KTT Mint vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches each offer unique advantages that can enhance your typing experience. The KTT Mint is celebrated for its satisfyingly smooth feel and distinctive poppy thockiness, thanks to its long pole stem; this switch provides a light and fleeting typing experience that is both enjoyable and engaging. It is characterized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, and polished, making it a great option for typists who favor a more subtle sound while enjoying a responsive keypress. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) excels in delivering a super smooth typing sensation with its Ly stems, resulting in a resonant sound profile that appeals to those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, the choice might ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
64g
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
When comparing the housing materials used in the KTT Mint and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), it quickly becomes apparent that both models utilize the same type of materials—polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As a comparatively stiffer plastic, polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy custom RGB lighting setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion, maintaining aesthetic continuity across both switches.
While the top housings of the Mint and Tomcat (Heavy) are alike, their bottom housings made of nylon contribute distinctly to their overall auditory experience. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that provides a pleasant typing experience. Since nylon is a softer material compared to polycarbonate, it works to dampen some of the harsher frequencies and echoes that can arise when pressing the keys. Users can expect to feel this comforting, rounded sound when engaged with either switch, as both models utilize nylon for their bottom housings.
In an instance where both switches feature the same materials, the varying properties of each housing will influence the overall typing experience. The sharper and crisper sounds generated by the polycarbonate top will articulate the release of each key, while the nylon bottom significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel. Consequently, while both models may share identical materials, the nuanced interplay between the individual characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon works together to create a distinctive typing experience. This harmony between the housing materials ensures that regardless of which switch you choose, you’ll achieve a satisfying auditory and tactile experience, albeit with slight variations in sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mint linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The KTT Mint features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons due to the reduced physical strain. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 64 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This increased resistance offers a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. In summary, the KTT Mint is the lighter switch, making it more comfortable for extended use, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those who appreciate a heavier tactile push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Mint features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction highlights a key difference between the two switches, with the Mint providing a more substantial feel during key presses, which some users may prefer for its hearty depth. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, caters more to those seeking a quicker response time, making it a potentially better choice for gamers. Therefore, if you prioritize a more immediate actuation and responsiveness, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be the ideal selection. On the other hand, if you enjoy a fuller key press experience, the KTT Mint would be more suitable. Overall, the Mint's travel distance is longer, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is shorter, reflecting different preferences in keyboard feel and performance.
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 (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 comparing the sound profiles of the KTT Mint linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Mint is recognized for its low-pitched and neutral tone. This results in a warm, bass-heavy sound that is pleasant and non-intrusive, making it versatile for various settings, whether at home or in the office. The sound experience is smooth yet not overly loud, catering to a wide range of users. The Tomcat (Heavy) lacks specific sound descriptors in the available information, but it is highlighted for its resonant sound profile, suggesting that it may provide a richer auditory experience as compared to the Mint. The resonance could enhance the overall typing session, though the exact characteristics remain unspecified.
In terms of feel, the Mint switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic ensures a gentle touch that most users will find approachable, while the polished aspect indicates an exceptionally smooth key travel, reducing friction for a more refined typing encounter. This combination caters well to users looking for an uncomplicated and pleasant typing feel. On the other hand, the details for the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) are not provided, leaving some curiosity around its tactile experience. If it shares similar design goals as other heavy linear switches, it might offer a more substantial and robust feel, though without specific descriptors, this remains uncertain.
In conclusion, the KTT Mint linear switch stands out for its pleasant sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for a wide audience. Its low-pitched sound and approachable typing experience are clear advantages for both casual and serious typists. While the Tomcat (Heavy) is noted for its unique resonant sound, the absence of detailed descriptors for its feel and sound characteristics means we can only speculate about how it might compare. If both switches cater to similar preferences in smoothness and quality, typing on either could yield a satisfying result, yet the Mint offers well-documented advantages for those seeking a balanced and refined experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Mint linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth and poppy typing experience, go for the KTT Mint. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams makes it ideal for users who enjoy a swift and responsive feel, particularly beneficial for fast typists or gamers who require rapid key presses. The Mint's low-pitched, mild sound profile ensures that it’s a versatile option suitable for various environments, be it home or work. On the other hand, if you favor a heavier tactile experience with a more resonant sound, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) with a bottom-out force of 64 grams is the switch for you. Its robust feel can enhance your typing experience, providing a sense of stability that many find satisfying, especially for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, if you prioritize customized acoustic feedback and the pleasure of a heavier keypress, lean towards the Tomcat. By understanding your typing style and preferences, you can select the switch that best enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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