TTC Iron vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, users often grapple with the characteristics that best suit their typing style and preferences. The TTC Iron switch stands out with its unique clacky sound profile, adding an engaging auditory element to every keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate a little flair in their typing experience. Coupled with its light actuation force, the Iron switch ensures quick and effortless typing sessions, appealing to both keyboard enthusiasts and everyday users alike. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is designed for a more robust experience, featuring Ly stems that contribute to a super smooth travel, resulting in a soft yet satisfying typing feel. While it lacks the pronounced auditory resonance of the Iron, the Tomcat offers its own type of satisfaction for users seeking stealthier yet efficient performance. Both switches have their distinct merits, catering to different preferences in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Iron Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Iron and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) feature distinctly different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Iron utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top and bottom housings, which produces a deeper, more muted sound. This characteristic is often favored by those who appreciate a less sharp auditory experience, providing a smooth transition when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which introduces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is further enhanced by the stiffness of the material. This not only creates a crisper auditory feedback but is particularly advantageous for users seeking a more pronounced sound, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as polycarbonate's translucent quality allows for vibrant light diffusion.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the TTC Iron continues with the POM material, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) opts for nylon—a classic choice. Nylon’s properties lend a fuller and deeper sound profile compared to the POM in the Iron, primarily due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This absorption creates a rounder and duller auditory experience, contrasting with the more resonant output of the Iron's POM bottom housing. Thus, while both switches provide unique sound characteristics, the Tomcat leans towards a softer bottoming-out effect, whereas the Iron maintains a uniform muted quality throughout.

In terms of user experience, the combined effects of the distinct materials for each switch’s top and bottom housing lead to different sound interactions. For both switches, while the top materials influence the sound made during the release of the key, the bottom materials contribute significantly to the feel and sound when bottoming out. Therefore, despite their differing materials, the TTC Iron and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) can achieve similar end results in terms of responsiveness and feedback, depending on the preferences and priorities of the user. This showcases the versatility and customization available in the mechanical keyboard space, allowing enthusiasts to select an option that best suits their auditory and tactile preferences.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The TTC Iron switch features a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch has a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial push feel during use. This difference in weights signifies that the Iron switch is preferable for enhanced comfort over long periods, while the Tomcat switch offers a firmer resistance that can be satisfying for users seeking tactile feedback. Overall, the TTC Iron is the lighter option, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier choice, catering to different user preferences in typing experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Iron offers a deeper press, which could appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance may provide a snappier response, making it a good choice for gamers who prioritize rapid key actuation and quicker response times in competitive situations. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: those who appreciate a more pronounced depth may prefer the Iron, whereas those favoring a faster actuation might lean towards the Tomcat.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Iron linear switch is characterized by its pronounced clacky sound signature, which creates a crisp and bright auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sharp, percussive quality adds an enjoyable layer of satisfaction to typing, making it appealing for users who appreciate auditory cues. In contrast, while the sound profile for the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is noted to be resonant, specific descriptors or details about its tonal characteristics haven’t been provided. This leaves an ambiguity about how it compares directly to the Iron in terms of sound intensity or quality. However, it is worth noting that the overall sound experience can vary significantly depending on the type of keyboard and keycaps used, potentially leading both switches to produce enjoyable results.

In studying the feel of these switches, the TTC Iron linear switch stands out for its light actuation force, which facilitates easy and fatigue-free typing. This low-resistance design provides a gentle touch that is especially advantageous during long typing sessions, promoting comfortable usage without requiring excessive effort. The feel is described as mild, offering a controlled yet approachable typing experience suitable for a wide array of users. On the other hand, specific details regarding the feel of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch remain unmentioned. This lack of information leaves uncertainty about whether it matches or deviates from the gentle and pleasant typing experience that the Iron switch consistently provides.

In summary, while the TTC Iron linear switch excels in both its distinctive clacky sound and easy-to-press feel, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch presents some unknowns, particularly regarding its sound and feel profile. If sound quality and tactile feedback are paramount in your choice, the Iron switch provides clarity and consistent pleasure in both arenas. However, until more information on the Tomcat's attributes is unveiled, its exact performance and user experience remain uncertain. Users seeking a reliable, satisfying typing experience may find the Iron an enticing option, while those intrigued by the Tomcat might need to explore further before making a decision.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage context. The TTC Iron, with its light 50-gram actuation force, is ideal for those who prefer a swift and effortless typing experience. Its clacky sound adds a delightful auditory element that enhances the overall feedback, making it a great choice for casual typists, gamers, or anyone who enjoys a more engaging keystroke. If you type for long hours and seek a switch that minimizes finger fatigue, the Iron's responsive nature will serve you well. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more substantial feel in your switches, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram bottom-out force provides a medium-heavy resistance that demands a bit more effort, giving you a sense of control and satisfaction upon each keystroke. Tomcat's smooth travel with a resonant sound profile creates a rich typing experience that will appeal to those who appreciate a more tactile feedback and a pronounced acoustic character. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a light and quick typing experience versus a heavier, more controlled one, as this will significantly affect your comfort and satisfaction while typing.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Iron Linear

$5.40

$4.30 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more