Dareu Master vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch to enhance your typing experience, the Dareu Master and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stand out as commendable options, albeit for different reasons. The Dareu Master, recognized for its all-POM linear construction, delivers a medium weight that strikes a balance between feedback and ease of use. Its classic clacky sound signature combined with exceptional smoothness makes it an appealing choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems, which contribute to a super smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile that many enthusiasts find satisfying. While both switches are linear, catering to those who prefer seamless keystrokes without tactile bumps, their contrasting sound signatures and weight characteristics can influence your preference based on typing style and personal taste. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Master and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), it becomes evident that they diverge significantly in both their top and bottom housing compositions. The Dareu Master employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which is known for producing a unique and muted sound profile that leans towards deeper tones. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in materials results in distinct auditory characteristics, with the POM housing offering a more subdued acoustic experience, while the polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, especially when illuminated by RGB lighting due to its translucency.
The bottom housing materials further highlight the contrasting sound profiles of these two switches. The Dareu Master features a POM bottom housing that similarly contributes to its deep and muted sound, reinforcing the characteristics established by its top. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) employs a nylon bottom housing, which is traditionally softer, thus eliciting a fuller and more rounded sound profile. The softer nylon absorbs more sound and impacts the tactile feedback during key presses, while the POM housing maintains a more consistent sound across both top and bottom, leading to a cohesive auditory experience.
Despite the differences in materials, both switches can produce satisfying results depending on user preference. The combination of softer and firmer housing materials in the Tomcat (Heavy) creates a blend of auditory properties, allowing users to enjoy a nuanced sound that captures both the crispness of the polycarbonate top and the depth of the nylon bottom. Conversely, the Dareu Master maintains a more uniform sound quality due to its consistent use of POM, catering to those who favor a deeper, more muted experience. Ultimately, while their materials lead to different sound characteristics, both switches aim to meet users’ desires for unique tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction in their keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Master linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces and bottom out experiences. The Master features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a more substantial 55 grams to trigger a keystroke. This difference makes the Master's actuation feel less strenuous and potentially more comfortable for users who engage in lengthy typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Dareu Master is unknown, which leaves an incomplete picture regarding its overall feel when pressed down fully. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a defined bottom out force of 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and indicating a more demanding keystroke experience when bottoming out. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Dareu Master would be more suitable; however, for those who appreciate a heavier push for a more substantial typing sensation, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) would be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the two exhibit a slight difference. The Master features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) has a longer travel distance, providing users with a more pronounced feedback when pressing down on a key, which some may appreciate for its hearty depth. In contrast, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Dareu Master allows for quicker actuation, catering to users who prefer faster response times, particularly gamers. Ultimately, if you opt for the Master, you will benefit from a more responsive switch, while those who choose the Tomcat will enjoy a fuller tactile experience due to the longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 Dareu Master switch is characterized by its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy tone that adds an engaging auditory feedback to the typing experience. This crisp and percussive quality can enhance the satisfaction of each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more expressive audio response while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is noted to provide a resonant sound profile, which likely indicates a more subdued or fuller sound, contributing to a different auditory experience. However, without specific descriptors for the Tomcat's sound, it remains ambiguous how it directly compares to the Master’s clear clack.
Regarding feel, the Master switch offers a mild typing experience that sits comfortably in the middle ground of switch characteristics, making it approachable for a wide range of users. Its smooth and polished design ensures minimal friction during key travel, enhancing the overall typing comfort and making it suitable for prolonged use. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch features Ly stems touted for their super smooth typing experience, which suggests an emphasis on a gliding sensation as keys are actuated. Yet, without specific descriptions of the Tomcat's overall feel, it is challenging to draw direct comparisons.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Master switch offers a defined clacky sound and a mild, polished feel, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) suggests a resonant auditory profile and an exceptionally smooth typing experience without clear descriptors for its overall sound or feel. Both switches cater to users seeking different aesthetic and tactile qualities; however, if one prefers distinct acoustic feedback, the Master would be a favorable choice, while the Tomcat may appeal to those who prioritize smoothness in physical interaction over sound. Ultimately, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, albeit with their unique characteristics that may better suit different personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a smooth, polished typing experience combined with a clacky sound signature, the Dareu Master is an excellent choice for you. Its mild actuation force and classic sound make it suitable for both casual and long-duration typing, without being overly aggressive or harsh on your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier resistance with a super smooth operation and don't mind the extra force required for actuation, the Tomcat (Heavy) will likely serve you well. Its resonant sound profile and medium-heavy actuation may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feedback in their keystrokes, enhancing the tactile experience. In closing, consider how you plan to use your keyboard: for light, fast-paced typing or for a deeper, more deliberate keystroke experience. Your choice should reflect not just your tactile preference but also your typing style, ensuring a satisfying keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
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