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Jerrzi Orange vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing needs, the Jerrzi Orange and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Jerrzi Orange is known for its lightweight and clacky design, providing an audible feedback with each keystroke that can invigorate your typing experience and engage those who appreciate a lively and responsive feel. Categorized as "Feathery," "Easy-to-press," and "Clacky," these switches are ideal for users seeking a playful yet efficient typing rhythm. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) focuses on delivering a remarkably smooth and resonant experience, thanks to its specialized Ly stems. While it excels in providing a seamless and quiet operation, its heavier actuation might appeal more to typists looking for a solid and confident keystroke without the additional sound. Each switch has its unique strengths; however, 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

37g

Actuation force

55g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

64g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.95 mm

Total travel

3.70 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

POM

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

Stainless steel

Spring

Extended spring

Housing materials

The Jerrzi Orange and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, leading to a shared sonic characteristic that typifies each switch. Polycarbonate’s stiffer structure promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a crisper auditory experience during typing. This material's translucency is also ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element alongside the acoustic properties. Since both switches are constructed with this same polycarbonate material on top, users can expect similar performance regarding clarity and brightness in sound, which can enhance the overall typing experience and visual appeal of the switches.

In contrast to their shared top housing material, the bottom housings of the Jerrzi Orange and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are also made from nylon, which introduces a different set of acoustic qualities. Nylon's softer nature means that it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, giving a deeper and fuller sound profile to the keys. As a classic material in switch construction, nylon aids in creating a rounder, more subdued auditory experience when typing. Since both switches incorporate nylon as their bottom housing material, users can expect both to deliver a more muffled sound, which balances the clearer sounds produced by the polycarbonate tops.

Given that both the Jerrzi Orange and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share identical housing materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—their performance characteristics will complement each other effectively. The combination of a stiff, resonant top and a soft, sound-absorbing bottom creates a harmonious balance in sonic output, where the polycarbonate imparts clarity and brightness while the nylon helps to shape a richer sound. As a result, users can anticipate a consistent experience that fuses the strengths of both materials, creating switches with a well-rounded auditory feedback that is both engaging and satisfying to use.

Weight

When comparing the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jerrzi Orange switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the Tomcat switch has a bottom out force of 64 grams, providing a noticeable tactile feedback upon fully depressing the key, while the bottom out force for the Jerrzi Orange is unknown. Thus, users who prioritize a heavier switch for its feedback may lean towards the Tomcat. Overall, if you prefer a lighter option, the Jerrzi Orange is the better choice, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is ideal for those seeking a more robust feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Jerrzi Orange has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that both switches are relatively close in terms of their travel distances, which are shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm but longer than the 3.0 mm shallow distances that some switches offer. If you're seeking a switch that provides a more responsive feel, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, if you prefer a more substantial depth in your keystrokes, the Jerrzi Orange could be more appealing because of its greater travel distance. Overall, while both switches aim to cater to a range of preferences, the Jerrzi Orange is the longer option, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) takes the edge as the shorter choice.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.

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

When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Orange linear switches stand out with their clacky profile, delivering a crisp and bright auditory feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. The sharp, percussive notes produced upon each keystroke create a lively ambiance. In contrast, while we have less detailed information on the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches, they are noted for having a resonant quality. Consequently, while both switches may produce unique auditory characteristics, the Tomcat may not reach the same level of clackiness that defines the Orange switches.

In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Orange switches are characterized by a feathery and easy-to-press nature. This lightweight design requires minimal effort to actuate, significantly reducing finger fatigue and enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. The reduced resistance makes each keystroke feel effortless and responsive, perfect for prolonged use whether gaming or working. Details on the tactile experience of the Tomcat (Heavy) switches are not provided, making it more challenging to compare their overall feel. However, if they are similarly designed with smooth movement in mind, users may still find satisfying results.

In summary, the Jerrzi Orange linear switches are ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a clacky sound and a lightweight, responsive feel. Their lively auditory profile and ease of activation make them a compelling choice for various applications. While details on the sound and tactile qualities of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) may be less clear, their resonant nature and smooth operation may still provide an enjoyable experience, particularly if they also prioritize comfort and low resistance. Ultimately, both switches seem tailored to enhance the typing experience, though the specific preferences for sound and feel will heavily influence a user's choice.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a lightweight feel and a lively, responsive experience, the Jerrzi Orange is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and low actuation force make it particularly appealing for extended typing sessions, ideal for gamers and fast typists who want to minimize finger fatigue without sacrificing feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) may be more suited to your tastes. With its smooth keystrokes and resonant sound profile, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more deliberate and tactile feel while typing. In the end, consider your typing style, whether you lean towards a light, airy touch or a more robust pressing experience, and you'll be able to select the switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard journey the most.

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