TTC Ice vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference in feel and sound. Two notable options are the TTC Ice and the Bsun Tomcat, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The TTC Ice is renowned for its crystal-clear transparent design and offers a smooth, responsive action paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat features Ly stems that provide an exceptionally smooth typing sensation, complemented by a resonant sound profile that many typists find appealing. While both switches deliver a premium tactile experience, each has its unique characteristics that may cater to different preferences in sound and touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Bsun Tomcat switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which serve to enhance the acoustics and aesthetics of the switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, attributed to its stiff composition that promotes clarity and resonance. This consistency in material choice means that both switches will exhibit similar auditory characteristics, making them well-suited for environments that prioritize sound quality, particularly when paired with RGB lighting. Given that polycarbonate is also translucent, it allows the colors of RGB lighting to shine through beautifully, enhancing the overall visual appeal of both switches.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials of the Ice and Tomcat switches introduce a distinct divergence in their acoustic profiles. The TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which contributes a similar high-pitched clarity to the sound but may not significantly soften the auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its capacity to absorb sound due to its softer nature. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, lending a rounder tone to the switch that is more pronounced when a key is bottomed out. Therefore, while both switches share the same top housing material, their bottom housings create differing auditory experiences when engaged.
This differentiation emphasizes the importance of the bottom housing in shaping both the sound and feel of each switch. With the polycarbonate bottom of the Ice, users will experience a consistent, bright sound that retains clarity throughout the keystroke. Meanwhile, users of the Tomcat will appreciate the muted richness produced by the nylon bottom, creating a more plush and textured feel. Thus, while the top housings may yield similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic function, the unique properties of the bottom housings ensure that enthusiasts will find varying yet complementary experiences when utilizing these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both exhibit an identical actuation force of 45 grams, providing users with a similar experience when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Ice switch requires a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Tomcat switch has a lower bottom out force of 54 grams. This difference means that the Tomcat switch offers a lighter feel when fully pressed down, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, whereas the heavier bottom out force of the Ice switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. Consequently, the Tomcat is generally considered the lighter option, while the Ice is seen as the heavier one.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Ice linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they provide the same tactile experience when pressed down. Since both switches share this same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness during use. This equal travel distance contributes to a consistent typing experience, allowing for comparable performance across both switch types.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Ice switch is characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound that many users find enjoyable, contributing to a premium typing experience. Its crystal-clear design may also enhance the acoustics, adding a slight resonance that can be quite pleasant. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch provides a resonant sound profile, which indicates a unique auditory quality that many users may appreciate. Both switches can produce acoustics that are influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, yet the Ice has a specific bottom-out sound that may appeal to those who value auditory feedback in their typing.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is known for its smooth, responsive actuation, allowing for a fluid typing experience that's great for both gaming and everyday tasks. This seamless feel can enhance overall typing efficiency and enjoyment. The Bsun Tomcat switch, on the other hand, features Ly stems designed to provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience. While both switches are engineered for a smooth feel, the Ice’s responsive nature may lend slightly more to a gaming-focused performance, while the Tomcat may cater to users who prioritize an ultra-smooth tactile experience.
Overall, both the TTC Ice and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches deliver enjoyable features for different preferences. The Ice impresses with its aesthetically pleasing design and responsive feel paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike. The Tomcat, with its resonant sound profile and smooth operation, also stands out, especially for those who appreciate a quieter yet equally satisfying typing experience. Although there are subtle differences, both switches can provide a fulfilling linear typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their specific auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and overall feel. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force that provides a satisfying tactile feedback with a slightly more pronounced sound, the TTC Ice would be an excellent choice for both gaming and everyday typing. Its crystal-clear design not only looks stunning but also enhances the acoustic profile of the switch, making it ideal if you value an immersive typing experience paired with a bit more heft in your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you gravitate toward a lighter typing experience that still maintains smoothness, the Bsun Tomcat's medium-light actuation force at 54 grams might be the better fit. With its Ly stems, the Tomcat is designed for ultra-smooth keystrokes and emits a resonant sound that many users find appealing, making it suitable for those who prioritize a quieter, effortless experience. In essence, your choice should hinge on whether you desire the gratifying heft and sound of the TTC Ice or the gentle smoothness and subtle acoustics of the Bsun Tomcat.
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