KTT Kang White vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Kang White and the Bsun Tomcat both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences while still being classified as linear switches. The Kang White is renowned for its delightful typing sound and extraordinary smoothness, thanks to its self-lubricating materials, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize an enjoyable auditory experience alongside performance. Its low-pitched and neutral sound profile appeals to those who prefer a quieter typing environment without compromising on tactile feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches are designed with Ly stems that provide a silky smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile, perfect for users who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback during their keystrokes. While both switches share the common trait of linearity, their distinct sound and feel cater to different user preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the KTT Kang White and Bsun Tomcat switches are notably similar, particularly in their top housing components. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of each keypress. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, as it allows light to diffuse beautifully through the switch. The consistent use of polycarbonate in both models ensures that users will experience a level of sound quality and aesthetic appeal, regardless of which switch they choose.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the KTT Kang White and the Bsun Tomcat is constructed from nylon, which offers a starkly different auditory experience. While both switches utilize nylon, they share the common trait of producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound better than polycarbonate. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel of keystrokes in both models tend to be notably dulled and rounded, creating a satisfying typing experience. This similarity in bottom housing material reflects how both switches capitalize on nylon's sound-absorbing qualities to enrich the overall tactile feedback for users.
The distinctions in sound profiles created by the housing materials in the KTT Kang White and Bsun Tomcat are evident but complementary. While both models employ polycarbonate for the top housing to enhance clarity and resonance, nylon in the bottom housing softens and rounds out the sound. This design strategy leads to a cohesive acoustic experience, where the top housing contributes to the initial sound upon release, and the bottom housing influences the sound and feel during the bottom-out. Users can expect a seamless type feel with pronounced sharpness intertwined with deeper tonal qualities, highlighting the thoughtful engineering behind both switches. Whether one chooses the KTT Kang White or the Bsun Tomcat, the resulting performance will be marked by a well-balanced combination of crisp highs and rich lows.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we see similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they provide a similar effort to trigger a keystroke, making them suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Kang White has a slightly higher measurement at 58 grams compared to the Tomcat's 54 grams, indicating that the Kang White requires a bit more force to fully depress the key. Thus, while their actuation forces are identical, the Kang White offers a heavier feel overall due to its greater bottom out force, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat’s lighter bottom out force could be more comfortable for users favoring a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The KTT Kang White boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat measures at 3.6 mm. This means that the Kang White has a longer travel distance, providing a deeper keystroke that some users may find satisfying for its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it ideal for gamers seeking fast-paced performance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference: if you appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, the Kang White is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a snappier experience, the Tomcat is a better fit.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99, whereas the Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99.
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 KTT Kang White and the Bsun Tomcat switches, the Kang White stands out with its low-pitched and neutral tone. This means it produces a mellower, bass-heavy sound while maintaining a moderate actuation force and sound level that makes it versatile for any environment, whether at home or in an office. In contrast, the specific sound characteristics of the Tomcat switches are not explicitly described, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, it is worth noting that sound can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material, meaning that both switches might offer unique auditory experiences depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Kang White switches are recognized for their luxurious smoothness due to their self-lubricating materials, making for a notably pleasant typing experience. This smoothness minimizes any friction, allowing for effortless keystrokes. The Tomcat switches, with their Ly stems, are also designed to deliver a super smooth typing experience. While both switches prioritize a smooth actuation, the specific tactile feedback or resistance levels associated with each switch remain unspecified, making it difficult to ascertain how they uniquely feel during use.
In conclusion, both the KTT Kang White and Bsun Tomcat switches aim to provide smooth typing experiences, each with its own sound profile and feel attributes. The Kang White offers a low-pitched, neutral sound, while the Tomcat’s auditory qualities remain unclear but might still yield a pleasant experience. Ultimately, both switches will likely satisfy beginners and enthusiasts alike, providing similar results in terms of smoothness and auditory satisfaction, with specific differences that may be subtle and reliant on individual preference and setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Kang White and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a slightly heavier feel with a bottom out force of 58 grams and enjoy a low-pitched, smooth typing experience, the Kang White would be an excellent pick. It's particularly well-suited for those who value a dazzling sound profile and a self-lubricating material that contributes to its unparalleled smoothness—ideal for long typing sessions, whether at work or play. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 54 grams and want an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile, the Bsun Tomcat would be the better choice. Its Ly stems contribute to an overall softer and more nuanced feedback, making it a fantastic option for users who might prioritize a quieter workspace or enjoy the gentle sensation when typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your unique preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring you find a switch that enhances your mechanical keyboard journey.
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