KTT Lightning vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between options can significantly enhance your typing and gaming experience. The KTT Lightning and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are both linear switches, yet they cater to different preferences and styles. The KTT Lightning is designed for speed and agility, making it an excellent choice for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. Its clacky sound profile and a polished feel provide a satisfying typing experience that appeals to users who enjoy both tactile feedback and auditory stimulation. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) focuses on delivering a super smooth typing experience, thanks to its Ly stems, making it ideal for those who prioritize a quieter and more resonance-driven keystroke. While both switches offer unique benefits—speed for the Lightning and smoothness for the Tomcat—they ultimately serve different purposes depending on your needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
64g
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
When exploring the housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), it is essential to highlight the similarities in their top housings. Both models feature a polycarbonate material, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate’s stiffer composition, which enhances resonance and clarity in sound production. The aesthetic appeal of polycarbonate is also notable; its translucency makes it an ideal choice for those interested in RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant and consistent illumination through the switch. Therefore, both switches not only achieve a similar auditory experience but also present a visually appealing design that complements a variety of keyboard setups.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches utilize nylon, another shared characteristic that influences sound quality. Nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than hard plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a more muted and rounded auditory experience during key presses. Thus, when considering the overall performance of these switches, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms means that users will notice a synergy in sound, with the polycarbonate delivering sharpness when the switch is released, while the nylon enhances the sound when the key is pressed down. This dynamic interplay allows for a rich and textured typing experience.
Ultimately, the uniformity in housing materials across both the KTT Lightning and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) leads to an overall similar performance and feel, appealing to users who appreciate a defined auditory experience. With both switches employing polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, the shared sound qualities reflect a deliberate design choice aimed at achieving a balanced acoustic profile. This enables typists to enjoy a cohesive interaction when engaging with the switches, as the strengths of each material—stiffness of polycarbonate and softness of nylon—coalesce to create a uniquely satisfying experience. In summary, the similar construction of these switches ensures that users will encounter comparable benefits in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal, making either choice a great addition to a keyboard.
Weight
The KTT Lightning linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Lightning switch features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor extended typing sessions with less finger fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel and tactile feedback. This distinction suggests that while the Lightning switch offers a softer touch, the Tomcat provides a firmer push, perfect for users seeking resistance in their typing experience. Ultimately, if users desire a lighter option for comfortable and prolonged use, the KTT Lightning would be the preferred choice, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those who appreciate a stronger keystroke feedback.
Travel distance
The KTT Lightning linear switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offers a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Lightning switch is designed for quicker response times, making it an ideal choice for gamers who benefit from faster key presses. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a more pronounced depth with its longer travel distance, which may cater to users who prefer a substantial feel during key presses. If you value responsiveness, the shorter 3 mm travel of the Lightning switch would likely suit your needs better. However, if you enjoy a deeper, more satisfying keystroke, the 3.6 mm distance of the Tomcat (Heavy) will likely be more appealing. Thus, for those looking for swift reactions, the KTT Lightning is the shorter option, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more generous, albeit longer, travel experience.
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 (Heavy) 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 it comes to sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch stands out with its clacky and high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise that can be quite engaging during typing sessions. This sound is characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive, adding an energetic quality that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, details regarding the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch are not specified, leaving its acoustic characteristics somewhat of a mystery. However, it is essential to remember that a switch's sound can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard plate and keycap material used, which could make both switches produce similar auditory experiences depending on your setup.
In terms of feel, the KTT Lightning is noted for its subtle and polished typing experience. The subtle resistance gives a light typing feel that is not overly featherlike but still enjoyable, making it a suitable option for shared environments. The polished nature of the switch implies a finely finished product with reduced friction, resulting in smooth key travel that enhances typing comfort. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, however, does not provide specific described qualities regarding its feel, leaving it unclear how it compares in terms of smoothness and resistance.
In summary, while the KTT Lightning offers distinct audio and tactile feedback through its clacky sound profile and smooth typing experience, the characteristics of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) remain undefined in certain areas, particularly regarding sound and feel. Users seeking a lively auditory experience may gravitate towards the Lightning, while the Tomcat’s potential remains to be fully explored. Ultimately, choosing between these two may come down to personal preference and the overall keyboard setup one has in mind.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Lightning and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you're a gamer or someone who thrives on speed and quick keystrokes, the KTT Lightning switches with their lighter 50-gram bottom-out force would be an excellent choice. Their clacky and high-pitched sound adds an element of fun while providing a polished feel that enhances typing accuracy and responsiveness—perfect for high-pressure gaming situations where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience that provides feedback with a medium-heavy force of 64 grams, the Tomcat (Heavy) is likely the better option. This switch not only offers a smoother typing experience due to its Ly stems, but also delivers a resonant sound profile that feels satisfying to type on, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and immersive experience while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice will reflect whether you seek speed and agility with the Lightning or a robust, satisfying typing feel with the Tomcat (Heavy).
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