KTT Laurel vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Laurel and the Bsun Tomcat present two appealing options tailored for different preferences, even though both are linear switches. The KTT Laurel is celebrated for its medium-light feel, combining comfort and responsiveness thanks to its full POM housing, short travel distance, and long pole design. This switch strikes a pleasing balance, offering a low-pitched yet snappy sound profile that can enhance typing experiences. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat features Ly stems that are designed to deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile that may appeal to users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. While each switch has its unique characteristics—Laurel emphasizing comfort and responsiveness, and Tomcat focusing on smoothness and resonance—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Laurel Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Laurel and the Bsun Tomcat switches present distinct contrasts, particularly in their choice of plastics for both the top and bottom housings. The KTT Laurel employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) material for its top and bottom housings, which yields a sound profile that is characterized as deeper and more muted. This muted tone provides an appealing auditory experience for users who prefer a less sharp and more rounded sound when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat is outfitted with a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate introduces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates more clearly, largely due to its stiffer nature, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, characterizing the auditory feedback of the switch.

A key difference in the sound profiles of these switches can be attributed to their overlapping yet distinct material characteristics. The POM used in the Laurel contributes not only to the sound but also to a tactile feel that many users find pleasant and comfortable. The more muted sound produced by the POM for both the top and bottom helps maintain a consistent auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat’s polycarbonate top housing's resonance generates a crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing serves to dampen the impact sounds during bottoming out. This fluctuation between the sharpness of the top and the depth of the bottom in the Tomcat creates a unique duality that is not present in the homogeneous POM construction of the Laurel.

When evaluating the overall performance and experience of both switches, it is essential to recognize how the materials impact the tactile feedback and sound production. In the Laurel, the uniformity of POM contributes to a consistently pleasing yet muted sound, which users may find favorable for quieter environments. Conversely, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Tomcat allows for a more pronounced sound differentiation, with users experiencing the pop of the polycarbonate upon release and the softer thud from the nylon at the key's bottom-out. Ultimately, while both the KTT Laurel and Bsun Tomcat offer satisfying typing experiences, the varied materials result in different sound dynamics and tactile feedback that cater to different preferences among users.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Laurel boasts an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience ideal for prolonged use. In contrast, the Tomcat has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. While both switches have relatively close actuation forces, the Tomcat provides a slightly firmer feel, catering to users who might appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the KTT Laurel is the lighter switch, suited for extended typing sessions, while the Bsun Tomcat, being heavier, could be preferable for those seeking a more robust tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Laurel measures 3.5 mm while the Tomcat has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Tomcat offers a slightly longer actuation distance compared to the Laurel. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Laurel may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker key presses that can benefit gamers seeking rapid response times. However, some users who favor a more substantial feel during key presses might prefer the Tomcat’s longer travel distance. Ultimately, while both switches fall within the modern trend of shorter travel distances, the Tomcat's additional millimeter provides a deeper actuation that may cater better to users who appreciate a more traditional typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound qualities of the KTT Laurel and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, the Laurel is known for a subtly low-pitched sound profile, giving it a mellow and bass-heavy tone that can be pleasing to the ear. This low-pitched characteristic tends to make it suitable for quieter environments, especially when coupled with the right board and keycaps, as sound can significantly vary based on these factors. On the other hand, the Tomcat switches feature a resonant sound profile. While the details about what exactly makes the Tomcat's sound profile resonant are unclear, this suggests that it may have a more pronounced character compared to the Laurel, potentially resulting in a sharper audio experience during typing. Overall, if sound matters significantly to your typing experience, both switches bring their unique charm, but the Laurel will generally be quieter and more subdued.

In terms of feel, the KTT Laurel switch delivers a snappy typing experience, characterized by its responsiveness. This is often attributed to the switch's longer or dual-staged springs, which contribute to an engaging and lively sensation. This can lead to improved typing speed and accuracy, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile experience while typing. The Tomcat switch, while it is highlighted for its super smooth performance due to the Ly stems, lacks specific descriptors regarding its feel. This leaves an element of uncertainty regarding how it stacks up to the snappiness of the Laurel, but the emphasis on smoothness indicates that it may provide a different kind of pleasure during use, focusing less on a tactile feedback and more on fluid motion.

In conclusion, when comparing the KTT Laurel and Bsun Tomcat linear switches, both offer distinct audio and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Laurel is sure to satisfy those who appreciate a snappy and low-pitched switch, offering a comfortable and responsive feel. In contrast, the Tomcat's resonant sound and emphasis on smoothness promise an entirely different flavor, making it a desirable option for those looking for a fluid typing experience. Depending on your priorities in typing feel and sound, both switches are likely to provide satisfying results, albeit in their unique ways.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the KTT Laurel and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter actuation force and appreciate a snappy, responsive feel, the KTT Laurel is an excellent option, especially for tasks that require quick repetitive strokes or for gaming purposes where speed is paramount. Its low-pitched sound profile also adds a subtle ambiance, ideal for shared spaces or quieter environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation and value a smooth typing experience with a more resonant sound, the Bsun Tomcat could be the way to go. The Tomcat's Ly stems provide a distinct pleasure in tactile feedback, making it a suitable choice for longer typing sessions or when you desire a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, consider these factors along with your personal preferences to find the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Laurel Linear

$4.42

$3.95 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more