Kailh BCP vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch type can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable contenders in the linear switch category are the Kailh BCP and the Bsun Tomcat. The Kailh BCP stands out for its unique design, reinterpreting the beloved Black Cherry Pie switches and providing a creamy, viscous, and elastic feel that enhances typing dynamics. Users appreciate the BCP for its bouncy nature and signature clacky sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat prioritizes a smooth, seamless typing experience, boasting Ly stems that facilitate effortless keystrokes. Its resonant sound profile appeals to users seeking a quieter yet still engaging auditory experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the BCP for those who revel in a lively, responsive feel and the Tomcat for users who value smoothness and subtlety. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Kailh BCP and Bsun Tomcat switches, a distinct difference lies in their top housing materials. The BCP features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and more rounded sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat sports a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and produces a sharper, crisper sound profile. The choice of polycarbonate, with its translucency, is particularly advantageous for users who want to enhance the RGB lighting effects, as it effectively showcases the illumination. Thus, while the BCP emphasizes a warmer and more muted acoustic experience, the Tomcat caters to those looking for brightness and clarity in their typing feedback.

Conversely, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to similar characteristics in this aspect. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile, enhancing the tactile feedback upon key press. Because the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users of either switch will experience a consistent and satisfactory response when bottoming out. This similarity in the bottom housing can create a cohesive typing experience, even when the top housings contrast so markedly in their sound profiles.

Overall, the interplay of the different materials in the Kailh BCP and the Bsun Tomcat switches creates unique yet complementary performance characteristics. The use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures a consistent tactile feedback, while the varying compositions of the top housings allow for a distinct auditory experience depending on the switch chosen. Users who prioritize a deeper sound and subdued typing experience may lean towards the BCP, while those who prefer a sharper, more resonant sound will likely favor the Tomcat. In either case, the acrylic bottom housing lends a layer of parity between the two switches, ensuring a satisfying overall experience despite their aesthetic and sonic differences.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch with the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Kailh BCP has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, catering to those who favor a more effortless keystroke, facilitating longer typing or gaming sessions. This distinction means that the BCP switch is geared towards users who enjoy a firmer push, while the Tomcat offers a softer feel. Given these factors, the Tomcat can be considered the lighter option, while the BCP is the heavier option, resulting in distinctly different user experiences based on personal preferences for switch weight and feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that the BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference, although minimal, could influence user experience depending on personal preference. Gamers might gravitate towards the Kailh BCP for its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker actuation and potentially faster response times. On the other hand, typists or those who prefer more pronounced keystrokes might lean towards the Bsun Tomcat due to its longer travel distance, providing a heartier feel with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will largely depend on whether the user prefers a more responsive, snappy action or a deeper, more substantial typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP switch is known for its distinctly clacky profile. This produces a sharp and snappy sound, with a crisp brightness that can feel engaging during typing or gaming sessions. The sound has a percussive quality that many users find satisfying, especially when combined with the right board and keycaps. On the other hand, details regarding the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat switches are less defined; they have been described as resonant, which suggests a fuller and possibly deeper auditory response. However, without specific descriptors, it's difficult to make a detailed comparison to the lively clack of the BCP.

When it comes to feel, the BCP switches offer a unique experience marked by a bouncy, elastic response combined with a creamy, smooth surface. The bounciness allows for a lively typing experience, creating a sense of rebound with each keystroke that can enhance the satisfaction of typing. The creamy aspect contributes a buttery smoothness, making each press feel effortless and pleasant, as if gliding across the keys. In contrast, there is no detailed description available for the feel of the Tomcat switches, leaving us to speculate on how their super smooth Ly stems might compare.

In conclusion, while the Kailh BCP linear switch provides a well-documented sound and feel profile that emphasizes a clacky auditory experience and a unique bouncy, creamy texture, the Bsun Tomcat switches offer a resonant sound with an unspecified feel. Enthusiasts choosing between these options may find that the BCP delivers a more engaging auditory and tactile response, while the Tomcat remains a mystery in terms of its tactile characteristics. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on personal preference, with both switches promising distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force and desire an engaging typing experience defined by a bouncy, creamy sensation coupled with a distinct clacky sound, the BCP may be the better option for you. Its unique feel and auditory feedback can enhance your typing or gaming experience, particularly if you appreciate tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, smoother keystroke that allows for rapid typing without putting too much strain on your fingers, the Tomcat switch is likely a more suitable choice. Its Ly stems provide a silky smoothness, complemented by a resonant sound that may suit quieter environments or those who enjoy a more understated auditory profile. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your personal typing style and the level of auditory and tactile feedback you find most enjoyable.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more