housing will produce a higher-pitched sound when keys are released, while the bottom housing dampens the noise, resulting in a richer and more rounded typing experience. Specifically, when these switches are utilized together, the stiffer polycarbonate will provide clarity, while the softer nylon will add depth. Thus, even with the commonalities in top housing material and sound output, the distinct properties of the nylon bottom housing in each switch allow for subtle variations in acoustics that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Hutt tactile switch to the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Hutt features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, making it a great choice for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may find preferable. This means that while the Hutt caters to users who appreciate lighter switches for prolonged use, the Tomcat provides a bit more resistance, which can enhance tactile feedback. Overall, the Hutt is the lighter option, whereas the Tomcat presents a medium-light alternative.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Hutt features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Hutt the shorter option, catering to users who may prefer a more responsive feel for quick actions, such as gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which some users might find more satisfying if they prefer a traditional pressing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth; however, both options are relatively close in travel distance, allowing for a similar tactile experience overall.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Hutt is characterized by a resonant sound that is higher-pitched, offering an immersive auditory experience. This clean and sharp sound profile contributes to a distinctive typing experience, enhancing the enjoyment of each keystroke. In contrast, the Tomcat's sound profile is not specifically detailed, which suggests that it may not have a notable sound signature. One can infer that, as a linear switch, the Tomcat will likely have a quieter sound compared to the Hutt, but specifics regarding its sound characteristics remain unknown.
In terms of feel, the Hutt switch excels with a variety of descriptors that indicate a highly engaging typing experience. Terms such as snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented highlight the switch’s pronounced tactile feedback, making each keypress feel responsive and alive. The medium-heavy spring allows for a sharp and distinct tactile bump, adding to the invigorating sensation. On the other hand, the feel of the Tomcat is not explicitly portrayed in the available information, leaving its tactile character and overall typing experience largely unspecified. As a linear switch, however, it would typically be smooth and consistent, lacking the pronounced feedback that the Hutt offers.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Hutt tactile switch provides a distinctive and responsive typing experience enriched by its notable sound and tactile feedback, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch's characteristics remain less defined. The Hutt's versatile and engaging attributes make it a strong choice for users who appreciate a tactile and auditory typing experience, while the Tomcat may appeal to those favoring smooth keystrokes without explicit feedback. Therefore, selecting between the two will hinge on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, especially for newcomers to mechanical keyboards who may seek distinct typing sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a responsive and engaging typing experience, the Hutt switch, with its light actuation force of 49 grams and prominent tactile bump, will likely appeal to you. The snappy and invigorating feedback it provides makes it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and lively feel while typing or gaming, especially if you appreciate a resonant sound profile that adds an auditory element to your experience. On the other hand, if you're seeking a smoother and more fluid typing experience, particularly for prolonged use such as programming or extensive writing, the Bsun Tomcat with its medium-light 54-gram actuation force would be the better option. The Tomcat’s Ly stems offer a seamless keystroke free from the pronounced tactile bump, making it great for users who prefer a quiet, linear feel without distractions. In summary, choose the Hutt for a more tactile and responsive typing sensation, while opting for the Tomcat if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter experience.
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