KTT Lightning vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Lightning and the Bsun Tomcat both stand out as exceptional options, especially for those who favor linear switches. The KTT Lightning is well-regarded for its speed, making it an ideal choice for competitive gamers where every millisecond matters. With a slick typing feel and a distinct clacky sound profile, it offers a unique auditory experience that many users appreciate. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat switches shine with their Ly stems, which promote an ultra-smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and fluidity in their keystrokes. While the Lightning caters to gamers and those seeking quick response times, the Tomcat is perfect for typists who value a satisfying, seamless feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The KTT Lightning and the Bsun Tomcat share a significant similarity in their top housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the user's typing experience. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. Both switches benefit aesthetically and acoustically from this material, ensuring that the visual impact of RGB lighting is complimented by an articulate audio feedback during use. As a result, users of both models will enjoy a similar auditory experience when utilizing the top-housed polycarbonate switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, lending a distinct quality to their overall sound profile. Nylon is renowned for its softer texture compared to harder plastics, which absorbs more sound and creates a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This material's properties allow for a more subdued and rounded sound when typing, producing a tactile satisfaction that contrasts with the sharper tones of the polycarbonate top. Despite the differing acoustic characteristics between the top and bottom housings, the use of nylon in the Bsun Tomcat and KTT Lightning aligns their sound quality, ensuring that they achieve a complementary synergy when combined.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the KTT Lightning and the Bsun Tomcat results in a well-rounded, well-defined typing experience. While the polycarbonate enhances the clarity of acoustics upon key release, the nylon deepens the impact felt when bottoming out. This interplay between the materials allows both switches to deliver a balanced auditory feedback; therefore, while they feature distinct sound profiles in their top and bottom housings, users can expect an overall cohesive and satisfying performance from either switch.
Weight
The KTT Lightning linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch present a notable comparison in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lightning switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, both indicating a lighter feel, which can be beneficial for those who prioritize long typing sessions or extended gaming due to reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, placing it within a medium-light category. This means that while both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, the Tomcat provides a bit more resistance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, individuals seeking a lighter option would gravitate towards the KTT Lightning, while those who enjoy a stronger push might find the Bsun Tomcat to be more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a notable difference. The KTT Lightning features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat has a greater travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Lightning provides a shallower, more responsive experience, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses for faster response times. In contrast, the Tomcat's longer travel distance may cater to users who prefer a more pronounced and deliberate feel when typing, avoiding the abruptness that comes with shorter distances. Therefore, if you're seeking a snappier and more efficient typing experience, the KTT Lightning would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Bsun Tomcat offers a deeper experience for those who appreciate more tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41, 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
In terms of sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch boasts a clacky sound profile characterized by its crisp, bright, and percussive tones. This high-pitched sound can add an element of playfulness to your typing experience, making it stand out in an office or gaming environment. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is noted for having a resonant sound profile, but the specifics of that sound are not extensively detailed. Given that sound is also influenced by the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used, users of both switches may find a shared characteristic in their sound depending on their overall setup, with the Lightning likely projecting more clarity.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Lightning switch provides a subtly resistive experience that ensures a light typing feel, making each keystroke less laborious. Additionally, the polished finish of the Lightning switch enhances its smoothness, leading to reduced friction and a sleek typing sensation. Unfortunately, no specific qualities of the Bsun Tomcat's feel have been mentioned, leaving a gap in how it would compare. However, given the context that the Tomcat features Ly stems aimed at delivering a super smooth typing experience, it’s reasonable to suggest that it may also provide a fluid feel, although the exact nuances are currently unknown.
In summary, the KTT Lightning linear switch is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound, combined with a subtle yet polished typing feel, making it a fast and satisfying choice for both typing and gaming. The Bsun Tomcat linear switch, while recognized for its resonant sound and smoothness, lacks detailed comparisons for sound and feel, leading to uncertainty about how it exactly contrasts with the Lightning. Both switches offer unique qualities, but the Lightning's distinct sound and refined typing experience make it a more defined option for those seeking specific auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch should ultimately depend on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you're a gamer or someone who values speed above all else, the KTT Lightning's lower bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it an excellent option for rapid key presses where every millisecond counts. Its clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory feedback that many find appealing, especially in fast-paced gaming contexts. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation and a smoother, more resonant typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat with its 54 grams bottom-out force might be the way to go. The smooth Ly stems of the Tomcat offer a refined feeling that is perfect for extended typing sessions or for those who enjoy a more substantial key press without the sharpness of the Lightning switches. Thus, if you're seeking a balance between tactile feedback, sound, and typing comfort, the Tomcat may suit you better. In summary, aligning your choice with your primary activities—quick, competitive gaming for the Lightning versus a smoother, more polished typing experience with the Tomcat—will help you make the right decision for your mechanical keyboard.
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