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KTT Mint vs. Bsun Tomcat

An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mint and Bsun Tomcat are two compelling options for those who prefer a linear feel. The KTT Mint is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience, characterized by a long pole stem that produces a distinctive poppy thockiness with every keystroke. Its low-pitched and polished characteristics lend a neutral yet mild feedback that many typists find appealing for both gaming and writing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch is designed to deliver a super smooth experience, thanks to its Ly stems, combined with a resonant sound profile that enriches the overall typing experience. While both switches offer a delightful linear feel, their auditory and tactile responses cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer the unique thockiness of the KTT Mint or the smooth resonance of the Bsun Tomcat. 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

45g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

54g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.95 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

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

15mm spring

Spring

Extended spring

Housing materials

The KTT Mint and Bsun Tomcat switches share similar materials in their construction, leading to comparable sound profiles and visual aesthetics. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a sound profile that emphasizes clarity and brightness. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective utilization of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the switches. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory experience with both switches due to the identical material used for the top housing.

Conversing about the bottoms of the KTT Mint and Bsun Tomcat switches, both employ nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a contrasting sound profile to the switches. Nylon is characterized as a classic switch housing material that absorbs sound more than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience. The softer nature of nylon allows it to create a more rounded and muted sound, which balances out the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate tops. This pairing of a crisp top housing with a deeper bottom housing suggests that both switches offer a well-rounded auditory experience, where the nylon bottom supports a more substantial feel and sound during typing.

Ultimately, while the KTT Mint and Bsun Tomcat switches utilize different materials for their bottom housing, their shared polycarbonate top housing ensures that users will have an engaging and visually striking experience with RGB lighting. The interaction of the two materials—polycarbonate for brightness and nylon for depth—creates a harmonious blend of sounds that cater to diverse preferences. Therefore, regardless of the differences in bottom housing materials, the combination results in a distinguished typing experience characterized by both clarity and richness, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying auditory and tactile engagement with either switch.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Mint linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both share similar actuation forces of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience that facilitates extended use during work or gaming. Their bottom out forces are slightly different, with the Mint at 53 grams and the Tomcat at 54 grams, indicating that the Tomcat requires a marginally heavier push when fully pressed down. This small difference could cater to users who seek a slightly more intentional feel in their keystrokes. Overall, both switches offer a medium-light experience, but the Tomcat's slightly heavier bottom out force provides a bit more resistance, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer typing tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that the Mint has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Mint the longer of the two switches, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke for a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to users who favor quicker response times, such as gamers who appreciate the shorter distance for its potential to enhance performance. Consequently, if you prioritize a more immediate feedback and responsiveness, the Tomcat would be the optimal choice; however, if you prefer a fuller keystroke, the Mint's longer travel distance could better suit your needs.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

For 10 switches, the KTT Mint comes in at $2.91, 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

The sound profile of the KTT Mint linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, bass-heavy resonance that can contribute to a more mellow typing experience. Its neutral sound makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting, providing an unobtrusive auditory feedback that accommodates both casual typing and more intensive use. Comparatively, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, though specific descriptors are not provided. This suggests that while it may also have a unique auditory character, it lacks the detailed sound specifics, making it difficult to directly compare with the Mint. However, both switches can deliver a satisfying auditory experience depending on the board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Mint is known for its mild and polished characteristics, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. The smoothness of the Mint’s long pole stem enhances the overall tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who prefer a refined, less fatiguing typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Bsun Tomcat switch lacks detailed descriptions. Given the Mint's attributes, if the Tomcat offers a contrasting feel, it may cater to a different typing style, while still likely providing a smooth experience.

In conclusion, the KTT Mint linear switch presents clear advantages in both sound and feel with its low-pitched, neutral auditory qualities and a polished typing experience characterized by mildness. The Bsun Tomcat switch may offer its unique sound and feel but lacks detailed descriptors for direct comparisons. Ultimately, both switches are likely to provide smooth operation, but the Mint has a specific profile that may make it a more appealing choice for newcomers looking for a reliable and satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Mint and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches primarily depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a smoother typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, the KTT Mint switch may be the better choice for you. Its 53-gram actuation force provides just the right balance for light and effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for those who appreciate a gentler touch while still wanting a bit of a pop during each keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-smooth experience with a robust tonal resonance, the Bsun Tomcat switch is likely more suited to your typing style. Although it has a slightly higher bottom-out force at 54 grams, it excels in providing a seamless action that may appeal to avid typists and gamers alike. Ultimately, consider what characteristics you prioritize in a switch: the Mints for a lighter, mildly engaging experience versus the Tomcats for a polished, rich typing feel.

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